Will Ferrell and Harper Steele on “the trans conversation” in the US

[@theguildofthetranquilpine5360]

Documentaries like these make trans people objectively safer. People being aware of how trans people are treated can make others more aware.

[@VexylObby]

Believe it or not, not everyone feels bad when they see others mistreated. We live in a weird time where rudeness and hate are proud traits, because they feel justified. Because of the entitlement of the right to say anything. It sucks how things have become like this.

[@louiss1625]

big respect to Will for taking this step to advocate for the trans community, who need our support now more than ever. !!

[@colorbugoriginals4457]

he's even more lovable 😊

[@anarchyanna]

Out of all the snl cast I really didn't see him being an ally but ya know what I'm glad to see it

[@winesap2]

@@anarchyannait seems to fit what I know about him completely

[@T1J]

even if you don't understand someone it's very easy not to be an asshole

[@kidsofyesterday17]

It's also easy not to appropriate being female but here we are

[@DamienXavier1828]

@@kidsofyesterday17can you explain how it’s appropriating women? This lady is just living as herself. How is that an attack on women? We exist. We’re here. Doctors and science back us up. Advanced biology may be hard to understand but it takes less will power and energy to just shut the f up and not be a jerk to anyone. Our rights are not YOURS to decide. Our freedom is not for you to choose. We are people just like you. The only difference? I take a few extra meds and have had a few extra surgeries then most. Why does that somehow make me a monster? How does that make an attack on men? Because no body clocks me outside of the internet. I pass very well, have facial hair, no boobs, deep voice. But my biggest question is why are you all so frustrated with us changing our genitals? Like we’re not sleeping together. We’re not a couple. We’re not ever even going to meet. So why does me having a surgery to make myself feel better and more aligned with who I am, matter to you in the slightest? Y’all call us the perverts…

[@williamprice1497]

@@kidsofyesterday17female isn’t a culture. HTH

[@crashley47]

@@kidsofyesterday17 well, you just proved OP's point!

[@kidsofyesterday17]

@crashley47 who is the asshole really? It feels like it's the man claiming an identity that doesn't apply to him. Women are persecuted based on sex by the male sex. You can't just identify with an oppressed category sorry. So long as abortion is taken and women in Afghanistan are being silenced and not allowed schooling this is all because they are female sex discriminated for how they're BORN. Males can't just ID as us sorry. THAT is the asshole move

[@moondog548]

Harper's restraint in the situation of being under assault virtually all the time just for refusing to hide herself is PROFOUND.

[@LouiseBrooksBob]

And that was just during the BBC interview.

[@JadeoftheGlade]

We're just people. If a man grew up being called Jimmy, but, even as early as his teens, were to ask people yo instead call him "James", as Jimmy no longer aligned with his identy, everyone would. Abd anyone who did t would ve seen, rightfully, as a jerk. Or if a stranger used the wrong gender on another stranders dog. Person 1: "I love your dog; He's so cute!". Person 2: "She, actually" Person 1: "Oh! Im so sorry. SHE'S so cute!" And life goes on. Thats all we want. Just common courtesy. And to not be written out of existence.

[@floofykxtty]

literally

[@CaptainKebab-z8x]

Common courtesy is all we want indeed 👍 When someone tells me: "God bless you". I say "You too." or "Thank you". Or I smile. Even when I dont believe in his/her god. After all, common courtesy is what all we humans want in order to live peacefully and in dignity together. Whether we are trans, religious, etc. Just like you said: We are just people too.

[@droopsnoot9]

As a Billy (William on paper), I endorse this message.

[@cgpcgp3239]

That’s not what gender ideology is about. If a person has a dog that’s visibly male and the person says the dog was assigned male at birth but IDs as female no would believe that person. Often people like you disingenuously frame the debate as be kind to ignore the issues of the debate. The debate is over sports, prisons, women’s spaces, free speech, biology, reality.

[@JeffryBozes]

​@@cgpcgp3239 Small problem with your comment: Trans-people are not dogs, and it's really gross that you think of them that way.

[@Alex-ph5ir]

Really admired the way Harper responded to the bait-y JKR question. ("Won't someone think of the billionaires?" vibes lol). Harper's response was smart and put up a clear boundary to shift the focus back to her actual story. It was a good way of modeling how to respond to bad-faith, sealioning type questions/comments.

[@professorhazard]

Honestly surprised they kept it in the video, it makes them look like amateurs in the middle of an otherwise thoughtful conversation

[@gargoyled_drake]

@@professorhazard I'm glad they did. Harpers reaction and answer should be the reaction and answer all people give media when they try and create stories with questions like these.

