In a stark contrast to the creator of the “Harry Potter” franchise that ignited Daniel Radcliffe’s stardom, the actor has become a beloved ally for LGBTQ+ youth.
Most recently, he has announced his continued partnership with The Trevor Project in a new video series from the nonprofit called “Sharing Space.” The series will feature roundtable conversations with LGBTQ+ youth, moderated by adult allies — and Radcliffe is first on the roster.
In the first episode in the series, which premieres on March 31 — Transgender Day of Visibility — Radcliffe chats with six trans and non-binary young people.
“There are a lot of people in the world who are not trying to engage in this conversation with any kind of good faith,” Radcliffe says in a trailer for the series.
“I think a lot of the time, it’s just because people don’t know a young trans person, so there’s just this theoretical idea about this in their head.”
“Sharing Space” aims to give the microphone back to LGBTQ+ young people and let them speak directly about their lives — which are so often co-opted by politicians and lawmakers for an agenda dedicated to excluding trans folks.
“LGBTQ+ young people, particularly transgender and nonbinary youth, are routinely forced to stand by and watch adults debate their very existence and life experiences,” The Trevor Project VP of brand and content, Megan Stowe, said in a statement.
“That’s why it’s so important that we continue to amplify young LGBTQ voices that are so often silenced, and work towards creating a safer, more accepting world where they can thrive just as they are.”
The “Sharing Space” series will include 20-minute episodes released quarterly, with a different theme, host, and participants.
Radcliffe’s participation in the series is especially affirming, as he represents a larger discussion surrounding the Harry Potter franchise.
Author and creator J.K. Rowling has become notorious for her transphobic messages, which stars of the wizarding world have whole-heartedly denounced.
After Rowling’s initial anti-trans tweets in 2020, Radcliffe wrote an open letter with The Trevor Project to LGBTQ+ fans of the series.
“Transgender women are women,” he wrote in the statement.
“Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo [Rowling] or I.”
In the following years, Radcliffe has stood by his statements and continued his over ten years of partnership with The Trevor Project, as clearly demonstrated in this new project.
“We listen to so many people talk about trans youth and hear them talked about so often in the news, but very rarely do we actually hear from these youth directly,” Radcliffe said.
“It was an absolute privilege to get to meet and listen to this incredible group of young people. At the end of the day, if you’re going to talk about trans kids, it might be useful to actually listen to trans kids.”
And that’s what we’ll do.
“I have a whole identity; I’m not just trans,” one of the six panelists says in the trailer for the series.
“You’re a person, I’m a person, I treat you with respect,” another adds, “So I deserve it back.”
In need of mental health support? Please visit our Mental Health Resources page.
If you are in need of counseling or support, peer-support services are available at Trans Lifeline. You can call the hotline at 1-877-565-8860.
You can also visit thetrevorproject.org to reach a counselor and access a multitude of resources.
