In a growing controversy, Channel Seven is under fire for a recent segment on their current affairs program, Spotlight, which delved into the topic of “de-transitioning” and transgender youth. The program has drawn widespread condemnation for its inclusion of false and misleading claims, but what has truly incensed the LGBTQ+ community is the use of images and videos of trans and non-binary individuals without their consent.
Trans influencer Grace Hyland was among the first to raise objections, as Channel Seven used her photos in a promotional clip without her permission and inaccurately implied that she regretted her transition. Many others from the trans and gender-diverse community have joined the chorus of criticism, citing similar violations of their consent.
One non-binary artist, Olivia Gavranich, who identifies using she/her and they/them pronouns, reported that her video was also used without consent in the Spotlight segment. Olivia launched a Change.org petition demanding Channel Seven to issue an apology and remove the “dehumanizing” segment from their platform. Olivia expressed concern that the program perpetuates harmful misconceptions about transitioning and gender-affirming surgery.
Olivia stated, “If this program remains online… it will continue a lie about the individuals who were featured, without consent, by insinuating that they regret their decision to have transitioned or had gender-affirming surgery. It will continue the lie that transitioning is harmful and something to be regretted.” Research indicates that less than 1% of gender non-conforming individuals regret gender-affirming care, underscoring the importance of accurate representation.
The Change.org petition not only demands an apology but also calls for compensation to those affected, the removal of the program, and a comprehensive review of Channel Seven’s editorial processes to prevent similar incidents in the future. Olivia also criticized the network for failing to address hateful, transphobic comments under the Spotlight content and urged social media platforms to take action against the dissemination of harmful content.
In just 24 hours, over 17,000 people have signed Olivia’s petition, highlighting the broad support for accountability in media representation. Olivia emphasized the impact on trans children’s mental health and stressed the importance of visibility and support for their community.
Jeremy Wiggins, CEO of Transcend Australia, condemned the false claims made in Channel Seven’s Spotlight, stating that they fuel transphobia and stigma that endangers trans individuals. Research consistently demonstrates that access to gender-affirming care is associated with improved mental health outcomes among trans and non-binary youth. The Royal Australasian College of Physicians has also affirmed that withholding such care is unethical and detrimental to the well-being of trans youth.
Wiggins emphasized that trans people deserve to thrive and flourish without fear-mongering media narratives that only serve to perpetuate misinformation and create unsafe environments. The LGBTQ+ community, along with their allies, continues to advocate for accurate, respectful, and ethical representation in the media.