Movies

Why What It Feels Like for a Girl is the most important British show since It’s a Sin

BBG News

The Rainbow Crew is an ongoing interview series that honors outstanding LGBTQ+ representation in media. In each episode, we feature individuals who work on both sides of the camera, including queer artists and allies to the community. Up next, we’ll be chatting with Ellis Howard, star of the critically acclaimed BBC drama, What It Feels Like for a Girl.

It’s not an understatement to propose that “What It Feels Like for a Girl” could have a similar impact on transgender representation as “It’s a Sin” had a few years ago, when it comes to storytelling about the gay experience and raising awareness about the AIDS crisis.

The series is inspired by Paris Lee’s memoir and tells the story of a teenager grappling with their gender identity in the drug-filled club culture of 2000s Nottingham. Over eight episodes, we journey alongside Byron, a character whose transition into a confident trans woman is both beautiful and intricate.

What to Read Next

It’s quite challenging to imagine a tougher role, yet after seeing the entire series, it’s even more difficult to picture any other actor bringing Byron to life as convincingly as Ellis Howard did.

In any situation, be it experiencing love and forming a family, or evading the law and speaking harshly to others, Howard dives headfirst without hesitation, giving his all – heart, body, and spirit.

Regardless of the challenges or her self-centered moments, you’ll find yourself loving Byron deeply. A significant reason for this affection stems from Ellis, whose remarkable debut performance in this role is truly a sight to behold.

We recently had a chat with Howard about the influence of “What It Feels Like For a Girl” and the significance of amplifying the voices of transgender individuals during this specific era in history.

Discussing the importance of the Y2K backdrop to your narrative, let me share with you a glimpse into the life of Byron during the 2000s. How did he experience those years? That’s what we’ll delve into today.

Wow, it was absolutely breathtaking! It felt as if I had been granted a genuine ticket to freedom. I got to don all these stylish items that my older sister used to wear when I was young. Watching Christina Aguilera in the ‘Dirrty’ video was always exciting for me. This is genuinely living the dream.

Reflecting on the style, atmosphere, and overall essence of that era, I can’t help but feel like being a part of it was like holding a golden ticket to express myself without bounds, and delve into an untouched chapter of my existence. It feels as if luck was on my side, as this show granted me the opportunity to live even a slice of those exciting times – a glimpse into the noughties way of life.

At the same age back then, I could deeply relate. It accurately portrayed the ’00s in a manner seldom seen on-screen, undoubtedly triggering flashbacks for me.

People I’ve talked to who were partying during that era often shared a sentiment along the lines of, “Admittedly, there were issues back then, but there was an abundance of hope and optimism. It felt like life had potential.

In these tough times we’re experiencing, being compelled to celebrate with extravagant attire feels almost divine.

Is the series authentic, as it is inspired by a genuine event? Did you experience any tension while portraying Paris’s tale accurately on-screen?

It seems that under the circumstances, I found myself needing to show great respect, delicacy, and a deep understanding when portraying someone’s life.

Furthermore, since the book is uninhibited and truthful, there’s no other option for an actor except to embrace its raw intensity. You shed all your masks to portray as much ugliness and chaos as you can manage. However, the book held great significance for me prior to this project, so I was simply yearning to be involved in it.

“All of us felt incredibly lucky to be telling a story like this.”

In a unique way, I experienced a sense of liberation since Paris, being the center, demands primarily that it feels satisfied with your work. There’s no overwhelming pressure to impress a multitude of people. If Paris responds, “I feel truly understood in this instant,” then you can breathe a sigh of relief and say, “Thank goodness. We can keep going.

This series fearlessly delves into themes of queerness and transness without any reservations. Could you elaborate on how the show handles these topics, from filming intimate scenes to portraying a palpable sense of queer identity in every episode?

Upon reading the script, I found myself exclaiming, “I can’t believe the BBC is producing this show!” It’s daring and pulsating with life, and it doesn’t hold back in the least. As a devoted fan of the book, I felt the unyielding courage, vitality, and rebellious spirit of the novel mirrored in these scripts. Seeing that brought me such joy; I was overjoyed to learn they were making it.

