For playwright and director Chris Bush, being a trans person in the public eye is not just a challenge; it’s an overwhelming fear. Speaking candidly in a recent interview, Bush, who came out as trans at 30, shared her honest reflections on the current climate for transgender individuals in the UK. “Being a trans person in the public sphere right now is f***ing terrifying,” Bush admitted, emphasizing the intense scrutiny that trans people, especially those with a public profile, are subjected to.
Bush, who is known for her critically acclaimed works in theatre, explained that while she didn’t want to be pigeonholed as a writer solely addressing trans issues, the decision to avoid discussing them in her plays came from a place of fear. Despite being a playwright in London, an arts hub, she expressed her reluctance to bring her trans identity into the public eye. “Even in London, even in the arts, why would I invite that into my professional or public life?” she questioned.
The heightened visibility of trans individuals has led to a wave of online and real-world hatred, where even the smallest of statements can trigger severe backlash. “Any trans person with a public profile only has to say the most innocuous thing to immediately get virtual and real-world hatred,” Bush remarked. This sentiment echoes the experiences of many in the trans community, where public figures face constant threats to their safety and emotional well-being. Such experiences only serve to reinforce the importance of supportive communities and allies for trans individuals who continue to navigate these daily struggles.
Bush’s latest project, Otherland, explores the complex dynamics of a young couple, one of whom decides to come out as a trans woman. Although the story is not autobiographical, Bush admits that there are elements of her personal experiences woven into the character of Harry, a trans woman. However, she is clear that the work is not intended to be a direct retelling of her life. Instead, Otherland serves as an exploration of the multifaceted experiences of womanhood and the complexities of relationships. Despite the play’s deeply personal themes, Bush stressed that it is not meant to be an angry commentary but rather a plea for understanding. “This show is really a plea for understanding for womanhood of all different types and shapes and sizes,” she said.
For Bush, the responsibility of creating a play with such weight is not lost on her. “There might not be another play written by a trans woman this year,” she said, emphasizing the importance of representation in theatre and the arts. Otherland, which is being staged at the Almeida Theatre until March 2025, aims to break boundaries, not only as a work of theatre but as a statement of visibility and acceptance for the trans community.
As Bush prepares for the play’s premiere, she remains steadfast in her belief that trans voices need to be heard and supported. The fear she expresses in the interview reflects the larger societal challenge faced by the trans community – a world that continues to scrutinize and often stigmatize them. Nonetheless, Bush’s commitment to her craft and her desire for transformative change shines through in her words. Her play is not just an artistic endeavor; it is a declaration of the necessity for greater empathy and understanding of trans people’s lived realities.