[@gregorehorror]

I'm a trans man living in Oklahoma. I want to say to other trans folx, the hateful will never erase us. We are human beings and we aren't going anywhere 🏳️‍⚧️

[@LoriKasprzak-kc7xc]

Americans are guarranteed the right to pursue happiness. 😢

[@Bopsterjazz]

I’m a trans man in Nevada, their disbelief in who we are does not change the fact that we are here, experiencing this rock with them.

[@dusty4047]

As a 53 yr old straight white father of 2...I 1000% agree with you! America is stronger together( that means ALL OF US)❤

[@seanwhitford1537]

@@dusty4047 49 yr old straight father of 2, here. I am with you, man, America is stronger with ALL of us together!! ❤🧡💛💚💙💜

[@beccaleigh7744]

As a cis woman living in Oklahoma, there are many largely invisible people here in your home who respect you as a fellow human being and who know you deserve safety in your routine. I'm sorry your identity has been co-opted both politically and religiously.

[@maycontainnuts3127]

"how can you support the rights of millions of people when 1 billionaire gets death threats on the internet?"

[@g33xzi11a]

Correction: 1 billionaire who routinely uses her very notable public position to target and direct her hateful followers at normal people with basically no following or public presence of their own who get doxxed, threatened, and usually end up having to flee all social media

[@goestas]

Very disheartening but unsurprising that this BBC interviewer had to shunt in that absurd false-equivalency "question" about Rowling, and kudos to Harper for not rising to the bait and for calling her out on it. The BBC's record on covering trans topics factually and fairly is abysmal. This piece isn't doing much to rectify that, despite Will's unshakeable graciousness.

[@jessiefuckinfenn]

‘Ask me anything’ except about real women and how they feel

[@jadebel7006]

Jk Rowling gets the reaction she gets based on her words and actions .. not just for existing and living.. there's a bit of a difference, the presenter proving you don't need a high iq to be on TV

[@falconeshield]

She doesn't care. She's the anti Enya.

[@electronics-girl]

Honestly, knowing the BBC's reputation, I'm surprised Will and Harper agreed to do this interview. I wouldn't have.

[@StAmander]

Exactly, trans people have been stalked and given death threats decades before Harry Potter came out. But I’m supposed to feel bad for the rich person who engages in holocaust denialism of trans people as she equates them to the people who sent them to death camps, because she has allegedly been given death threats. Let’s not forget who she keeps company with. *cough* Posie Parker *cough* yeah, I have as much sympathy for her as I do for the UHC ceo as a disabled person.

[@eveofthewood]

Asking trans people how to solve the problem of "the trans conversation" is like asking witches in 1600s Salem how to stop all the fires.

[@kokojo4872]

Difference is ones an apple and ones an orange friend, Difference sauce, Difference juice, different. Nice try though silly

[@a-ramenartist9734]

????

[@a-ramenartist9734]

Isnt the whole point of the salem witch trials that they were mass hysteria that directed all the blame at the weakest group in their communities? I feel like asking the "witches" would be the right thing to do no?

[@TwisterTornado]

No one is m*urdering transgender people. And you are also disrespecting transgender victims of the witch trials. Also, no one was ever burned, in Salem. All of the burning was in Europe.

[@TwisterTornado]

No one was ever burned in Salem.

[@naymeequillo]

What an incredible elegant answer of Harper when she says: "yes, there's a way to leave out the toxicity. I do not engage." There you go! Nothing toxic was said!! What a jewel.

[@ncc74656m]

I love that the interviewer asked the both sides Rowling question like that. 1938: "Adolf Hitler has been saying that he gets death threats, sometimes thousands of them. He has only been calling for the demonization of groups of people and proposes that they are evil criminals who need to be expunged from German society, that they're a threat to our morals and women. What do you as a Jew say to that? How do you lower the temperature?" No, don't ask me that question. Ask her why she decided she felt she needed to open up a hate campaign. Ask her why she feels this is the best thing to do with her time and money. You don't get to call for the violent exclusion and assault of millions of people you'll never know, not knowing one of us personally, and then go "Woe is me" when they fight back, and the handwringing media doesn't get to pretend it's not on them for starting it.

[@KathrynElizabeth-j7y]

💯

[@BigTallLankyDude]

Bad analogy, you depict this as if the vitriol was entirely or very close to one-sided in origin, with trans people as the most likely recipients. But this is wrong. A quick glance of social media shows trans rights activists and supporters are amongst the most vitriolic, commonly issuing rape and death threats to the likes of Rowling.

