Channel 4’s ‘body positive’ Naked Education is branded ‘dangerously disingenuous’ for portraying trans adults ‘as the epitome of self-acceptance’ while ‘sidestepping’ deeper issues behind gender dysphoria

• Channel 4’s ‘body positive’ show Naked Education addresses a number of topics
• Therapist said show was ‘dangerously disingenuous’ and had mixed messages

Channel 4’s ‘body positive’ show Naked Education has been branded ‘dangerously disingenuous’ for portraying trans adults ‘as the epitome of self-acceptance’ while ‘sidestepping’ deeper issues behind gender dysphoria.

The series, hosted by Anna Richardson, brings people from across Britain together to discuss their bodies, addressing topics including body dysmorphia, cosmetic surgery and disabilities.

However, some viewers have expressed concern about seeing a group of adults strip naked in front of teenagers, with the UK’s broadcaster Ofcom receiving nearly 1,000 complaints about the show.

In the most recent episode, two trans men, Lucian and Finlay, discussed their gender journeys and the different stages they were in as they transitioned.

Finlay spoke about his experience of gender dysphoria and getting top and bottom surgery, during which he offered advice to Lucian, who is younger and has decided to undergo top surgery.

In the most recent episode, two trans men, Lucian and Finlay, discussed their gender journeys and the different stages they were in as they transitioned

Therapist James Esses said that the show Naked Eduction has ‘already shown its inconsistent ideology’

Writing in the Spectator, the co-founder of Thoughtful Therapists James Esses hit out at the ‘utter inconsistency’ in the show’s message.

He said: ‘Unfortunately, and perhaps unsurprisingly, the show, which is aimed at children, has already shown its inconsistent ideology.

‘Entire segments are dedicated to individuals who seemingly did everything they could to change their bodies. The show then portrays them as the epitome of self-acceptance.’

He added: ‘Teaching young people that the answer to accepting oneself is to fundamentally change oneself through irreversible surgery is both utterly inconsistent and dangerously disingenuous.’

Viewers also took to the popular parenting site Mumsnet following the show, with one saying that ‘he message is hugely inconsistent and this issues of unnecessary surgery were not looked at in any way.’

However, others have taken to social media to defend the show, hailing it as ‘informative, educational, empathetic, compassionate, and truly groundbreaking’.

Another person said: ‘I watched Naked Education tonight and found it informative and thought provoking. Seeing more real people and diverse appearances can only be a good thing, for all ages’.

Meanwhile, a third added: ‘Watching Naked Education for the first time. I wish there had been television programmes like this when I was a young person.’

In the show, a group of adults took their clothes in front of children aged 14 to 16

Someviewers were left furious after the show’s debut last week and expressed concern about seeing a group of adults strip naked in front of teenagers

It comes after Ofcom received nearly 1,000 complaints over the show as many viewers expressed concern about seeing a group of adults strip naked in front of teenagers.

The programme sparked fury online, but now the UK’s broadcasting regulator has received formal complaints about the controversial programme.

Viewers were frustrated over nudity in the show and the fact that the youth participants in the programme were aged 14 to 16.

The show is promoted as being ‘all about body positivity’ with celebrity presenters Anna Richardson, former Love Island contestant Dr Alex George and Yinka Bokinni ‘on a mission to normalise all body types, champion our differences and break down stereotypes’.

Ms Richardson, 52, who also fronts Channel 4’s Naked Attraction dating programme, previously described Naked Education as ‘educational, emotional [and] joyous’. 

She added: ‘If you’re curious about your body, and your life’s journey (whatever that may be), then tune in. We all need connection right now.’

A Channel 4 spokesperson told MailOnline today: ‘Naked Education is a balanced body-positive programme that aims to spark conversations and normalise all body types, champion people’s differences and break down the stereotypes that huge numbers of people are exposed to on social media. 

‘All those who took part did so with appropriate consent and background checks, and received support throughout and after filming.

‘A recent episode featured a ground-breaking exchange between two trans men. Channel 4 is proud to give a platform to marginalised voices, and this thought-provoking discussion covered a wide range of topics including gender dysphoria, coming out, gender affirming surgery and being a part of the LGBTQ+ community. 

‘We are immensely thankful to our two contributors for the bravery they have both shown in sharing their stories – we hope audiences find it informative and enlightening.’

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