Earlier, I mentioned that the book’s writing in Paris was uninhibited, and with a large number of us being unconventional, there was an electrifying atmosphere on set. We all felt incredibly fortunate to be part of telling such a unique story. It pushed us to give our best, as it held significant meaning for each of us.

Regarding the portrayal of intimate scenes and representation of queer relationships, I felt extremely secure. Although some sexual scenes may depict potentially harmful or abusive situations, such as what happened to Byron, the show is honest about it. As an actor, we benefited greatly from having an exceptional intimacy coordinator, a man named Tigger Blaize.

Day one, we leaped straight into a pivotal scene from episode three – a heartfelt encounter that felt more like getting acquainted than anything else [Grins]. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of security and empowerment that left us all feeling emboldened. Sexuality plays a significant role in this narrative, serving as an authentic reflection of queer experiences. It was crucial for us to approach these scenes with raw emotion, allowing each viewer to interpret them based on their unique perspectives, rather than dictating how they should feel about it.

The narrative primarily unfolds from Byron’s perspective, a young individual navigating life with an incomplete understanding of many things, including sexual matters, as he continues to explore and learn about himself and the world around him. Remarkably, the series masterfully portrays the vulnerability, intensity, and risk associated with sex in a captivating manner.

It appears as though everyone was quite at ease with one another during filming, as there seems to be an exceptional camaraderie between Byron and the other Fallen Divas. Was this chemistry improvised or primarily scripted? Regardless, everything unfolded in a remarkably natural manner.

Thank you for your kind words! We had to adapt quite a bit, as there’s a lot of short-hand when it comes to expressing queer identities.

Your appreciation means a lot! We found ourselves needing to improvise due to the shorthand often used in discussing queerness.

It seems there’s something unique about this generation – perhaps it’s because we spend too much time online. Yet, despite our different backgrounds, when we get together, we all share a common obsession with Wendy Williams. For instance, I’m from Liverpool in my late 20s, and the person I’m referring to is from the Midlands. We may have different life experiences, but we both watched Paris Is Burning and studied key texts, which created an instant bond between us due to our shared references. [Laughs]

Beyond its value, the program is also dear to our hearts. We can’t help but express our deep affection as we work on it together. In essence, this shared passion has led us to extend ourselves generously towards the project. And yes, I assure you, while I dislike insincerity in interviews when people claim to be “the best of friends,” in this case, it’s genuinely true for our team.

The show seems to be focusing on Byron discovering his identity and expressing it. This resonates deeply with me. I’ve discovered a sense of belonging among this group, which feels like finding my own tribe. It’s as if I’ve gone through a renewed phase of self-discovery related to queer culture in my personal life. Interestingly, until now, I hadn’t experienced a queer community in my life, but with this group, I feel incredibly fortunate to have found one.

“I’ve had a real queer renaissance in my own life.”

If someone watching this program understands and experiences the importance of seeking a supportive community during challenging times, as I have while working with these remarkable young women, that would truly be a significant achievement for me.

Byron’s chosen family plays a significant role in his personal growth and self-esteem, yet it’s equally crucial to witness him being accepted by his biological relatives, notably his grandma. The interplay between them encompasses both happy instances – such as when they enjoyed shared experiences like getting high – and difficult periods. Could you elaborate on this relationship dynamic and why its portrayal on-screen is significant?

I find Hannah Walters absolutely captivating, her charm and vitality are truly enchanting. Whenever I’d get emotional on set, she’d gently tell me to stop crying because I always felt incredibly secure with her presence. To put it simply, I have a deep affection for her.

The grandmother appeared remarkably youthful, and during his lifetime, she was notably youthful in Paris’s eyes. I believe she was around 50 or 51 when she passed away. It’s wonderful to witness them shattering the traditional barrier that the older generation might find hard to comprehend.

In my life, my grandmother stands out as one of the most open-minded, progressive, and welcoming individuals. She was among the first to whom I revealed my true self. The program does a remarkable job in portraying the idea that age doesn’t always determine acceptance levels. I believe that people of all ages have the potential to be understanding and accepting. Thus, I take great pride in this aspect of the show.

The grandmother instructs her daughter on how to cultivate affection for Byron. The drama effectively conveys the intricacy of this task, highlighting the struggle of mourning a child one had anticipated. As the series progresses, she gradually understands these aspects.