[@katyamcadams]

​@@BigTallLankyDudein my experience, as a trans woman, it's the opposite. I started receiving death and rape threats as soon as I came out, and still get up to *hundreds* per *day.*

[@sabrinanaves7148]

@@ncc74656m Thank you

[@skulduggery1]

also the fact the interviewer chose to say r*pe threats instead of death threats for literally no reason

[@caiolinnertel8777]

I've not made it through the film yet, as a fully transitioned MTF trans woman it is very emotional. Just 3 weeks ago I was assaulted by three men (two with MAGA hats on), kicked and hit left with bruises and a broken hand. Can't play my violin which really depresses me. I've been transformed once again into a distrustful, pessimistic, and scared woman now. I have lost ALL joy in my life. If not for my dog I'd have checked out.

[@barbarashea1975]

So sorry for your horrendous experience. I send you strength and courage in your life. May you find good humans on your journey. Absolutely bless you and your four legged friend. Four legged beings bring us such love and solace.

[@Sci-lives]

I’m so damn sorry. I hope you can find someone knowledgeable in trauma to talk to.

[@PinkOrchid8]

I’m so sorry that happened x

[@dietzyfly]

Disgusting. I am so sad for you. As a queer woman, I have been afraid in several situations....I have been lucky. I hope the movie helps you begin your healing journey.

[@desmondjames9312]

I'm so sorry to hear of the violence against you. This is sadly all too common. Stay strong, keep your head up. Push on. We all must.

[@dale8809]

It is such a good documentary. Trans issues are so hard to understand. All we (straight folks etc) need to do is just listen and let them live thier best life. I have a couple trans colleagues and they want what everyone wants. Just to live life and be happy.

[@cgpcgp3239]

It’s disingenuous to frame the debate as be kind to ignore the issues of the debate. The debate is over sports, prisons, women’s spaces, free speech, biology, reality.

[@thelemon5069]

​@@cgpcgp3239lol on every post huh

[@TheSpeep]

Are trans issues hard to understand tho? People wanna be themselves, this doesnt fit the box some people want to put them in, so the box people oughta shut up and let people be themselves. Its fairly simple, really.

[@cgpcgp3239]

@ Not when it comes to sports, prisons, spaces, children, free speech

[@JohnBrown-tw2qi]

@@cgpcgp3239I’m sure all five professional trans athletes are quaking in their boots over the idea of losing their coveted 10th place.

[@callumwinter8884]

Usually Victoria Debishire is decent, but "How can you support trans rights when JK Rowling claims to get a thousand rape threats (she doesn't)?" is about as low as you can go with questions on the subject. Harper's dignified response was perfect.

[@TwisterTornado]

I'm sure that she does, actually. She just imagines that they are all transgender people. Trolls will take any chance to troll. They love chaos and some even want to make transgender people look bad. Don't be so naïve.

[@glitterk4035]

Usually most people are decent, then they get an opportunity to be awful and how they act then is who they are

[@TwisterTornado]

DO NOT FXCKING NOTIFY ME, IF YOU ARE GOING TO DELETE MY COMMENTS.

[@callumwinter8884]

@TwisterTornado who are you shouting at?

[@TwisterTornado]

@callumwinter8884 KZbin

[@Haffmatthew]

As a non trans person, I am sorry for how often we see this weird anger and hatred against the existence of trans folks. Please know you’re valid and loved and not everyone is against you who isn’t trans themselves. Keep your head high and kindness in your heart and try to ignore the folks who don’t know any better ❤

[@catmungandr]

Did the interviewer seriously ask "dont you feel bad for JK Rowling?" How to say i (and the BBC by extension who aired this) dont see Trans people as a legitimate minority. Seriously, even if you dont already accept trans people the neutrality is surely posing their right to exist as a debate (already gross but lets continue), so why as a broadcaster would you be okay with your interviewer ask to effectively to appologize for anger against what (in your opinion as a 'neutral party') could potentially in the very near future considering the law suit against JKR be recognised as a hate crime!? She is a billionaire actively funding and politically pushing trans hate, trans people are already dying, when people feel their lives are at stake i'm not surprised they lash out. Further asking Harper to answer that question would likely put her directly in the firing line of JKR and her TERF allies.

[@TwisterTornado]

I do feel sorry for that poor little boy, trapped in the CLOSET, under the stairs.

