“It was great to see a story where a young trans girl plays a crucial role in saving the day”
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE BY BBC STUDIOS/BAD WOLF/DISNEY
On Saturday (25 November) the highly anticipated 60th anniversary special of Doctor Who aired. It was a wonderful return to the Whoniverse with Russell T Davies returning as showrunner. Whovians were also excited to be reunited with David Tennant as the Doctor and Catherine Tate as his former companion, Donna Noble.
And we LGBTQIA fans were excited to see Heartstopper star Yasmin Finney take on the role of Rose Noble, Donna’s teenage trans daughter. And we were delighted to see national treasure and lesbian icon Miriam Margolyes portray villain Beep the Meep.
This episode conveyed the very real experiences that many trans people face. When Rose is walking home a group of teenage bullies cycle past her and deadname her.
It was hard to see Rose experiencing this anti-trans harassment, but I was pleased to see she has a good support network at home. Her family are very supportive of her identity, especially Donna, who tells her daughter “I would burn down the world for you darling. Anyone has a go, I will be there and I will descend.”
Shortly after this scene, Donna and her mother, Sylvia, have an open discussion about Rose’s identity. It’s a dialogue that is full of love. Sylvia accidentally misgenders Rose, apologises and worries about saying the wrong thing.
Later in the episode, there are more conversations about identity. When the Doctor meets Meep – an alien whom Rose has befriended (not knowing The Meep is actually a villain) – and says he can “help him get home”, Rose points out “You’re assuming ‘he’ as a pronoun?” The Timelord simply replies: “True. Yes. Sorry, good point.” He then asks the Meep: “Are you he or she or they?” The Meep responds: “My chosen pronoun is the definite article. I am always The Meep.” “Oh, I do that,” the Doctor responds.
While we live in a time where trans people are often villainised in mainstream media, it was great to see a story where a young trans girl plays a crucial role in saving the day. Donna contains part of the Doctor’s identity (known as the DoctorDonna), and Rose being her daughter, also contains memories of the Timelord and is able to save her mother.
The Doctor had said that he needed to say a series of words, ending in a repeated “binary” to bring Donna’s memory back. As a clip of Donna saying “binary”, Rose can be heard saying “non-binary”.
What are fans saying about the trans storylines in the episode?
Very moved by Doctor Who tonight 🏳️⚧️. After doing a talk at Cambridge Uni earlier this week, and watching shows like Strictly and The Voice, you realise trans hate is definitely age related. Conservative, straight-laced, frumps. Wish I’d been just one generation earlier🌟 #DrWho
— India Willoughby (@IndiaWilloughby) November 25, 2023
Honestly I don’t care if some of the lines were a bit cheesy, the best DW episodes are. Great to see Donna and 10 back again. Plus such a huge mainstream show having a trans storyline be so central to a 15 year plot line is beautiful #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/xnwkdszOAh
— supercalumfragilistic (@calumbyyourname) November 26, 2023
I absolutely love how supportive of a mother Donna was to Rose. I’m so glad a story like this was shown to millions of viewers #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/iw82K2Yabi
— Safe Space Who (@SafeSpaceDrWho) November 26, 2023
Mans truly said “it’s my show and I do what I want” #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/L5zTy7Cfaj
— b✨ (@bchxrlotte) November 25, 2023
Doctor Who having a trans storyline be the centrepiece of their 60th anniversary celebrations?
— Matt (@mdurrant93) November 25, 2023
TURN THAT SHIT UP.#DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/wsbrnXc6SS
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