Married At First Sight UK’s Ella says many men see trans women as a ‘fetish’
Sign up for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
Ella Clark, the first transgender contestant on E4’s popular reality series Married at First Sight UK, has opened up about the difficulties she faces when it comes to dating as a trans woman. The 29-year-old clinic consultant from Weston-super-Mare, in the southwest of England, spoke to OK! magazine ahead of the show’s launch about her experiences and the challenges she has encountered.
Ella revealed that dating as a trans woman has been tough, with many men seeing her as a fetish or not wanting to be public about their relationship. She explained, “Being trans, I found men didn’t want to be with me openly – a lot of guys see us as a fetish, so I never believed I would get married.”
Growing up, Ella’s dream was to be a princess, wife, and mother. However, she never thought it would be possible for her to transition and live as her authentic self while finding love. But after receiving gender-affirming care and undergoing surgeries, Ella realized that her dream of getting married was indeed within reach. She said, “After transitioning and having all my surgeries, I just thought, ‘I do want to get married,’ and I owed it to six-year-old me to fulfill my dream.”
Ella is not the first trans person in the public eye to speak out about the challenges of dating. Earlier this year, Yasmin Finney, who will appear in Russell T Davies’ upcoming Doctor Who series, shared her own experiences with Elle magazine. Yasmin revealed that many guys she goes out with feel intimidated by her and that she often struggles to find people her own age to date. Despite the difficulties, she emphasized the importance of self-validation and being independent rather than relying on others for validation.
For Ella, finding love is a top priority. She sees her participation in Married at First Sight UK as more than just a chance to get married; it’s an opportunity to showcase her journey as a transgender woman. She explained, “This experiment is so much more than just me getting married. I see this as a big deal for someone who has transitioned.”
Ella will join seven other brides and eight grooms on the show, all of whom will marry complete strangers in the hopes of finding lasting love. The series, which airs on E4, promises plenty of drama and emotional moments as couples navigate the challenges of marriage with someone they have never met before.
Married at First Sight UK has been a hit with viewers, offering a unique and sometimes controversial approach to finding love. The show has previously featured participants from various backgrounds and identities, but Ella’s inclusion as the first transgender contestant marks a significant step towards greater representation and inclusivity on reality television.
As Ella embarks on this unconventional journey to find love, her story sheds light on the challenges faced by trans individuals in the dating world. Her courage and determination to fulfill her dreams serve as an inspiration to others who may be facing similar struggles. By sharing her experiences, Ella hopes to break down stereotypes and prejudices, ultimately fostering acceptance and understanding for the transgender community.
Married at First Sight UK featuring Ella Clark and the other contestants will premiere on Monday, September 18th on E4. Viewers can expect a season filled with love, drama, and perhaps a few surprises as these brave individuals take a leap of faith in their search for true happiness.
Follow us on: Facebook for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
transgender women