At times, it can take individuals a moment to grasp the art of loving someone wholeheartedly. It’s fortunate we have people like Mommar who show their love for us unconditionally and instantly. However, the path to understanding true love is not always swift for everyone.

What do you hope people take away from this story?

I feel like people will take very, very different things from it.

As Ellis, I fervently yearn for this narrative to humanize a trans story, amplifying the voice of a community often targeted. My sincere hope is that it becomes a beacon for those who discover it, at any stage in life, offering them the same passport to self-expression and authenticity that it provided me during production.

Here’s another way of saying it: I wish people would be more compassionate towards one another. Art doesn’t necessarily need to teach or soothe society, but I hope it fosters empathy instead. Moreover, if it revitalizes a bit of dancing, celebrating, and rebelliousness in our culture, then that’s fantastic!

We absolutely need more of that queer, anarchic spirit right now.

What we truly require could very well be the catalyst for change. Change, I believe, will manifest as the freedom to express ourselves boldly, with our spirits uninhibited, dancing joyously in the streets. In essence, it’s about having the power to speak up and the means to do so effortlessly – like carrying a can of poppers in our pockets. That, too, is a form of revolution. Isn’t it?

Does it seem particularly relevant and well-timed to you, given that a series featuring predominantly queer, trans, and working-class characters is being released in the UK currently? These stories are central to this production. How do these themes strike a chord with your experiences or perspectives?

Man, I’m overjoyed that BBC brought this into existence! Kudos to Paris for being so brave and genuine in sharing her story. If this show becomes a space where people can find themselves reflected and their voices validated, and if us, as a cast, can leverage our platforms to amplify those voices, honestly, it would just mean the world to me.

“Trans people have been here forever and will also continue to be here forever.”

I personally believe that the primary motivation behind all our actions is to make others feel understood and acknowledged. Had I encountered a tale similar to this during my youth, I suspect I would have felt more secure, and perhaps discovered my path sooner.

Although we’re living in a deeply unsettling period, the show seems to provide some illumination amidst the gloom. The world currently resembles a blaze, yet this motley crew, these spirited children, are dancing within the inferno. They refuse to back down and I find that spirit incredibly beautiful, its essence something we should cherish.

This production is set in a bygone era, yet it underscores the eternal presence of transgender individuals throughout history and into the future. They will persist beyond this present political climate, so it’s crucial to remain resilient and find happiness. Let’s hope that the show manages to evoke such feelings. Essentially, it portrays a group of non-conforming individuals reveling in their time together.

How lucky are we to have that coming to the BBC?

Reflecting on the past, can you recall any specific TV show or movie that resonated deeply with your younger self, identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community?

Initially, what popped into my head was reminiscent of Wendy Williams, which I believe is a reflection of my Scouse wit and humor.

[Laughs]

In my younger days, I’d dash home to catch the show “Hot Topics” secretly on YouTube, keeping a low profile so my parents didn’t notice. Wendy’s humor, her open discussions about queerness, her ability to make us laugh at ourselves and mock our own community, provided me with a protective shield during my teenage years. This armor allowed me to develop quick wit, enabling me to stand up for myself when needed.

My journey into embracing my queer identity wasn’t exactly comfortable, but it was enlightening. I found solace in the works of Russell T Davies, particularly “Beautiful Thing” by Jonathan Harvey. This piece holds a special place in my life because I became friends with its creator, and I often express to him how much that script resonated with me during my youth. As a young actor, I devoured every word and watched the movie, which held significance for me as it’s quintessentially British.

However, Wendy Williams certainly resonated with me. On those days when school was overwhelming or I felt strongly about my identity, she could always make me giggle incessantly. Her show, a beacon of representation for the LGBTQ+ community, truly held significant meaning for me.

I probably should have said an answer more heartwarming and affirming [Laughs].

What It Feels Like For A Girl is available to watch now on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer.

Read More

2025-06-05 12:20

Previous post Pirelli calendar photographer Solve Sundsbo reveals what fans can expect to see in 2026 edition
Next post Capcom’s New ‘Pragmata’ Trailer Showcases Unique Dual-Character Gameplay