Welcome to Trans Media Watch

This website is aimed principally at two groups of people.

First, if you are a journalist, writer, director or involved in the media in any other way, this site is for you.

Here you'll find guidance on an area which is often misunderstood - how to portray transgender issues and people. Ways which will allow you to present your story clearly and fairly. Ways which will respect the feelings of the trans person on whom you are focussing, and not expose that person to unnecessary or unfair ridicule - nor encourage prejudice, bigotry or potentially even violence from others (which may affect not just the subject of your piece but, potentially, other trans people, who have to live with the results of what you say, write or show).

Second, if you are a trans person and the media is taking an interest in you, this site is for you.

Here you'll find guidance and advice about what to expect, how to respond to enquiries and how to protect your interests, and your dignity, throughout.

Our vision at Trans Media Watch is a Britain in which the portrayal of trans people and their lives in the media is fair, respectful and accurate. We want to see an end to the prejudice, bigotry and hate routinely directed at trans people and we want the media to play its role - no longer fuelling these things. We are more than happy to work with any representative of any media organisation to help them do a good job.

Latest News

On 8 February 2012, Helen Belcher (Trans Media Watch's Treasurer) gave evidence in person to the Leveson Inquiry into the culture, standards and ethics of the press, Click here to go to the page on the Inquiry's website to see her give evidence. She starts about 54 minutes into the video, and the transcript can also be viewed from this page.

Trans Media Watch is delighted to have been invited to attend the Cultural Diversity Network Awards on 6 December 2011, and is grateful to GIRES for its kind donation towards travel expenses.

Trans Media Watch is now formally registered as a charity with the Charity Commission in England.