RTÉ’s television programme Prime Time chose last night to air an episode discussing trans issues which included transphobic commentary from Graham Linehan, amongst others.

This was despite a petition which garnered over 5,000 signatures, calls from community members and organisations and a protest outside their studios concerned with the national broadcaster giving such a large platform to hate speech.

In the wake of the Prime Time episode, community leaders and organisations have expressed their disappointment at the decision and the framing of the episode as a whole.

We are at the demonstrations outside @rte against #GrahamLinehan’s appearance on #PrimeTime. pic.twitter.com/ZOLrqSDx5C

— Gay Community News (@GCNmag) January 22, 2019

Sara R Phillips, the Chair of TENI, who appeared in prerecorded sections of the episode, shared her disappointment with GCN – “Last night’s RTÉ Prime Time programme was a lost opportunity to present a positive view of trans people in Ireland. In fact many of the negative opinions expressed, by mostly UK based commentators, were let go unchecked.

Despite having been framed as a positive documentary on self identification for young people, the piece was an extension of the toxic debate currently being had in the UK. The trans community in Ireland has been supported by the wider community. The 2015 Gender Recognition Act was a positive and respectful debate. Politicians and the media were willing to be educated and understand the trans community’s needs .

https://youtu.be/M9G4hb3-cXw

Transgender Equality Network Ireland has been at the forefront of this work over the last 14 years. This type of documentary does not serve to advance any of our rights nor serve to improve society’s understanding of needs. Trans kids especially deserve better.”

The inclusion of contributors such as Graham Linehan is, in our view, unwarranted and unhelpful. Mr Linehan has no recognised background or connection to trans issues and has been an aggressive critic of trans rights in the context of the UK debate on law reform. #PrimeTime

— TENI (@TENI_Tweets) January 22, 2019

Many questioned why Linehan had been featured at all considering the only connection he has to the trans community is saying hateful things online – in fact, he was given a warning by the police in the UK for verbally harassing a trans activist.

Linehan also likened trans activism to nazism and encouraged the National Lottery to block funding to Mermaids – a support charity for trans children. Why should he be given a platform for his views at all? What in particular made his voice so important it simply must be broadcast?

https://twitter.com/sararphillips/status/1087842408098942976

BeLonG To, amongst others, questioned why transgender lives were even a reason for debate?

https://twitter.com/BeLonG_To/status/1087749390146699264

There is also a concern that in introducing these negative views on a national television programme, it may be actually starting a troubling argument that was never being had in this country in the first place.

It's worth noting that @RTE_PrimeTime had to go to the UK to find dissenting voices for this feature. Arguably they are stirring shit that isn't there #primetime

— Declan Meehan (@dec_meehan) January 22, 2019

The issues raised in tonight's #PrimeTime 'Generation Gender' programme deserved a more indepth and nuanced exploration. Many unfounded assertions simply went unchalleged. This serves only to misinform and ultimately misrepresent issues requiring serious and sensitive treatment.

— Stephen O'Hare (@SOHare75) January 22, 2019

What was th point of that #primetime? Becoming & being trans not a ‘debate’. It’s a reality. The legal changes are crucial to equality, dignity & life possibilities of trans young people. Need to just get on with it. #SolidariT #RTEPT @TENI_Tweets @BeLonG_To

— Ailbhe Smyth (@ailbhes) January 22, 2019

Others found it striking that in closing, the presenter encouraged those affected by the issues raised to contact their GP. No mention was given of TENI (Transgender Equality Network Ireland), even though they had featured the Chair in the actual programme, or of any other trans support organisation.

The final insult from @RTE_PrimeTime – if you’ve been affected contact your GP. No mention of the many LGBTQI helplines – no research done in programme at all. They just went for anti-Trans activists & dog-whistled. This was not public service, this was incitement to hatred.

— Dr Robert Bohan (@RobertBohan) January 22, 2019

If you are affected by any of the issues raised, TENI can be contacted here.