The world has not yet moved on from the announcement that Jodie Whittaker will be taking on the role of the iconic lead role, The Doctor, in BBC cult classic Doctor Who. To date, The Doctor has been played by twelve consecutive men since his first appearance in 1963, and there is some controversy amongst fans over whether this latest regeneration into a female is acceptable.
John Barrowman
John Barrowman, the ever popular Captain Jack Harkness from Doctor Who and the hit spin off Torchwood, has shown his support for Ms Whittaker at San Diego Comic Con.
God bless John Barrowman pic.twitter.com/xoQNRiKfZG
— helena ⋆ . ✵ * (@doctoorwho) 20 July 2017
Dressed in a sparkling TARDIS dress, Barrowman delighted fans by comparing fan reaction to Jodie Whittaker being announced to when it was announced that David Tennant would replace the first Doctor in the Doctor Who reboot, Christopher Ecclestone. He described how some fans were upset that the new Doctor was so young, but everyone adjusted and he soon became a fan favourite. He went on to discuss how there is no reason the character could not regenerate into a woman, as within the world it is perfectly possible, and if you buy into the world of Doctor Who you have to buy into all the laws that make that world function.
Fan reactions
For many fans, this was a fun way of showing support, and quite classic for known showman Barrowman.
Yes I saw this glorious, amazing video yesterday. Love this man.
— ChrisLanam (@IndyandMarion) 21 July 2017
Oh. My. God. This is amazing! ❤
— Karrin The Paradox (@KarrinAkisha) 21 July 2017
John Barrowman is wearing a TARDIS dress and supporting the new doctor being a woman how can some people not love him pic.twitter.com/dZNlEgDhz3
— helena ⋆ . ✵ * (@doctoorwho) 20 July 2017
While reactions of positivity and love, both for his choice of outfit and the message he sent out during his talk, flowed in, there was also a number of people who were less impressed with his performance, many stating that putting on a dress is a transphobic move.
It's a transphobic move and re-enforces the stereotype that trans women are men. Transphobic moves like this lead to trans deaths.
— Danielle Solzman (@DanielleSATM) 21 July 2017
It is felt that because John Barrowman is a man he shouldn't wear traditionally female clothes as that is what trans women are accused of doing. Barrowman, however, is not a fan of gender stereotypes and would likely state that he's not wearing a girl's dress - he's just wearing a dress.
Imagine someone made a joke out of your identity and then you saw a long list of tweets from people who could care less. I hate everyone.
— Elle (@TransitionL83) 21 July 2017
As people are celebrating Barrowman's choice and laughing along at his flamboyant nature, for some it is seen as making a joke out of a trans identity.
ugghh crossdressing as a joke again
— Querd (@querdcast) 22 July 2017
Fans and the female Doctor
There is still a great deal of animosity about the introduction of Jodie Whittaker as the new Doctor, many male fans calling for a show boycott until the BBC reinstates a male lead, and with former Doctor Who actor Peter Davison stating it is a disappointment due to taking away a role model for boys.
Former Doctor Who Peter Davison says casting of woman means 'loss of role model for boys'https://t.co/St6Qsn14lC pic.twitter.com/q66N2fB8mQ
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) 21 July 2017
However, the overwhelming reaction has been one of support and positivity. Barrowman is one in a line of celebrities and fans to discuss not only why it is a legitimate possibility within the Doctor Who universe, but also a positive choice, and many who have never watched the show have pledged to start when Ms Whittaker takes over the reigns later in 2017.
