Trans documentary I Am Leo wins kids’ BAFTA
CBBC’s first documentary about a transgender person has picked up a children’s BAFTA.
Groundbreaking documentary I Am Leo aired on the kids’ channel last year, targeted at the channel’s audience of 6 to 12 year olds.
The documentary featured 13-year-old Leo, who was born female but has lived as a boy since the age of 5, and legally changed his name when he was 11.
The film followed Leo as he goes about his daily life, and meets with friend Kai, as well as 20-year-old trans woman Natalie, and Stephen Whittle of advocacy group Press for Change.
It picked up a prize this week at the British Academy Children’s Awards in the Factual category.
I Am Leo won out over ‘Operation Ouch!’, ‘Mr Alzheimers and Me’ and ‘Being Me: A Newsround Special’ at the awards.
Leo said: “I want to thank everyone who nominated I Am Leo for this award, and everyone involved in making it a success.
“I’m really proud to have been given the opportunity to make so many people proud by telling my story, and being able to tell it in my way.
“I would like to say a massive thank you to Nine Lives Media, and especially to Cat [Lewis] for giving me the opportunity.
“To [Phil Niland and Lyndsay Rowan], who I spent much time with, for their support and encouragement, and keeping me motivated throughout the months of filming.
“I would like to thank my mum for believing in me, staying positive, and being beside me throughout my journey.”
The now-teenage Leo added that sharing his story has helped many others – with a lot of young trans people contacting him for guidance.
