29 June 2024 , 12:46
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When Ash Palmisciano agreed to play Emmerdale’s first trans character Matty Barton, he knew he risked being trolled.
But he felt determined as a transgender man to represent the trans community on TV.
Six years on – as barista Matty waits behind bars after accidentally stabbing Samson Dingle during a transphobic row – Ash has spoken for the first time about the abuse he has suffered as a result.
But he refuses to let insults put him off the role he loves, adding: “I feel proud to be trans, and to play Emmerdale ’s first ever trans character.”
Ash, 34, explains: “Like Matty, I’ve experienced trolling. I’ve heard horrific language and had disturbing threats.
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Ash Palmisciano was initially concerned when he was first asked to join the Emmerdale line-up
But he was shocked how many viewers got in touch to share their expereience (ITV)"But actually when I joined Emmerdale, I was shocked by how many people wanted to talk and share their own experiences. I keep one letter in my bag that’s so touching about the difference the character made to someone, and to their family.
“When I was growing up there was nobody on TV I could relate to so I hope I can, in a small way, show you can grow up and have a good job, a lovely family and a great relationship.”
Ash also learned some coping strategies from his mum Michelle, who died two years aged 60 after battling rheumatoid arthritis for years.
He says: “My mum was very brave. I saw her put on a smile every day, whatever was going on.
“That really helped. It taught me about resilience, knowing that when you’re coming from a good place and you want everyone to be accepted and loved, it’ll come good.”
Keeping his positive vibe, he says some people “don’t mean to be transphobic,” adding: “It’s partly because of the lack of education on being trans.
Natalie Ann Jamieson, Ash Palmisciano, Jeff Hordley, Rebecca Sarker, and Olivia Bromley with the Award for Soap of the Year Award (David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)“I’ve been called things like ‘that trannie from Emmerdale’. One time, a guy had clearly had a lot of alcohol, he was angry and aggressive and came up to my face and told me, ‘No matter how hard you try, you’ll never be a man.
“I know he’d had a lot to drink but surely he must have known how hurtful that can be?”
Ash also receives offensive direct messages. He says: “If I’ve been in a scene there’ll be nice messages, but there’ll also always be transphobic comments.
“Humour gets me through, sometimes I make joke videos [for TikTok] out of some of the inappropriate comments. I have to make sure the negative comments don’t seep in.” He says the abuse does not stop at name-calling: “People touch my chest to check I’m a man and ask me to prove I’m a guy. I wouldn’t dream of going up and touching someone I don’t know.”
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Ash at an event with Gok Wan and Lorraine Kelly (ash.p.x/Instagram)In spite of it all, he takes strength from the positive feedback. Ash says: “It’s heartwarming to hear from so many mums who watch and tell me, ‘Thank you, I’ve now been able to talk to my child about this’.”
Growing up in Leamington Spa, Ash transitioned 12 years ago with the full support of his mum, his dad Adrian, and his younger sister Sophie.
Their pride in him is shared by his girlfriend of two years, Shea, who he lives with in Leeds.
He says: “I have a great network of support – from Shea, my family and friends, to the Emmerdale cast and production crew. They’re all amazing.”
Ash and his beloved mumHe landed the role of Matty in 2018, after a summer school run by the charity Gendered Intelligence.
Emmerdale invited him to consult on a trans storyline, then asked him to audition as Matty.
Over the coming weeks, his character will face hardened prisoners while in prison awaiting trial.
Ash says: “Going to jail would be terrible for anyone. As a trans person, it’s even scarier. Matty is terrified.”
To ensure authenticity, having never been in prison, he worked with two trans men who have. He says: “I’m pleased I got the chance.”
He adds: “I’m positive about the role, I hope it’s the start of more trans people being represented on TV.”
- If you’ve been affected by Matty’s storyline, help can be found by going to genderedintelligence.co.uk