Brit Soap Goes Trans

We thought Brit soaps weren't doing too badly, all considered, by having a permanent trans character on Coronation Street, the much-revered grandma of the soap family. In that, Hayley (nee Harold) has been a fixture since 1998. But now the racier Hollyoaks is gearing up to introduce a teen trans character as well.

Actress Victoria Atkin, 23, will pay Jasmine Costello (aged 15), who arrives with a secret, and dresses as a boy -- Jason -- in private. Her controlling dad and overbearing mom will not take it well once they figure it out.
Hollyoaks series producer Paul Marquess said: "I am proud that Hollyoaks is able to tackle the issue of gender identity disorder (GID) and the effect the condition has on the families. Costello arrives in the show on Aug 2, fresh from summer camp in the US. Marquess added: "Around one in 4,000 people in Britain are receiving medical help for gender dysphoria and if we can bring the issue to the forefront to help more young people identify and talk about the condition, then I believe that can only be a positive thing."

Previously > Transgender Woman Takes the U.K. to Court