[@SaturnVGirl]

TBH, given that BBC News/Current Affairs is deeply transphobic - it's a serious problem - I was pretty astonished that this was even on Newsnight. But then, yep, the bothsidesing 'gotcha' question is in there. 'Don't you feel sorry for billionaire Rowling, protected in her castle, with her money, her millions of followers, her political clout, her extraordinary privilege, who is a central part of a societal agenda to remove even basic recognition from trans people, who has given huge sums to groups aiming to do exactly that, who spends hours online insulting trans people - a tiny group that has been on the end of a relentless witch-hunt from the entire media and, since 2018, from the government?'

[@riversoblivionstudios]

HARPER. HELL YEAH. "I'm not gonna answer that question."

[@DjTrax78]

"...it's much harder to hate up close!" Thanks Will for supporting a marginalized group of society ❤

[@canvasjockey4628]

I loved seeing their story, this interviewer can suck rocks, though. I know some shitty hack fake news stations in the US that would LOVE her. Will and Harper outclassed her in this interview spectacularly. Derbyshire should reconsider her career choice.

[@Dahnoie]

I have misjudged Will. He's actually a good guy. Hugs dude.

[@TwisterTornado]

Be careful. He still made weird jokes about torturing kids.

[@thelemon5069]

​@@TwisterTornadothat's called being a comedian?

[@GriffithFromBerk]

It’s so loaded to ask about the toxicity in the trans discussion as it is towards terfs being transphobic. I don’t doubt that she has received threats, but to ask a trans person if there’s a way to soften the blows to a transphobic person seems so slimy. That and validating the trans sport debate by again asking “well how can bigots be less toxic?” When the answer is so obviously “don’t be a bigot and don’t be toxic” If you’re against bigots and terfs and you hurl death threats at people you’re disgusting and not aiding the cause you think you’re rooting for and to the people who see that and use them to belittle the majority of people, shame on you.

[@nz_anna]

‘Just start talking.’ That is so true… talking, listening, showing love to each other.❤

[@catney104]

I loved this movie, it was so warm and moving. Harper is very brave to show her life so openly, at a time when so many people want to attack this vulnerable community. My heart breaks for trans people. They just want to live their lives and be accepted. Please be kind to them.

[@cnj67]

One side in that hateful conversation hates a minority group for what they are. Nobody should threaten anyone, but I do think it's worth noting that group X is grouped around hating group Z for what they are, and that individuals within group X are posting mean comments towards group Z for what they are, while the evil comments from individuals within group Z against group X is not based on X's gender or sex, but on their hatred of Z. I don't say one or the other group should threaten or say mean things at all, but it's pretty clear where this aggression starts.

[@ixlnxs]

As a gay man I can assure you that a lot of TRAs absolutely hate LGB people, particularly women, who dare to say 'no' Many TRAs are virulently homophobic and disrespect boundaries.

[@LoneWulf278]

Exactly.

[@e.458]

Yes, there's a difference between rejecting someone's behaviour or attitude and denying someone's right to exist.

[@hotcakesism]

Group X also attacks group Z for what they are not. The increase in "groomer" rhetoric is both disturbing and dangerous, and echoes the Nazis from the early 1930s.

[@patsyroberts3967]

Yes with trans hating right wing lunatics. Don't make excuses for those scumbags, they want trans people in concentration camps. If you don't want to believe that then you are on the side of evil.

[@yusaki8064]

I have tried having conversations with my dad over and over. It works with a lot of people. But not with everyone. Sometimes it just doesn’t. He thinks being trans means I’m in a “cult”. So he doesn’t believe a word I say. And no true conversation can happen when he doesn’t believe anything I say.

[@professorhazard]

I always wonder what someone like that would say if you one day went back to dressing in your "proper" gender attire etc. and said "I can't do it if it makes you unhappy. I know who I am but I'll hide it from now on because that's what you want." I would hope they would hear that and have it mean enough to them that you're basically putting your soul in chains that they would change their mind.

[@dhoffnun]

Rarely do I vibe with Will's characters, but dang does he seem like an excellent human being. Like I feel straight up gratitude to this guy.

[@miranda.cooper]

I get the exact same sentiment. I could care less for his characters... but him? God I love him!

[@JD-mm7ur]

i feel so peaceful seeing how at peace harper is...

[@ImproveConditions]

looks miserable with the mind focused on the flesh

[@imjumokay]

people say heartstopper is unrealistic and yet this interviewer was more ridiculous than the one in the show

[@MaryKateFrank]

I have NEVER understood why people care so much about what other people want to do with their own bodies, who they love, etc. It doesn't affect you! Take care of yourself, mind your business and stop spreadin' yer dang manure around. To so-called "Christians" who object: read the red words in the gospels. You claim Jesus is your personal savior? Follow HIS instructions. Anything else is hypocritical.

