Home and Away star Sam Frost has shared a powerful message about the importance of using correct gender pronouns, admitting she broke down in tears when she learned a childhood friend was misgendering people.
The actress, 31, told her Instagram followers on Tuesday she was bitterly disappointed in ‘someone I grew up with’ because they had been ‘writing some really nasty comments about pronouns and non-binary gender identity’.
She continued: ‘It completely broke my heart. I was really affected by it, and I can’t think about it without crying, to be honest.’
Emotional: Home and Away star Sam Frost has shared a powerful message about the importance of using correct gender pronouns, admitting she broke down in tears when she learned a childhood friend was misgendering people
‘It’s important to use correct pronouns, because firstly, it’s basic respect,’ she added.
‘Secondly, because it means every single person walking around this earth feels seen, understood, included and valued. Why should anyone have to hide or feel shamed for who they are?
‘We are all equals. We all deserve to feel loved, to feel kindness, to be accepted exactly the way we are.
‘To all my beautiful LGBTQIA+ friends: I love you. I see you. I will always support you. And I promise I’ll do my very best to continue to learn, grow and educate myself, and others around me so you always feel safe, loved and included.’
Statement: The actress, 31, told her Instagram followers on Tuesday she was bitterly disappointed in ‘someone I grew up with’ because they had been ‘writing some really nasty comments about pronouns and non-binary gender identity’. Pictured: Sam’s Instagram post
The former Bachelorette was flooded with praise for her inclusive message, with one fan commenting: ‘As a non-binary person, I very much appreciate this. Thank you.’
Another wrote: ‘Beautiful words. I would be very proud if you were my daughter (I’m very proud of the two I have). Eloquently written with heartfelt honesty.’
The correct use of pronouns is important to many trans people. Using the wrong pronoun, even by mistake when no malice is intended, is called misgendering.
Gratitude: The former Bachelorette was flooded with praise for her inclusive message, with one fan commenting: ‘As a non-binary person, I very much appreciate this. Thank you’
Sweet: Another wrote, ‘Beautiful words. I would be very proud if you were my daughter (I’m very proud of the two I have). Eloquently written with heartfelt honesty.’
Studio 10 host Sarah Harris landed herself in hot water earlier this month when she misgendered Elliot Page during a segment about the Canadian actor – formerly known as Ellen Page – coming out as a transgender man.
Sarah said ‘good for her’ in reference to the Juno star, instead of using the Elliot’s preferred pronouns ‘he’ and ‘they’.
She quickly corrected herself, stammering: ‘Good for them. Good for he. Jeez, that’s confusing already.’
Pronouns: The correct use of pronouns is important to many trans people. Using the wrong pronoun, even by mistake when no malice is intended, is called misgendering. Sam is pictured on Home and Away with her co-star Ryan ‘Robbo’ Shaw, played by Jake Ryan
The TV presenter, 39, addressed the gaffe the following morning, after facing backlash on Twitter.
‘I need to apologise for my reaction that I had yesterday when you first announced the news about Elliot Page. I completely stuffed up the pronouns,’ she told viewers.
‘I got flustered and tried to make a joke and move on. Looking back that was pretty insensitive. It was a genuine mistake and I’m so sorry. Yeah, I’m just… I’m sorry. It was a brain snap.
‘A lot of people say “don’t apologise”, but I felt really lousy and I’d hate anyone to feel like I was attacking them in that way. It was just a moment. I’m really sorry.’
Many viewers praised Sarah for her sincere mea culpa, and urged activists to stop harassing her on social media for what was a genuine mistake.