ABC series demonstrates critical importance of supporting transgender adolescents

Abstract

First Day, a four-episode ABC television series written and directed by Julie Kalceff, stars Evie MacDonald as a 12-year-old transgender girl named Hannah as she starts high school as her true self. We recommend the series as it portrays transgender adolescents in a positive light and could give others hope. Indeed, in recent years, there has been an increase in media recognition of the unique needs and experiences of transgender children and adolescents. With increased awareness has come greater acceptance; however, the irreversible effects of cross-sex hormone treatments, particularly, raises controversy on whether adolescents should be allowed to receive gender-affirming treatment.1–3 This controversy is a focus of the media and, combined with the omnipresent stigma surrounding transgender adolescents, has a harmful impact on the mental health of the young transgender population and their families.