Former EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite has delivered a powerful and deeply personal message to those who judge transgender people, speaking candidly about her journey as the mother of a trans child.
The actress, 55, best known for her role as Mel Owen, opened up about her son Flo, now 17, who came out as transgender when he was around 10 or 11. What followed, she revealed, was a long and emotional process that reshaped her understanding, her family dynamic, and ultimately brought them closer together.
Speaking previously on the Parenting Hell podcast, Tamzin admitted that adjusting to telling people she now has a son and a daughter wasn’t always easy. She said it may feel natural to say now, but six or seven years ago, it was something she was still learning to navigate.
She made it clear, however, that Flo’s identity is only one part of who he is. She described him as an incredibly funny and intelligent boy, adding that watching him grow into a talented and confident young person has been nothing but a source of relief and joy—especially after what she called some “dark times.”
Tamzin also revealed that family therapy played a crucial role in helping her understand what Flo was going through. Now, she says, the entire family is in a much stronger and happier place, with Flo thriving creatively as an actor, singer, writer and director, while his sister Marnie is also flourishing.
But it was at the British Diversity Awards in London this week where Tamzin issued her most direct response yet to critics.
She urged people to think twice before judging, saying that no one truly understands the journey a person has been on before they come out. She stressed that it is often a long and complex process, and that every individual’s experience is completely different.
Tamzin added that while it may be easy for outsiders to form opinions, if someone else’s identity is not affecting your life, there is no reason to judge—because nothing about the journey is easy.
Her comments come as she continues to be an outspoken advocate for understanding and empathy, using her own family’s experience to challenge harmful assumptions and highlight the importance of acceptance.
