Sex Education is a popular Netflix series about a group of teens who struggle with sex, gender, identity, and relationships. The sitcom is noted for its LGBTQ+ representation and realistic and hilarious depiction of teenage problems and joys.
Transgender Cal, who utilises they/them pronouns, is a major LGBTQ+ character in the show. Cal’s fourth-season Sex Education story arc covers transitioning, coming out, finding love, and overcoming obstacles. Cal’s narrative inspires and informs transgender and non-binary viewers and educates and enlightens cisgender and heterosexual audiences.
Did you know that a real-life trans activist and gender consultant shaped Cal’s tale and affected the show’s authors and actors? Tragically, 24-year-old Shay Patten Walker died in 2022. Shay Patten Walker, a committed LGBTQ+ rights and representation advocate, helped shape Sex Education’s gender diversity plot.
Who was Shay Patten Walker?
They went to school at the University of Greenwich and were born in London. Some of the LGBTQ+ and human rights groups they worked with as a professional speaker and organiser were Gendered Intelligence, UK Black Pride, and the 2021 Generation Equality Forum. They did voice work and hosted podcasts too.
Shay loved promoting gender diversity and inclusivity. They shared their trans experiences and thoughts as people of colour on numerous occasions. They mentored and encouraged many young LGBTQ+ persons, especially questioning and transitioning ones.
Shay, a Sex Education lover, became a gender consultant in 2021. The show’s authors and performers, notably Cal player Dua Saleh, collaborated with them. They helped the programme authentically and respectfully reflect Cal and his narrative and increase LGBTQ+ representation and diversity.
After dealing with mental illness, Shay committed suicide in February 2022. Family, friends, coworkers, and fans mourned and celebrated them. In the fourth season, Sex Education dedicated the fifth episode to them.
How did Shay Patten Walker influence Sex Education’s gender diversity storyline?
Shay Patten Walker shaped Sex Education‘s gender diversity narrative. They advised the show’s creators and performers and offered their personal experiences. They helped the show portray Cal’s trans experience realistically and nuancedly and handle some of trans people’s social difficulties.
Some ways they inspired Sex Education’s gender diversity storyline:
- They helped the show examine Cal’s identity and expression as they changed. They helped the presentation depict how Cal tried different names, pronouns, outfits, haircuts, and accessories and found their genuine self.
- They helped the show convey Cal’s medical, legal, and social change. They helped the show highlight how Cal struggled with waiting lines, fees, and gatekeeping for gender-affirming treatment including hormones and surgery.
- They helped the show highlight Cal’s relationships and how gender identification affected them. They helped the show explain how Cal came out to their family, friends, and partners and had diverse reactions. They also helped the exhibit depict how Cal experienced love, intimacy, and sexuality and how they told their partners their boundaries and preferences.
- They helped the broadcast spotlight trans people’s social concerns and ways to fix them. They helped the play depict how Cal fought back against transphobia, violence, and bullying. They also showed how Cal received support and solidarity from trans and LGBTQ+ persons and joined and contributed to the community.
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FAQs:
Q: How did Sex Education tribute Shay Patten Walker?
A: As a way to tribute to Shay Patten Walker, Sex Education dedicated the fifth show of the fourth season to them. Their work and life served as inspiration for the story arc of Cal in this episode. A sign that said “In loving memory of Shay Patten Walker” was shown at the end of the show.
Q: How did Shay Patten Walker die?
A: Shay Patten Walker died by suicide in February 2022, after struggling with mental health issues. They were 24 years old.
Q: Why was Shay a role model for many?
A: A lot of people looked up to Shay Patten Walker because they were brave, inspiring, and lived their truth. They also made the world a better place. This person was an inspiration to many trans and non-binary people, especially young people, who saw themselves in their work and life.
Q: What was Shay Patten Walker’s role in Sex Education?
A: Shay Patten Walker was a gender consultant for the Netflix show Sex Education, which follows the lives of a group of teens as they deal with problems of sex, gender, identity, and relationships. A lot of work went into making the show, especially with Dua Saleh, who plays the transgender character Cal and uses they/them names.
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