[@JadeoftheGlade]

Bigotry isn't rational.

[@sabrinanaves7148]

​@@JadeoftheGladeIt's rational as a tool of social control, it works fairly well, as we've seen.

[@StAmander]

It’s not just Christians, it’s supposed feminists who treat trans men in the most condescending way for possibly having a womb and then only caring about that womb, making trans people no different than breeding animals in their eyes.

[@cgpcgp3239]

The debate is over sports, prisons, women’s spaces, free speech, biology, reality, children.

[@JadeoftheGlade]

@cgpcgp3239 uh huh. We don't believe you anymore.

[@LifeOfAStan101]

don't put your life on hold waiting for others to approve of it. just start living it. 💖

[@Misterdemocracy]

💗 “It’s much harder to hate up close” 💗

[@callen8908]

Trans rights have gone too far? I believe people should be themselves, and people should be accepting. Life has so many struggles. Let’s be good to each other. It’s literally cost nothing to be kind and understanding

[@zenenzarcon]

It costs a lot more than you think. I think the problem with people is the perspective rather than the reality. If being Trans was truly just a personal thing, then not that many would care or legislate on it either way. But it ISN'T that way in reality. It's in every discussion, it gets brought up everywhere, and you're always put on the spot depending on what side you are of the issue. And if you disagree even a little you're automatically a bigot or crazy leftist. No one wants to talk of the nuances of what acceptance would really mean, they just want it their way, full stop. There are so many marginalized groups that are struggling still to get rights, and sadly it's an uphill battle the whole way. The trans movement is no exception.

[@9395gb]

​@zenenzarcon this isn't a marginalized group. This is a sex fetish that society has tried to force upon biological women and girls. A man wearing a dress and growing his hair long is not a civil rights issue.

[@llGemini19]

@@zenenzarcon It's only in the limelight cause people PUT it there. The trans community isn't responsible for being so talked about. It's people who hate us who keep bringing us up. There's a reason why trans people have been around for a very very long time and no one was the wiser. Look at the timeline here. As soon as it became not ok to hate on gay people, and esp once same sex marriage was legalized, the hate then went onto to trans people. Don't believe me? Same sex marriage became legalized in the US in 2015. And in 2016 Caitlyn Jenner came out and it was national news. Ever since then, there's been a huge hate campaign against trans people cause a new target was needed to distract and divide the people. The truth is, NO ONE truly gives a shit about trans people, as it should be. But a lot of people were taught TO give a shit because of manipulation in the form of lies about the trans community. We are painted as evil to get people to hate us because it's easier to paint a very marginalized group as evil cause they're entirely defenseless. Creating an enemy is how you can garner votes. It's how you can remain in power. Divide and conquer. It's been around since the dawn of humanity practically.

[@mr.mrs.d.7015]

Yeah, maybe the public wouldnt think that if the toxic, biased media werent constantly promoting negative and false trans stories for ratings

[@Bryan4Hillary]

It’s really journalistically poor to refer trans exclusion from sport as “fairer sport.”

[@colorbugoriginals4457]

yeah that was weird. are they kicking out masculine cis women? they are more likely to have an advantage than someone whose body is experiencing transition. the objections are NOT about fairness.

[@LunaJones-sn6bo]

@@colorbugoriginals4457this is especially true when many sports bans have happened in sports where sex assigned at birth shouldn't matter, like chess

[@smoop365]

Poor jk Rowling getting death threats for spreading misinformation about trans people and being a hateful person, and it’s trans people’s fault, for surrrrrre, this interviewers framing is odd

[@MrMusicbyMartin]

Everyone knows, this guy just reads whatever is on the autocue. Seriously, though, Will has gone up a little in my estimation here. 🙏 America is about to start removing the rights of minority groups, and needs advocates like Mr Ferrell.

[@aford328]

As a trans man I would love it if more cis people were less afraid to ask questions about trans people. As long as you are coming from genuine curiosity and good will I don't mind at all and in fact encourage it. It's much better to ask than to assume.

[@feralhomunculus]

My heart broke during the Texas scene. It was the only dark scene in the film and it took place in my state. I was so disappointed in my fellow Texans. It's not my experience, but I don't hang out with bigots.

[@capribreezee]

It is quite unfortunate

[@jacobofreddy]

4:21 Ironic to victimize jk Rowling then follow up asking how to remove toxicity out of the conversation as if she isn’t a massive proponent in trans hate speech

[@EzaleaGraves]

A comedian being supportive of trans people in an extremely open and healthy way? Unreal.

