Daniel Radcliffe is moderating a discussion with transgender and nonbinary youth as part of The Trevor Project’s new video series.
Daniel Radcliffe is an active ally and advocate for transgender lives. In 2020, the Harry Potter actor issued a statement responding to series author J.K. Rowling’s transphobic tweets. In the blog post for The Trevor Project, Radcliffe acknowledged the opportunities given to him because of Rowling and the HP franchise, but said he does not agree with her trans beliefs.
Related | Showtime Cancels ‘The L Word: Generation Q’ But Here’s the Catch
“Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I.
“According to The Trevor Project, 78 percent of transgender and non-binary youth reported being the subject of discrimination due to their gender identity. It’s clear that we need to do more to support transgender and non-binary people, not invalidate their identities, and not cause further harm.”
Daniel Radcliffe Moderates Trans Youth Discussion
Radcliffe has been working alongside The Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving LGBTQIA+ youth, for over a decade. His newest collaboration will see the actor sitting down with trans and nonbinary youth for a moderated discussion.
The upcoming video series, Sharing Space, gives the microphone directly to LGBTQIA+ youth to speak on their own experiences. Radcliffe’s episode premieres on March 31.
“We listen to so many people talk about trans youth and hear them talked about so often in the news, but very rarely do we actually hear from these youth directly,” Radcliffe said in a statement. “It was an absolute privilege to get to meet and listen to this incredible group of young people. At the end of the day, if you’re going to talk about trans kids, it might be useful to actually listen to trans kids.”
A short trailer for the episode gives a glimpse into some of the conversations Radcliffe will moderate.
“There are some people in the world who are not trying to engage with this conversation in any good faith. I think it’s because a lot of people don’t know a young trans person, so there’s just this theoretical idea in their head,” Radcliffe said in the clip.
“Even if you may think you don’t know someone who’s queer, trans, or you really don’t like at some point you will,” said one of the teens.
Where to Watch Sharing Space
The Trevor Project’s Sharing Space will invite a new adult ally to moderate each episode with a new theme. The first episode will premiere on YouTube on March 31, which is also Transgender Day of Visibility.
“Our goal in developing this kind of content is to turn the microphone toward LGBTQ young people themselves and let them speak directly about their lives, which they know best,” The Trevor Project’s Megan Stowe said in a statement.
“LGBTQ young people, particularly transgender and nonbinary youth, are routinely forced to stand by and watch adults debate their very existence and life experiences. Our society has created boxes that young people are expected to fit into, when we should be giving them the space and autonomy to figure out who they are on their own. That’s why it’s so important that we continue to amplify young LGBTQ voices that are so often silenced, and work towards creating a safer, more accepting world where they can thrive just as they are.”
More Stories:
Kit Connor Takes Home Award, Dishes on ‘Heartstopper’ Popularity
See the First Trailer for Netflix’s Queer-Inclusive ‘Queen Charlotte’ Series
Stephanie Hsu’s New Comedy ‘Joy Ride’ Has Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score
