Doctor Who stars on why series leads the way on trans representation: ‘I don’t feel tokenised’
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Since Doctor Who first aired on 23 November 1963, the beloved BBC series has become a refuge for queer and transgender sci-fi fans. Now, 60 years later, two trans actors, Pete MacHale and Mary Malone, are set to join the Doctor Who universe and continue its tradition of inclusivity and representation.
As the 15th Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, takes the helm in the upcoming Christmas special titled “The Church on Ruby Road,” trans Whovians will finally see themselves represented on screen. For a long time, Doctor Who has been a queer show, introducing viewers to a gender-fluid Time Lord and a diverse array of non-conforming alien lifeforms.
The recent 60th anniversary specials saw the return of showrunner Russell T Davies, who is known for his commitment to giving a voice to the queer community on TV. The specials featured guest appearances from Yasmin Finney and Neil Patrick Harris, both of whom delivered memorable performances and moments of trans joy. And Gatwa’s first full season, airing in 2024, promises cameos from drag superstar Jinkx Monsoon and actor Jonathan Groff.
For Pete MacHale and Mary Malone, their involvement in Doctor Who is a chance to not only showcase their talent but also to inspire other TV shows to improve their depictions of trans people. Malone expresses gratitude for Russell’s efforts to make space for the queer community on TV and hopes that more people can follow his example. Both actors are excited about the increased queer and trans representation in Doctor Who and the opportunity to see trans women thriving in the series.
MacHale, a lifelong Doctor Who fan, recalls coming out as trans when he was 13 and finding comfort in the unabashed queerness of the show’s spin-off series, Torchwood. He believes that seeing such representation on screen helped him feel more comfortable with his own identity. Malone, on the other hand, grew up with Doctor Who as part of her childhood and was drawn back to the show by the recent hype surrounding its anniversary specials. She is excited to see more queer and trans representation in the series and praises the casting of Finney as a superstar.
While MacHale and Malone are excited about the visibility and support they are receiving from Doctor Who, they also acknowledge the hate and negativity that comes with being trans in the public eye. They have faced online hate and negative comments since their casting was announced, highlighting the ongoing challenges that trans people face in society. However, they find solace in Russell’s bold statement of support and the love and support they feel from the Doctor Who community.
Both actors also emphasize the need for more trans-inclusive representation behind the camera. They want to see trans people involved in telling their own stories and shaping their own narratives. Malone expresses frustration at feeling tokenized and objectified as an actor outside of Doctor Who. She hopes that the series’ representation will show the industry that trans people are more than just their trans identity and deserve to be seen as fully realized individuals.
Ultimately, MacHale and Malone hope that their appearances in Doctor Who will provide affirmation and celebration for queer and trans viewers, especially during the often challenging holiday season. They want queer and trans people to turn on their TVs and see themselves represented and celebrated. MacHale encourages viewers not to limit themselves to specific identities but to find happiness in whatever brings them joy.
As Doctor Who continues to lead the way in trans representation, it serves as a reminder that trans people are here, they are talented, and they deserve to be seen. The upcoming episodes featuring MacHale and Malone mark another milestone in the series’ commitment to inclusivity, and hopefully, other TV shows will take note and follow suit. In the vast universe of Doctor Who, everyone can find a place to belong and be celebrated for who they are.
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“Trans representation in Doctor Who”
