[Headie]

A councillor has turned down the chance to appear on reality television show Big Brother – arguing it would not help her campaign for gender equality.

Cllr Sarah Brown, who represents Petersfield on Cambridge City Council, is the UK’s only ‘out’ transgender politician and was approached by a casting agency to see if she wanted to appear on the Channel 5 game show.

But the Liberal Democrat, the council’s executive member community wellbeing, said she didn’t think it would have been good for her, the transgender community or the people of Cambridge.

She told the News: “I didn’t think it would be good way to address trans issues.

“I don’t think raising awareness for a sensitive view of trans issues is really what shows like Big Brother are about – they are there to try to create conflict and interesting social situations.

“My role as a councillor is to serve the city of Cambridge and not to be part of a media sideshow.”

Read more: http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Camb...#ixzz2v0g2gNQG

Why are they recruiting the 'transgender' role when they had Luke A win like 2 years ago and his whole story revolved around that Hope they scout some decent people, and pick some auditionees as well.

[Jack_]

She told the News: “I didn’t think it would be good way to address trans issues.

Really? Two transgender winners and Bit On The Side has won a Transgender TV Award on several occasions for the way in which they've presented trans issues, and she thinks it isn't a good platform? What?

[Daniel.]

Shame - sounds like a interesting housemate.

They should start getting actual civillians instead of mini celebs

[Shaun]

Originally Posted by Jack_

Really? Two transgender winners and Bit On The Side has won a Transgender TV Award on several occasions for the way in which they've presented trans issues, and she thinks it isn't a good platform? What?

it's Big Brother... don't pretend Luke and Nadia are heroic figures

[Jack_]

Originally Posted by Shaun

it's Big Brother... don't pretend Luke and Nadia are heroic figures

No not at all, but the fact that they won, along with the accolades and praise the show and BOTS regularly receive from transgender communities, are surely proof that it isn't that bad a platform? In fact, her being a councillor would have only increased the awareness of such issues if anything, I'm sure the press would have started talking about it

[uniquedude]

Originally Posted by Hayden

Why are they recruiting the 'transgender' role when they had Luke A win like 2 years ago and his whole story revolved around that Hope they scout some decent people, and pick some auditionees as well.

I hate how they are recruiting people in the public eye no matter how z list they are, then again people like dexter and gina did well but did they audition themselves?

[Me. I Am Salman]

Originally Posted by Jack_

Really? Two transgender winners and Bit On The Side has won a Transgender TV Award on several occasions for the way in which they've presented trans issues, and she thinks it isn't a good platform? What?

I think she just means it's a trashy show that wouldn't really do wonders for a politician's image

[GiRTh]

I thought it was Sarah Brown as in Gordon Browns wife.

[Rob!]

At least she didn't completely slag off the show, quite complementary about it actually, even if it's obvious to us she hasn't watched it in years

[BBDodge]

Looks like the producers are still trying to cast types of people rather than just the best dozen or so housemates that they can find.