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In case you missed it, comedian Geraldine Hickey is currently gracing Australian screens on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, bringing some much-appreciated queer representation to mainstream TV. I've been a fan of Gez since I first saw her as a recurring guest on Have You Been Paying Attention?, where her dry humour has always been a highlight. With her current stint on I’m A Celeb, it’s been nice to see a different side of Gez, with her reflections on gender really striking a chord.
While I'm not a regular I'm A Celeb watcher these days – though I have fond memories of Julia Morris's hilarious banter with Dr. Chris Brown back in 2017 – I've loved watching the snippets from the latest season on TikTok. And yesterday a clip of Gez discussing gender caught my attention.
In one of her confessionals, Gez introduces the viewers to the concept of non-binary. “Sex and gender are different,” she explains. “You’re born male or you’re born female. And gender is how you feel about yourself, and there are some people that the idea of putting themselves into one or the other just doesn’t sit right with them. So, non-binary”.
After this brilliant, yet simple explanation, the show cuts to a conversation she’s having with fellow contestant, Reggie. "I reckon if I was born maybe 10 years later, I would probably call myself non-binary,” she says. I have huge respect for the way Gez frames this. On top of being a vulnerable moment sharing her thoughts about her own gender, Gez acknowledges the shifting discourse around identity, and how language has evolved. 10 years ago most people didn’t have the language or understanding to know that being non-binary was an option.
Gez’s views seem to echo other conversations I've had with older LGBTQ+ folks over the last couple of years. On more than one occasion I’ve heard someone say "Maybe if I were younger..." in relation to whether they could imagine themselves being non-binary or gender diverse. Whenever I hear this, I am acutely aware of the privilege I have – the privilege of existing in a time where, for the most part, my peers have understood the concept of non-binary genders. Sure, I am still misgendered here and there, but my close friends, family and community see me. They hold space for me and my identity. And they understand that I am a bigger and brighter person because I get to embrace the fullness of my gender rather than trying to squeeze into a blue or pink box.
Gez's comment highlights the changing landscape of gender identity and the impact of growing up in different eras. The increased visibility of non-binary identities, coupled with evolving language and understanding, has likely created a different experience for younger generations exploring their gender. I'd be curious to hear Gez's thoughts on how this shift in the social climate might influence someone's relationship with their own gender identity over time.
I am truly grateful to have moments like this on Australian television, when people acknowledge that non-binary identities exist and are valid. Thank you, Gez, for your honesty, your humour and your thoughtfulness. Good luck in the jungle, you have my vote!
