{"id":1777,"date":"2023-11-17T10:02:16","date_gmt":"2023-11-17T10:02:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.spotlight.com\/?p=1777"},"modified":"2026-05-15T10:29:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T10:29:17","slug":"understanding-trans-and-non-binary-casting-with-gendered-intelligence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.spotlight.com\/news-and-advice\/the-industry\/understanding-trans-and-non-binary-casting-with-gendered-intelligence\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Trans and Non-Binary Casting with Gendered Intelligence"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gendered Intelligence shares their insight into trans performer rights and what language is appropriate to use in breakdowns and the casting room.<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trans people and the creative arts are natural allies. As such, Spotlight has been working with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/genderedintelligence.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gendered Intelligence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to improve their understanding of diverse gender expressions within the arts. It was important for Spotlight to move forward <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">with<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and be educated <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">by<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a trans organisation to ensure that everyone feels included and welcome.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this spirit, we\u2019ve created this guide with the wider community in mind. What are the key things to consider to make interactions in the arts more inclusive for trans and non-binary actors?<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Language in Casting<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gendered Intelligence describes the term \u2018trans\u2019 to mean, \u2018Someone who feels that the sex (and therefore gender) assigned to them at birth does not align with the person\u2019s sense of self\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Language around gender identity and sexual orientation can be easily confused, so it&#8217;s recommended that anyone who\u2019s new to this information should check out the resources on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gendered Intelligence\u2019s website<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which clarifies foundational knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Language in Breakdowns<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The fear of saying the wrong thing can cause some people to avoid conversations with or about trans people altogether, but if you want to appeal to trans performers in particular, then it\u2019s best to use direct and specific language. For example, in the casting details area you might say:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018We are particularly interested in receiving applications from trans actors, especially those who are trans men themselves.\u2019<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re open to receiving applications from non-trans (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cisgender\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cisgender<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) actors too is another consideration, but the section below on representation will cover this in more detail. If you are casting a non-binary character, then again, it\u2019s best to be specific:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018We are particularly interested in hearing from trans actors, especially those who are non-binary themselves.\u2019<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Classic works have been reimagined with interpretations from all-trans casts. If you wished to do the same you could appeal to trans actors like this:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018We are looking for a cast of actors who present as trans\/non-binary. We want to create a piece that is \u2018gender euphoric\u2019 and actively utilises the knowledge and lived experience of trans people within the work. If you are comfortable to bring your life experience to the production, whatever trans identity you have, then we\u2019d love to hear from you.\u2019<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>Using Pronouns<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This really doesn\u2019t have to be the big deal some folk fear it is. If an actor has shared their trans identity with you in the application, then it may well be clear whether they go by \u2018he\u2019, \u2018she\u2019, \u2018they\u2019 or something else. It doesn\u2019t hurt to ask by email, or indeed ask people to declare their preferred pronouns as part of the application. If in doubt, ask. Be specific.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018Hello (name), may I ask what pronouns you go by?\u2019<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018Hello, may I double check what pronouns you use?\u2019<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018Hello (name), what are your pronouns?\u2019<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you don\u2019t make it a big deal, it shouldn\u2019t be one. If you make a mistake, simply apologise, correct yourself, move on. The longer you linger on a mistake, the worse it gets. Don\u2019t overreact and there\u2019s no need to feel attacked.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Previous Names<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In our industry, a person\u2019s name is of particular importance. If someone worked under a previous name (referred to in trans circles as their \u2018dead name\u2019) then it\u2019s for them to communicate that as and when they feel comfortable, if it\u2019s even desired by the trans person at all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This may happen in any applications, or be referred to on their Spotlight profile. Tact and sensitivity is called for, and the general rule to remember is to always use the current name and pronouns.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A trans person can refer to their past names and pronouns at will, but it\u2019s not appropriate for anyone else to do so. Respect who they are now. To \u2018out\u2019 anyone without their consent could be deemed discriminatory practice, and \u2018dead naming\u2019 someone is outing them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Trans Representation in the Industry<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s true that we all want \u2018the best person for the job\u2019, but why is it that so many trans actors who <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">would <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">be the best person for the job aren\u2019t being seen in the first place?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many trans people could feel unsafe going to drama school in the first place. My own training was blighted by deeply ingrained, persistent transphobia. Yes, there is a comparative lack of trained and experienced trans actors, and that is a separate issue that deserves real attention<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but in the meantime, there are occasions where adequately trained trans actors are not being sought out or appealed to when they should be.