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Why the BBC’s new five-star drama What It Feels Like for a Girl is the show of the summer

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What It Feels Like for a Girl spoilers won’t be found here.

Reflecting back on the year 2000, one might recall that despite the Y2K bug, airfare was more affordable, miniskirts were in fashion, and music was constantly playing. However, Byron who was longing for some “uninhibited, mature entertainment,” found himself stuck at home instead, passively playing Snake on a Nokia phone.

In the quiet town similar to where Lord Byron grew up, even teenagers find ways to amuse themselves. Some casual online conversations – like one involving an image that takes an eternity to appear – can sometimes lead to encounters at public toilets, known as “cottaging,” where Byron earns five pounds each time she meets with older men in a less than clean restroom.

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Yet this isn’t a story of exploitation — or trauma for that matter either.

According to Paris Lees’ memoir, “What It Feels Like for a Girl,” the story delves deeply into her teenage years, but it is more than just a depiction of queer hardship. While acknowledging the challenges that come with realizing you are trans during the noughties, the narrative also encompasses a wide range of experiences, including drugs, sex work, and various forms of escape.

But just like Byron, the narrative refuses to conform.

If a friend queries whether Byron feels fearful around the elder men in the restrooms, a whimsical dance scene unfolds, reminiscent of old-time Hollywood, with Byron proclaiming, “They desire what I have, and that empowers me.

Before delving into instances where Byron vows not to be disheartened without a condom, or finds solace in a Top of the Pops performance by the German techno artist Zombie Nation, we have yet to discuss those parts.

And that’s just the first episode.

The ’00s were a lot, as people who lived through that time can attest. The show “What It Feels Like for a Girl” perfectly captures the essence of that era – from its fashion and music to its lingo. If you remember those years, you might squirm at certain points because the show’s portrayal is so spot-on authentic.

However, amidst every pause in the rhythm of a thong and each interlude in All Saints’ music, Lees (the show creator) consistently rejects any form of binary categorization, such as the idea that things were objectively better or worse in the past for the transgender community.

Or:

Lees, who is also responsible for the creation of the show, consistently refuses to acknowledge binaries during every break between a thong’s beat and an All Saints song drop. This includes the notion that things were undoubtedly better or worse in the past for the transgender community.

Or:

During each gap between the rhythm of a thong and the melody of an All Saints track, Lees (the show’s creator) consistently refuses to accept the idea that things were categorically better or worse for the transgender community in the past. This is one example of many instances where binaries are rejected by him.

Or:

In between every pause in the tempo of a thong and each interlude in All Saints’ music, Lees (the show creator) consistently rejects any notion that things were definitively better or worse for the transgender community in the past. This rejection of binaries is a recurring theme throughout his work.

Or:

Throughout every break in the beat of a thong and each intermission in All Saints’ music, Lees (the show creator) consistently refuses to endorse any idea that things were categorically better or worse for the transgender community in the past. This is one example of his ongoing rejection of binary thinking.

As a gamer, when I, Byron, find myself targeted due to my identity, a stranger extends a gesture of kindness, returning her Aqua phone case. With a caring tone, she questions, “So what if you are [gay]?” Her simple yet powerful words serve as a reminder that compassionate individuals have always been around, long before society began to embrace and legislate for gay rights.

In everyday life, it can be challenging to encounter genuine people, a fact that makes Byron increasingly attracted to the nightlife scene catering to the LGBTQ+ community. This is where she discovers a fresh sense of belonging and acceptance, surpassing what her own family provided. The group, referred to as “The Fallen Divas,” consists of characters like Lady Die, Sticky Nikki, Dirty Damian, and the spirited Sasha. While Byron often butts heads with Sasha, their conflicts are balanced by moments of camaraderie.

The BBC’s show “What It Feels Like for a Girl” vividly portrays nightlife from the 2000s, even more so than the TARDIS time machine. This includes the pulsating energy of the dance floor and drug-influenced bathroom interactions that make it seem like these characters are genuinely high on cocaine.

The song “What It Feels Like for a Girl” doesn’t flinch from tackling other contentious aspects of nightlife as well. On numerous occasions, it vividly portrays the experience of a woman when it comes to sexual encounters, showing both the security that love can provide and the casual hookups in parking lots where love is virtually absent.

