Hollyoaks gender identity storyline for 12-year-old character
Hollyoaks should be "ashamed" of a controversial trans storyline for a 12-year-old character, a Tory MP has said.
Nick Fletcher warned children are being influenced by adults which is leading to an explosion in referrals to gender clinics.
He called for communications watchdog Ofcom to investigate the plot by the Channel 4 soap.
The Don Valley MP said: "In 1994 the London Gender Clinic for Children saw 12 children. 30 years on it has been seeing thousands. We ask why? This is why.
"Adults, all kinds of organisations, are planting in children's minds, an idea with no basis in science or evidence, which if pursued will in all likelihood put these children on a pathway to irreversible harm and a lifetime of medical complications, risk, and pain.
"The Hollyoaks team should be ashamed and Ofcom should investigate."
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The storyline sees 12-year-old Rose Lomax, played by Ava Webster, question her gender identity.
In an episode earlier this week, she opened up to trans character Kitty Draper, played by Iz Hesketh.
An emotional Rose said: “I don’t know what the first step is. I’m a boy but my body’s all wrong. How am I supposed to tell my parents that?”
Kitty replied: "I'll help you in whatever way I can. But you need to know that your life is in your hands.
"So, stop bunking off school. Then, and only then, you can start thinking about how and when you can tell your mum.
"You can’t move on with your life until you’ve told the people you love who you truly are. That is if you're sure?"
Rose insisted that she is "so sure".
Kitty added: “Well then once you’ve taken the first step, you can start actually being who you truly are. It’s the best feeling in the world."
Hollyoaks posted the clip on social media platform X and said it was "an important conversation to have".
The storyline has also come under fire from gender critical campaigners.
Helen Joyce, of Sex Matters, said: “This awful scene should have been scrapped in the writers' room as soon as the idea was raised."
Meanwhile, Stephanie Davies-Arai of Transgender Trend, added that it was a "warning video for parents".
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A Channel 4 spokesperson said: “This is an important and timely storyline that will be of interest to many of our viewers and we are committed to telling it sensitively and responsibly.
"Hollyoaks has a well-established reputation for telling authentic and emotional stories involving complicated family relationships, and for tackling difficult and sensitive issues.
"In dealing with such issues the show consults with relevant experts and carries out thorough research, as is the case with Rose’s story, which will be evident to audiences as they watch the full story play out.”
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