RTE's Nuala 'played for cheap laughs'

RTÉ has been criticised over its depiction of a transgendered character in new sitcom The Centre.

The Irish state broadcaster has received complaints from campaigners, who say Nuala – played by Gary Cooke – is ‘the stock character of a “man in a dress” played for cheap laughs.’

Broden Giambrone, chief executive of Transgender Equality Network Ireland, added: ‘Not only is she is referred to as “king kong in a thong” but there are references made to her surgical status, her hormone levels, body hair and Adam’s apple. At no point is the audience laughing with Nuala, they are laughing at her.’

And writing in the Irish Independent, columnist Lisa McInerney. said: ‘[The] character Amanda makes snide jibes about hairy feet, badly-groomed brows and Adam’s apple, which is fine because Amanda is a sociopath. But the audience isn’t encouraged to disagree with her. Nuala does have hairy feet. Nuala really didn’t groom her brows. Six months into her transition, Nuala remains a man in a dress. The point to Nuala seems to be that Gary Cooke looks funny with lipstick on.’

RTE has received around two dozen complaints over the character, according to The Journal, but has defended the show.

Bill Malone, channel controller for RTÉ Two said Nuala is ‘actually a positive LGBT character’ because the character of Amanda, plated bt Yasmine Akram, ‘insults ALL, she is sexist, ageist, fattest, elitist, bigoted etc. LGBT characters should not be treated differently.’

Here’s a clip from the show, set in a community centre in a grim Dublin housing estate:

Published: 26 Mar 2014