What It Feels Like For A Girl: A New BBC Series That Redefines Queer Storytelling

What It Feels Like For A Girl is the BBC’s latest coming-of-age drama, offering a fresh narrative of queer experiences. Based on the autobiographical memoir of trans journalist Paris Lees, the series is set in early 2000s Nottingham and follows the journey of Byron, portrayed by Ellis Howard, as they navigate the complexities of identity and self-discovery.

The series is a heartfelt blend of humor and poignancy, capturing the exhilaration and turmoil of finding oneself. Actor Alex Thomas-Smith, who plays Sticky Nikki, emphasizes the importance of viewers engaging with the show with an open mind. "I’m open to discussions about the series," Alex notes, "but let’s talk after you’ve watched it."

The eight-episode series is keen on providing a glimpse into the lived experiences of trans individuals. For Alex, the ultimate goal is for viewers unfamiliar with trans narratives to have a shift in perspective. "If even one person’s mind opens up, we’ve done something wonderful," they reflect.

A Unique Blend: "Pose Meets Skins"

In an interview, Alex described What It Feels Like For A Girl as "a chaotic yet truthful tale of sisterhood and growing up queer," likening it to a fusion of the popular shows Pose and Skins. This combination promises a vibrant exploration of queer life, set against the backdrop of a distinctly British narrative.

At the heart of the story is a gang known as ‘The Fallen Divas’, a group of vibrant characters aiding Byron on their journey. Alex likens this ensemble to the famous Spice Girls, noting the diversity within the group. "We’re all different," Alex explains, "and everyone can find someone they relate to, which is crucial."

Representation and Relatability

Representation in media is a recurring theme in Alex’s discussions. They emphasize the necessity for diverse narratives, especially as efforts towards inclusivity face resistance. "Diverse stories are essential," Alex asserts, "not just for visibility but for the soul of society."

Transitioning from stage to screen, Alex shares insights into the disparities in representation across mediums. They note that while TV and film offer more opportunities to tell diverse stories, theatre often remains stagnant, bound by tradition and audience expectations. "In theatre, especially as queer, gender nonconforming, POC individuals, there’s still a long way to go," Alex observes.

Challenging Gender Narratives

Alex’s portrayal of Sticky Nikki is notable for its lack of explicit gender definition. This decision stems from a broader conversation about the necessity of labeling characters. "If people think Nikki is trans or non-binary, so what?" Alex states, embracing the fluidity of gender identity.

For Alex, portraying a character without predefined gender constraints is empowering. "I love floating between the gender spectrum," they express. "The less we focus on categorizing, the better." This approach reflects what Alex sees as the next step in conversations about representation: moving beyond identity as the sole defining trait of a character.

"My dream is to play roles where my identity isn’t the reason I’m cast," Alex shares. "I look forward to a future where stories are centered on the narrative, not solely on who plays the parts."

What It Feels Like For A Girl premieres on BBC Three and iPlayer on June 3rd, promising to be a groundbreaking series that challenges and inspires its audience.