Big Brother host Kate Lawler "disappointed" with how trans and gender conversation played out

Big Brother's Kate Lawler has shared her opinion about the recent trans debate that took place in the latest series of the show. The ITV reality TV series sparked furious debate after housemates Rochelle and Philip discussed their views about gender and the trans community following the arrival of latecomer Twinks in the house.

Both Philip and Rochelle have come under fire after sharing their views, with Philip being branded "insensitive" for his comments about gender identity, and Rochelle admitting she would not feel comfortable sharing a bathroom with a transgender person.

Following the episode, former Big Brother contestant Lawler, who also hosts spin-off show Big Brother: The Group Chat alongside GK Barry, shared her views about how the conversation played out.

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"My best friend is trans," she told Attitude during this year's Attitude Awards. "She has been one of those people, one of those human beings, who has transitioned and over the course of transitioning had to use public toilets at a time when there were not gender-neutral toilets."

She then focused on Rochelle's views about trans people and public bathrooms, urging her to think.

"Just think about all the people like my friend," she continued. "Just think about all the people like my friend who had to use public bathrooms and go into a men’s bathroom while transitioning and be surrounded by men who, the level of abuse, like just think about that."

She said she was "disappointed" with Philip as an openly gay contestant, but praised Twinks for "flying the flag for not only herself and who she is but also to fly the flag for the trans community".

During the conversation, Philip said: "Me, growing up, my generation, it was 'him' and 'her'. Now everything’s different. If you wanna be classed as a fridge, you’re classed as a fridge."

Twinks responded: "‘Fundamentally, we all know who we are, what we identify as, how we define ourselves, and it is no one else’s business to tell you who you are, what your sexuality is, and we should never assume who anyone is until they tell you."

Later, Omar asked Twinks how they felt about the transgender bathroom debate, to which they said: "Our government is obsessed with genitals. It’s ridiculous."

Rochelle then said they "wouldn’t be happy with a transgender in the toilet with me", with Philip responding: "I know what you mean."

Twinks later said that "this is where community comes in", with Philip saying, "I know all about community."

"If you think beyond yourself, if you think about the LGBTQI community, which is so expansive and inclusive – but also we can have infighting – and any religious community, where looking after each other is such a beautiful thing. We have to protect community at all costs," Twinks continued.

Philip later left the room, telling Lynx: "It’s going worse. She’s talking about transgenders now. That’ll cause f****** murder."

The conversation between Twinks and Omar continued, moving onto the trans athlete debate and the notion of allyship.

Big Brother continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

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Freelance Reporter, Digital Spy Rebecca is a freelance journalist who specializes in TV and film. After beginning her career as a digital entertainment journalist for the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, she embarked on a freelance career in 2021 contributing to the likes of Metro UK, The Sun, WhatCulture, Screen Rant, FilmHounds Magazine and more. Her particular field of interest is horror cinema and she has written for genre publications such as Ghouls Magazine and Moving Pictures Film Club. LinkedIn