Similarly, before Byron fully acknowledges her trans identity, her experiences are portrayed in the series. The show delicately explores gender-related questions, blending a feminine presentation with true womanhood. This approach highlights what it might have felt like to grapple with these feelings during a time when the vocabulary for such self-discovery was scarce and not widely accessible.

Although there’s a fair share of serious moments, it’s far from being overly dramatic or gloomy. A playful spirit permeates every episode, with special mention to Sasha’s clever quip “Tr*nny and Susannah.” This spirit is most clearly represented by the character Byron herself.

No matter what hardships or terrors the universe sends her way, whether it’s danger at home or regrettable errors in the larger world, a grin seldom eludes her. Though some blows are more severe than others, it’s heartening to witness Byron respond and maintain her resilience. The joy unique to queer individuals is particularly potent when faced with adversity.

Finding happiness can be elusive nowadays, whether we’re discussing real-life situations or fictional narratives like this one. Fortunately, the joy you’ll experience from watching is what matters most – it’s the strong motivation to live your life to the fullest amidst bigotry and a system working against you.

This joy isn’t just ordinary or universal; it’s a unique blend of transgender and working-class pride that’s particularly strong in the northern regions of England. The moments where “The Fallen Divas” unite to joke, criticize, and above all, support each other, resonate the most throughout every scene.

The connection these dolls exhibit is one borne solely from a genuine real-life relationship between the actors playing them. Remarkably portrayed by Laquarn Lewis as Lady Die and Hannah Jones as Sasha, this duo brings an extraordinary depth of emotion to an already exceptional cast. Their heartfelt performances will undoubtedly tug at your own heartstrings, making it difficult not to feel a pang when the story comes to its end.

Hannah Walters, who was recently seen in Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’, delivers a moving portrayal of Byron’s grandmother, demonstrating that age should not be a barrier to accepting and embracing queer family members. The cast in this production is exceptional, with no weak links to speak of.

Absolutely, the success of this production wouldn’t be possible without Ellis Howard stealing the spotlight as the main character. His portrayal is nothing less than extraordinary, mirroring the depth and complexity of the character’s emotional journey. This role is massive, all-encompassing, and crucial to the show’s narrative, and Howard delivers flawlessly, from his most subtle flirtatious gestures to his heart-wrenching breakdowns.

1. You’ll find yourself cheering for Byron despite her being incredibly self-centered, and you’ll still enjoy this show when it’s not performing optimally. This is because, just like Byron, the series What It Feels Like for a Girl isn’t flawless.

2. You’ll find yourself rooting for Byron even in her self-centered moments, and you’ll still appreciate this show when it’s not at its peak. That’s because, like Byron, the series What It Feels Like for a Girl isn’t always perfect.

3. Despite Byron’s selfishness, you’ll find yourself cheering her on, and even when this show isn’t at its best, you’ll still admire it. This is because, in the same way that Byron has her flaws, What It Feels Like for a Girl isn’t without imperfections.

4. You’ll find yourself rooting for Byron through her selfishness, and you’ll still appreciate this show even when it falters. This is because, much like Byron, the series What It Feels Like for a Girl isn’t without its shortcomings.

5. You’ll find yourself supporting Byron despite her self-centeredness, and you’ll still be fond of this show when it’s not at its finest. This is because, in the same vein as Byron, What It Feels Like for a Girl isn’t entirely spotless.

In simpler terms, certain magical scenes seem contrived at times, with the initial one being relatively brief, yet noticeable. Additionally, some characters could benefit from further development, such as Byron’s father, although these points are minor flaws that can be easily disregarded.

It’s crucial that we have more programs similar to this one, as they provide unique perspectives and amplify voices from communities typically underrepresented in media. This becomes particularly important during times when transgender rights are facing greater threats than they did 25 years ago, a period mirrored by the show’s setting.

It would be incredibly empowering and potentially lifesaving to witness representations of transgender individuals experiencing happiness, love, and acceptance on a broadly-watched platform like the BBC, similar to how It’s a Sin has been impactful. However, this upcoming production could surpass the significance of that show in several aspects.

Another queer masterpiece that holds the potential for real-world change.

What It Feels Like For A Girl airs on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer.

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2025-06-03 14:50

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