David Tennant, an award-winning ally of the LGBT+ community, has come under fire for telling Women and Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch to “shut up” after she expressed plans to make biological sex a protected characteristic.
While some, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, have criticized the doctor who star for his statement, many were quick to praise him, citing his long-standing support for the community. Labour MP Dawn Butler and former SNP politician Mhairi Black are among those supporting his stance.
Since then, he has been seen doubling down on his position by wearing a pin in support of trans rights on the Bad Girls Musical London premiere on Wednesday (June 26).
The heated exchange takes place during Pride month, a period dedicated to celebrating LGBT+ communities around the world.
Below, we look at the actor's history of vocal support and his political statements over the years.
Showing your pride
When she's not clashing with government ministers over the issue, Tennant shows her support by wearing Pride badges and other products that support trans and non-binary people in particular, in interviews and other public spaces.
In February of last year, she wore a pin in solidarity with the non-binary community while promoting her show. good omens.
During the subsequent press tour, the Bafta presenter also wore a T-shirt under a smart suit that read “Leave trans kids alone, you absolute monsters,” in July 2023.
In November 2023, Tennant wore a Tardis-shaped pin in solidarity with the trans community in the Rolling Stone UK awards, where it won the award for Best Television Program. He wore the same badge The only show and The last section.
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The badge's creator, Dr Jamie Gallagher, announced it had raised more than £18,000 in badge sales following the promotion, with proceeds donated to LGBT+ homeless charity AKT.
During Pride month last year, the actor became breathless when talking about the importance of the movement in the life of former politician Ed Miliband. Reasons to be happy podcast.
He said he was excited to see “the fact that Pride Month exists and flourishes and is something that is happening at a time when the world seems to be becoming worryingly intolerant and strangely backward in some corners.”
Breaking gender stereotypes
In an interview with The times In 2008, the actor criticised the idea that being called “gay” was an insult, or that dressing ostentatiously should reflect poorly on him. When asked what would happen if he was bothered by speculation that he was not heterosexual, Tennant replied: “Why would I?” He is reported to have adopted his “metrosexual” moniker.
Charities and awards.
Earlier this month, LGBT+ anti-abuse charity launched its 'It's Not All Sunshine and Rainbows' campaign, in partnership with creative studio Gravity Road and the ADOT Foundation.
Featuring the voices of LGBT+ celebrities and allies, including Tennant, comedian and I kissed a girl narrator Charley Marlowe, and former Coronation Street star Charlie Condou – An immersive digital experience was created to bring the campaign to life in London, and the installation will be available until the end of June.
Earlier this year, the actor received the LGBT+ Celebrity Ally Award at the 2024 British LGBTQIA+ Awards for his ongoing and highly visible support of the community.
But long before 2024, he backed the Diversity Role Models campaign in 2012 to tackle homophobic bullying.
David Tennant wearing a t-shirt that says “Leave trans kids alone, you absolute monsters” is the best thing you'll see in this millennium.
God bless this man 💜 pic.twitter.com/8PsWctJQ4d
– Pixelkitties 🦆 (@pixelkitties) July 11, 2023
Kiss of good omens
In the Prime Video program good omensTennant plays the fast-living demon Crowley, who has been banished from heaven, while Michael Sheen plays the annoying angel Aziraphale.
Both join forces to stop the end of the world in the series based on the book of the same name by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, published in the 1990s.
In the final episode, their characters are presented with an ultimatum that could reunite them in heaven, but Crowley refuses and they are once again separated.
But before they part, Crowley grabs his angelic friend's face and they share a passionate kiss. While the romantic tension was evident at the end of the season, fans will have to wait until next season to see where the connection leads.
Depiction of transgender character in an 80s sitcom
Tennant made an early appearance in the 1980s Scottish television sitcom, Rabbi C Nesbittas a transgender waitress named Davina.
The show, which began in 1988 and ran until 2014, featured Davina, whose gender is at the center of pub-goer speculation, but whose presence is much loved.
While the episode has been considered offensive by some, others have praised Tennant's performance.