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The blunt truth is that we live in a world where trans people know far more about non-trans (cisgender) people than the other way round. A trans actor is far better placed and informed to play a cisgender character than vice versa. How exciting it would be to see that happen on screen!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rebecca Root, known for playing a trans woman character (as a trans woman herself) in the BBC sitcom <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boy Meets Girl<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, portrayed a cisgender woman in the film <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Sisters Brothers<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This kind of casting is sure to get people talking, and when people talk, they start to understand a little bit more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a cisgender man playing a trans woman however, is problematic. When he turns up to awards events in a tux with a beard looking like the man he is, many people internalise the myth that being trans is a performance, a deception, that trans women are \u2018really men\u2019. This does a lot of damage to trans women in particular, and trans people in general.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trans people exist everywhere in real life without ever referencing the fact that they\u2019re trans. Teachers, plumbers, parents, or lovers. It would be inspiring to see trans people \u2018usualised\u2019 like this in any and all creative mediums. There are talented trans actors and performers out there, and it would be great to see more of them playing <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">all sorts <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">of roles and being visible across the industries.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Information for Trans Actors<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re a trans actor, you may have had transphobic experiences before now, which may make you feel unwelcome and apprehensive about auditioning. At Spotlight, the aim is to ensure that you really <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">welcome.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They\u2019ve worked on a solution to make life easier when submitting an application to join, updating your profile, or making any facts you wish to disclose known to casting directors, which should aid trans actors in being found for trans roles (if you choose to go for them). Casting directors are also able to search specifically for trans and non-binary actors should they wish to do so.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may have some specific queries rattling around your head, so here is some information about your rights:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don\u2019t have to disclose your trans identity in an audition &#8211; that\u2019s entirely up to you!\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re protected from discrimination and harassment by <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the Equality Act 2010<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re treated in an unacceptable manner, such as being asked inappropriate questions or persistent refusal to treat you in your gender identity, you have a right to do something about it \u2013 talk to people, get help, use the systems that are there to protect you.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Gender Recognition Act 2004<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> increases the penalty for breaking confidentiality. In many situations, if someone acting in a professional capacity \u2018outs\u2019 a trans person who has legally changed their gender (\u2018outing\u2019 is sharing information without the person\u2019s consent) they have committed a crime and can be prosecuted.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Data Protection regulations exist to ensure everyone\u2019s personal information is handled with proper confidentiality. Data about people\u2019s health and sexual orientation, which are considered important and particularly sensitive, are called \u2018Special Category\u2019 data, and a higher level of protection applies to them. Being a trans person or having a trans history isn\u2019t explicitly listed, but it\u2019s clearly of a similar sensitivity. Gendered Intelligence therefore recommends that this information is treated as Special Category and given the higher level of protection, and Spotlight are treating it in this way.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trans, non-binary and gender diverse actors are creating more work than ever before, and it heralds an exciting phase in the arts where these stories are becoming more visible, prominent and representative. Spotlight is a powerful ally in this advance, and everyone reading this can be too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/genderedintelligence.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gendered Intelligence\u2019s<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> website has lots of information to help increase your understanding of gender diversity and improving trans peoples\u2019 quality of life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find out more about acting opportunities and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">workshops for trans and non-binary actors<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gendered Intelligence is a not-for-profit, trans-led, community organisation. They work directly with some 500 young trans and gender questioning people from diverse backgrounds across the course of a year, primarily through youth groups and one-to-one mentoring services.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They deliver training and consultancy, working with schools, colleges, universities, international commercial organisations, arts, charities, foster care\/children\u2019s homes, CAMHS and secure mental health, residential clinics, as well as across the wider statutory, not-for-profit and commercial sectors.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Gendered Intelligence shares their insight into trans performer rights and what language is appropriate to use in breakdowns and the casting room. Trans people and the creative arts are natural allies. As such, Spotlight has been working with Gendered Intelligence to improve their understanding of diverse gender expressions within the arts. It was important for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3612,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[72,64,96,68,176,47],"class_list":["post-1777","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-industry","tag-auditions","tag-casting-directors","tag-diversity-inclusivity","tag-finances-legal","tag-jezza-donovan","tag-wellbeing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Understanding Trans and Non-Binary Casting | Spotlight<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What language to use when casting trans and non-binary roles, and what rights trans and non-binary performers have\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, 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