The BBC has unveiled the first trailer for What It Feels Like for a Girl, a powerful and provocative new drama based on trans writer and activist Paris Lees’ acclaimed memoir. Set to premiere on BBC Three and iPlayer on June 3, the series follows Byron, a teenager navigating the complexities of identity, family, and self-expression in early 2000s Nottingham.

Ellis Howard stars as Byron, a character whose journey unfolds with raw honesty and emotional depth. Byron is desperate for release and is trying to survive school and a complicated home life. But with that release comes a deeper, more personal journey grappling with what it means to truly belong as well as an encounter that will change Byron’s life forever.

The trailer teases a vivid blend of quick, flashy supercut moments, both tender and defiant. In one clip, Byron is snapped at for walking “like a fairy”. Another standout moment features a character known as Lady Die declaring, “Violent delights have violent ends. Brace yourself for impact,” setting the tone for a drama that promises a punky emotional punch.

The cast features a stellar lineup, including Laura Haddock, Laquarn Lewis, Hannah Jones, Adam Ali, Alex Thomas-Smith, Calam Lynch, Jake Dunn, and Dickie Beau. Each brings a unique voice to this rich, diverse narrative centred around chosen family and self-discovery.

What It Feels Like for a Girl is more than just a coming-of-age story, it’s a celebration of those who live boldly and a compassionate look at the journey of growing into oneself. With its early 2000s backdrop, the series is packed with nostalgia, grit, and the kind of storytelling that doesn’t shy away from the truth.

Paris Lees, a trailblazing writer and trans activist, brings her own lived experience to the story, giving it an authenticity that resonates deeply in today’s cultural climate.

Prepare yourself to laugh, cry, and reflect, as What It Feels Like for a Girl is a series not to miss.