[@animuswonder]

i don’t know why it matters so much to people what somebody does with their body. you have no right to control somebody else’s autonomy - people get tattoos, people get piercings, people get plastic surgery. you don’t get to control people. you’re allowed to be upset, but if you feel the need to belittle them or yell at them, that is YOUR FAILING.

[@davidbond4595]

'Much harder to hate up front'. So very true ahd hate comes from what we don't know... engage and discuss.

[@jessiefuckinfenn]

Except when he’s asked about how ‘trans’ affects women and then he doesn’t even want to acknowledge that there might be people who don’t actually believe he’s a bloody woman

[@emiliabeckers]

For BBC Newsnight: A proper journalist by now would have long asked the question what that trans athletes do wrong? They adhered to the rules that were imposed on them by the sporting bodies. They followed the rules. And yet somehow we're to blame? If you haven't questioned that narrative as a journalist, then you're a propagandist and not a journalist.

[@Sunshine-zm1fx]

Most "journalism" these days is straight-up propaganda. If you listen to the news in another country, you can see it and it's obvious. Most people cannot see the propaganda journalism from their own country. They grow up in it and that is what they think is normal. When an American listens to the BBC, it's quite obviously a shill for the Monarchy and conservative politics. They are only as liberal as they have to be in order to keep most people happy to pay the fee for the BBC to exist.

[@vibin7691]

I audibly groaned when the host asked if the toxicity can be stopped from J.K. Rowlings perspective. Give me a break. If that woman would be even a gram less hateful the world would be better off, but it’s up to trans people to be “less toxic”. Alright buddy

[@MadMadNomad]

MIght as well ask if trans people can do anything about the mold in her castle.

[@richc848]

Most of the interview's OK, and "just start talking" is a great message. But bringing up J K Rowling as a victim without mentioning the transphobic hatred she has relentlessly and deliberately incited for years is not a good look for the interviewer. Harper handled it well.

[@jadebel7006]

Jk Rowling gets the reaction she gets based on her words and actions .. not just for existing and living.. there's a bit of a difference, the presenter proving you don't need a high iq to be on TV

[@Sunshine-zm1fx]

She may be trying to illuminate dumb people who would ask these same questions.

[@alanamarko]

@@Sunshine-zm1fx I think that would be a VERY generous read of that question and the way it was worded.

[@SadieThegoat-sr4fb]

that question about sports was ridiculously unfair we are having our right to exist taken away and you are worried about sports?

[@TuftyTaltan]

Wretched interviewer shoving that JK question in there. As if JK doesn't spread hateful rhetoric and then get it back in kind. There is no equivalence between people trying to live their lives and hateful bigots tearing them down. One side is right and the other is wrong, enough with the both sidesism.

[@mastereditor3483]

I became friends with a few trans people at work and didn’t learn they were trans till later. If I saw them in the restroom with me I wouldn’t have known or cared. The bathroom issue isn’t actually an issue. And when I found out or they told me, it didn’t change anything between us. I don’t have to accept you for being different, because everyone is different. I accept everyone equally if they are a good person.

[@crashley47]

The people that say the bathroom part is an issue; they THEMSELVES are THE ISSUE. No one in their right mind goes about wondering if something terrible will happen, we're literally just trying to use the bathroom

[@amandabeaty1492]

People are afraid of things they dont understand.

[@sugarsore]

That's pretty much what it comes down to.

[@Hatman7525]

I think its fascinating how I grew up watching will ferrel movies and now he is sticking up for people that are often hated in the media. My family and I loved his movies, he gave us so much joy and laughter, now he is standing up for my rights. Thank you Will 🙏

[@sabrinanaves7148]

So proud of Harper, so grateful to Will, so ashamed of BBC.

[@eluna34]

I am always so curios to hear from older trans folk, they have a lot more to lose socially by embracing themselves later in life than 18 year old college kids, and I have always wondered what that process was like for them and what it feels like to make the definitive choice regardless of potential loss of friends, family, career opportunities etc. It's truly very brave.

[@electronics-girl]

I came out at the age of 47, and I was incredibly lucky to have supportive friends and family, and to live in a supportive community. Deep down, I've been feeling this my whole life, but apart from some brief periods of exploration, I've been holding it inside, largely in denial. When I finally gave myself permission to embrace it, it was extremely cathartic.

[@eluna34]

@electronics-girl that is amazing, I'm so glad you were able to make that step - 47 years is a long time to sit on feelings like that.

