Trans Media Watch - Guidance for Trans and Intersex People

Positive media coverage of issues and people can be very valuable in helping to increase understanding of the challenges trans and intersex people face in a world which continues to struggle to understand. It can also do much to help others appreciate that the lives we lead can be positive and successful - and that trans and intersex people are simply ordinary people facing unusual circumstances; people who seek what others seek - happiness in our lives. There is no doubt that some of those involved in the media are committed to trying to present our stories fairly and sympathetically, and that the quantity of more accurate or positive coverage is slowly growing.

Sadly, though, the interests of the media are often not focused on portraying trans or intersex people in a supportive or accurate way. All too often we can be used as an easy way to create a cheap, eye catching headline - something that simply encourages others to snigger and serves only to cement prejudice.

So what should you do if the media takes an interest in you?

Our rule of thumb is safety first:

even if you are offered money.
even if this seems to be the chance to put your ‘side of the story’.
even if you are told they will publish anyway.
even if you have always wanted your "15 minutes of fame" or feel that now is the time you are ready to share all with the World...

... always treat any approach from a member of the media with caution.

If it goes wrong, you may be dealing with the personal consequences long after the money you earn is spent, and the article in which you appeared is forgotten. Remember that, in this web enabled era, everything that is written about you and anything you appear in will be available forever and you will have no control over who can see it.

Years later, you may feel very differently about that interview you gave. You may have allowed pictures to appear or revealed personal details about your life that have now become public property - globally accessible to anyone after ten seconds spent on a search engine. Are you sure you are ready for that?

Here’s a list of things to think about if the media has arrived in your life. They cover a range of scenarios - some are more relevant to press or magazine journalism, others may arise if television or radio broadcasters are interested in you. Many points relate to both.

Never forget - it’s all about ‘the story’ >.
Understand their angle >.
Picture how it's going to turn out >.
Be clear on the money >.
Be clear on the content >.
Be clear on the support and protection > you need.
See the final results >.
Understand that it's not just about you >.
Going live? Be prepared >.
Deal with harassment >.

If you’d like to talk over a potential media project, or would like further advice, do feel free to get in touch with us at transmediawatch@googlemail.com

Although these points paint a picture of the dangers of involvement with the media, we don't want to create the impression that trans people should never become involved with it.

Our guidance here is to help you make an informed choice, particularly at times of stress

In many ways our progress in society will be strongly assisted by more supportive handling of our stories in the press and on TV. This can't happen without our participation, and we at Trans Media Watch believe strongly in the maxim ‘Nothing about us without us’. One of our central aims is to reach out to the media to encourage them to get it right - and to support and encourage writers and others who do so.

If you have been approached by the media and would like further help or advice, please do get in touch with us at transmediawatch@googlemail.com. We will do our best to respond quickly in urgent cases.

Other trans support and advocacy organisations also have experience of dealing with the media and it may make sense, if you are approached, to turn to them for advice too. They may also be able to volunteer an individual better suited to deal with the media's query than you, or to find one.