Big Brother UK contestants spark vital conversation on transphobia

Big Brother UK housemates have engaged in a candid conversation about transphobia, shedding light on the complex ways it affects both transgender and cisgender individuals.

The discussion was led by Feyisola, a 33-year-old cisgender financial investigator, who shared her experiences of being misgendered and verbally abused due to her bald appearance. Speaking to fellow housemates Zelah, a 25-year-old trans personal trainer, and Cameron, a 22-year-old farmer, Feyisola revealed that she has often been mistaken for a man and subjected to transphobic slurs.

“I get a lot of people shouting at me, ‘You’re always going to be a man,’” she said. “The look on his face – the only way I can describe it is utter disgust. I felt so vulnerable… I get, essentially, transphobic abuse.”

Zelah, who has been open about his transition journey, responded with insight into how societal expectations of femininity can harm anyone who doesn’t conform to traditional norms. He explained that anti-trans rhetoric often spills over, affecting cisgender women, masculine-presenting lesbians, and others who challenge gender stereotypes.

“It’s a good example of intersectionality,” Zelah said. “If your feminism is anti-trans, it can’t really be feminism.” 

The conversation resonated deeply with viewers, many of whom praised the housemates for their vulnerability and willingness to tackle such a sensitive topic on national television. Zelah, in particular, has been hailed as a standout figure this season, not only for his openness about his identity but also for his efforts to educate and foster understanding among his fellow contestants.

“I just couldn’t picture myself getting old in this body,” Zelah shared in a separate conversation about his transition. “No matter how masculine I am as a woman, it’s just never going to be quite satisfying.”