[@voxxiigen7797]

I began transitioning socially in my late 30's. Plenty of support from my social network. Nothing but resistance from my parents. I tried explaining that I didn't want to wait for them to die to be my authentic self, but they just want to bury their heads in the sand and pretend it's not real. If I try to explain why that's hurtful, all I get is pushback like "to me you'll always be the little boy god gave me in my womb, I can't understand what's gone wrong with you" and so on. They can't even wrap their heads around the fact that I'm actually NOT broken. They think I've caught some kind of disease and are trying to pray for their sky daddy to "fix" me Also, my boss accused me of trying to make him "walk on eggshells" when I asked to be called by my preferred name. He told me I have to change it legally if I want to be acknowledged. I don't have the time and money for a legal name change working at this dead end job. Other than that and the occasional rude comment from passersby, I'm loving my life. F the haters!

[@sabrinanaves7148]

I lost a wife, a job, and several friends. I have to live with my head on a swivel. I just spent the last four years being a scapegoat for an entire major political party and now I'm being blamed for the election loss in America. All of this says way more about other people than it does about me, because even if I'd never transitioned these things would happen anyways. Proximity to transness reveals quite a lot in people, and systems.

[@Lathaire]

I think Will is dead right when he say it’s harder to hate up close. If people just understood a bit of what trans people go through, this wouldn’t be such a big issue.

[@sakuragyoza]

I'll have to check this movie out; from my own experiences with a long time trans friend, it looks so similar and heartwarming to some of what we've experienced. Good on Harper for refusing that garbage question! Shame on that awful children's author, who had the love, money, and good will of a generation, and chose to attack the most vulnerable people on the planet with it! That author is deeply unwell and clearly has deep conflict in regard to their own gender that has turned into obsession and hatred in their heart. We all need to keep telling our stories. 💜

[@TwisterTornado]

Thank you for noticing the obvious. "She" is repressed.

[@geinikan1kan]

Such a pleasant affectionate interview. Friends come in all sizes.

[@mintman325]

My 3rd cousin is trans, his Grandma had no issue using his pronouns and name. I know that’s not everyone and it is a complex thing to navigate. There is hope for people.

[@littlebirdy845]

this film was so moving and uplifting- hats off to harper and will for a beautiful documentary

[@haileybalmer9722]

Clicking on this like PLEASE WILL PLEASE DON’T BREAK MY HEART! He didn’t. What a freaking gem.

[@Libbydoh]

I love Will Ferrell and Harper Steele for doing this!

[@Sci-lives]

So many threatened people here. Trans people have always existed. Stop freaking out about it and grow TF up. Also, learn some science, start at early high school, as I assume ignorance means you dropped any difficult classes ASAP.

[@electronics-girl]

And people seem threatened by the science. Just earlier this week, I was talking to a friend who gives educational presentations about trans people to companies. (As in, the HR department will ask her to come in and give a presentation to the employees.) At one company she recently spoke at, the HR department insisted that she remove two slides from her slide deck. The two slides explained the scientific basis for gender dysphoria, citing studies that show the similarities between cis women's brains and trans women's brains. The HR department gave some lame excuse about how covering the science would "distract" the employees, or something like that.

[@chrisdonovan8795]

The hysteria of people about trans people is soooooo embarrassing. Are there issues to discuss? Sure. Is it an apocalyptic threat? No.

[@Mel-wn9gb]

Oh look. A classic misogynistic trope used to minimise and trivialize the concerns, lives and rights of women and girls. You fellas give yourselves away every time.

[@trevarnewighton2954]

This was a wonderful movie and thank you to Will Ferris and Harper for sharing this with us ❤

[@txspacemom765]

I live in Texas. Y'all are always welcome in my home!

[@CameronInEgyptsLand]

"It's much harder to hate up close." Yes.

[@RobertSpitzer]

Harper is such a lovely woman, and Will is great friend.

[@cnj67]

"Just start talking ..." with the intend to learn, I may add. Don't start talking to tell other people they are really only pretending to exist. That is evil.

[@NarrowShouldersOpenMind]

@cnj67 Do you see how that is what the gender cult itself does to normal people when it says they don’t exist as their birth sex??? And they need to make that identity “dead” and become a new invented person? Irony much?

[@rice_frying_shrimp]

That pointed question at Harper about JK Rowling and TERF culture as a whole was so strictly unnecessary. The reporter had been putting words in both of their mouths all interview long in a way that as a serious journalist, I already don't condone but that one broke the camel's back for me. As Harper said, what do you even want her to say there? How are you turning it on her for people to stop being hateful towards her existence as a human being? What a plainly weird and off-putting thing to ask somebody. Yikes!

