Olivia's Media Review Post

New ABC Drama About a Transgender Schoolgirl Media Review Post

First Day is a new Australian tv series that premiered on ABC on March 30, 2020. The

First Day tv series is unlike most children’s programming you will see. The tv series is about a transgender girl, Hannah Bradford, and her adventure, taking on the first day of middle school. She encounters many obstacles during the series, that a lot of transgender kids face in school. This tv series reflects the struggles transgender children face while in school. Many might see such a tv series as controversial, but some see it as beneficial. The tv series First Day is beneficial in many ways to the upcoming generation, showing them transgender people are human just like everyone else, and displaying positive awareness about transgender people, and the struggles they face. Evie McDonald, who plays Hannah Bradford, in First Day is a transgender activist. In an interview she stated, “’I want to help make it easier for other people to come out as trans in the future. Being transgender is not a choice – and we’ve been around forever.’” The main character Hannah is not simply played by just an actress but a real transgender person, giving this tv series a realistic aspect. Being transgender is not a choice, and First Day allows other kids to see they are not alone in their struggles. This is beneficial to the upcoming transgender

generation, by knowing they are not alone when they come out as transgender. “When

McDonald came out and transitioned in primary school, positive media around trans people

was very difficult to come by.” First Day provides hope of positive media around transgender

people. The intention of First Day is to change the transgender perceptions of society. This tv

series imbodies positive, beneficial, and real awareness of transgender people.

The writer of First day, Julie Kalceff, revealed her writing inspiration in an interview.

“While writing First Day, Kalceff sought the advice and guidance of young transgender people and their families.” Through the advice Kalceff received, the script for First day was born, out of real-life stories, and experiences of transgender youth. The tv series portrays Hannah as a human being who happens to be trans, yet she sees and feels, like everyone else. By seeking advice from real transgender people, the storyline of First Day resonates with upcoming generations, because they see themselves in Hannah. “Kalceff acknowledged

the importance of having a trans voices in the mainstream media: . . .’” This new tv series not only allows the transgender youth a voice but also shows them they can be who they are. First Day is extremely beneficial to the upcoming generation of transgender youth by giving hope of changing the worlds perspective and providing the positive real awareness transgender people deserve.

Sleeman, F., Lewis, J., Online, S., Morellini, M., Little, A., Thomas, S., . . . Lewis, A. (2020,

April 16). New ABC kids drama about a transgender schoolgirl. Retrieved September 18,

2020, from https://www.starobserver.com.au/artsentertainment/screen/new-abc-series-

explores-a-transgender-girls-first-year-of-high-school/193848