[@soul0360]

Anyone standing up for equality, and letting other people, live their lives in peace, unmolested. Has my utmost respect. I love both of you. As well as, many of the people, here in the comments. Hate, bigotry and 'othering', has no place, in a civilised society.

[@Lumibear.]

This looks interesting and a fun way of addressing things, will definitely check it out.

[@andrew9360]

Thank you, Will Ferrell and Harper Steele!

[@colorbugoriginals4457]

Harper is so well-spoken and concise. ❤🏳️‍⚧️

[@spoidabetch]

what a wonderful friendship ❤ much love to Harper & Will

[@zestyconversation]

Will Ferrell earned a lot of respect from me here & I really appreciate Harper for her patience & grace. Meanwhile, the BBC continues to be transphobic & disingenuous.

[@jetsonwayne15]

Rude its like the interviewer is defending J K Rowling but she’s the hateful one..

[@trostfoxy]

I love how Will and Harper were so respectful with an Interviewer that doesn't know shit, honestly, props to their patience!

[@williamgregory1848]

Will Ferrell continues to be one of my favorite people in Hollywood 😊❤

[@Laulie98]

I just really love her glasses. Those are so freaking cute. She has a great sense of style.

[@RaeLuna-g9w]

Harper seems like such a kind and warm person. I see myself in her as a trans masc person, how dejected she looks because of knowing the way society sees you. It’s hard to feel normal when you know so many people don’t accept you and you have to be careful. I just want to live peacefully

[@justinjaeger1554]

Sad that trans people can’t simply speak on their experience without being asked to address a political or social topic that does not concern them personally. But good on Harper for not engaging in those questions

[@SRKStar]

Why Will will always be a legend to me.

[@question_them]

Such a bad fauth question from Derbyshire RE rk rowling, well done to harper for shutting it down

[@MsMcKat-ub4sm]

This was the best documentary I watched this year.

[@cbcbmad]

I imagine these comments are being policed.. but it sure is refreshing what I've read so far! 🏳️‍⚧️

[@RoundingThird]

Imagine being terrified everywhere you went if 1 of 330 people is unarmed and looks different.

[@Robar2020]

They aren’t terrified. They just pretend to be terrified for attention

[@ExtremalMetal]

this is a like to Harper and Will, not you BBC journalactivists, self-identifying as "journalists"

[@JB.fromOmaha]

Will Ferrell is a national treasure. Thank you for this project.

[@morgboat744]

trans people should not receive hate for wanting to live happily

[@saeselkie]

Watched this a few weeks ago, so moving and funny!

[@allisonyoung5626]

I can only hope to be as beautiful a woman like her when i grow up

[@DarlaW]

I wish people could just let people live their one and only life in the way that makes them happy.

[@potmki6601]

I’m very glad to see that all top comments support Harper and Will and call out BBC host on her bullshit

[@SlimeKingK]

I’m happy to hear more coverage of these sorts of stories. I’m glad Harper can be herself, but I hope she and all trans people are able to be happy without the toxic bullshit from so many people. People with no morals can’t grasp that ’gender’ is a social construct even if ‘sex’ is assigned at birth. The fact that people can be born as one doesn’t mean they are mentally THAT. It doesn’t mean they’re sick, it doesn’t mean they’re a predator, it just means they have the mental acuity to see that the way they’ve lived doesn’t resonate with who they are or want to be. When I was young I thought so many terrible things because I didn’t understand. But sexuality or gender is something you have to grow up to actually realize where you are. It might not change when you hit puberty, It could be your thirties… Who you are is never predestined by who you were yesterday, or the day you were born.

[@colitaayala]

Loved the documentary! Not sure how it hasn’t gotten more attention 😮

[@jast.1613]

I've always been a Will Ferrell fan. Now, even more so. To take Trans people & their validity to the streets is so amazing. Harper is a inspiration. I have multiple people in the rainbow Mafia in my family, including Trans people. They're family. Period. People are people. Everything else is just labels, created to separate us. Just love each other, it's not that hard.❤️☮️

[@corianderwolfgangrainbeaux]

The comments give me hope. Thank you, Will & Harper, for making this documentary.

[@sharonfish4729]

Beautiful ! Can't wait to see the film.

[@SatansLilHelper666]

Do everything you can to protect trans people from hate and misinformation, speak up people, it really makes a difference!

[@shireematthews9824]

So proud of you both! ❤

[@desmondjames9312]

I admired this production. The first step is respect and communication. You don't need to agree, but we all need to accept. I admire Harper for her courage. Congrats to all.