When Media Fails, Community Speaks: A Collective Response to RNZ’s Transphobic Reporting
When a national broadcaster frames tragedy through a lens of transphobia, students speak back. Here, members of UoA’s Rainbow community respond to RNZ’s article with anger, grief, and a call for accountability.
RNZ’s recent article on the tragic death of a transgender teenager pushed a one-sided and harmful narrative that advanced an anti-trans agenda and implicitly associated transgender identity with mental illness. The piece repeatedly deadnamed and misgendered this young person, erasing his dignity while excluding voices from the Rainbow community and ignoring key facts.
In response, Craccum invites student groups and individuals from across UoA’s Rainbow community to share their perspectives, to speak back, be heard, hold space for one another and stand in solidarity.
Statement from Trans on Campus
"Our fellow trans members' response to RNZ’s coverage of the death of Alex has been one of profound grief and anger. We condemn the article as transphobic, accusing it of misgendering Alex and framing his identity as a symptom of mental illness. The article is dishonest, dehumanising, and part of a broader media pattern that silences and endangers the trans community.
Our members shared personal grief, referencing friends and youth lost to suicide, and criticised the role of media like this in perpetuating harm. RNZ and journalist Ruth Hill prioritise anti-trans narratives over compassionate, truthful storytelling. The misuse of Alex’s death has transformed a tragedy into political ammunition.
These voices call not only for accountability and retraction but for a reimagining of how media treats trans youth. Respect, dignity, and truth of our identities."
Trans on Campus is a university-wide group for trans and non-binary students and staff to connect, seek support, and discuss issues affecting the trans community within the university. Connect with them here.
Student Response
For safety and privacy reasons, the responses and comments below are anonymous.
Response 1:
“It is appalling to see such blatant transphobia in our media. Our trans kids deserve to grow into trans adults. 1 in 2 trans or gender diverse folk have seriously considered ending their life (counting ourselves data) yet we do not have the support. How many of us are going to die before someone starts caring? Stop using us as political pawns. We are human.”
Response 2:
“‘When I heard about the RNZ article regarding Alex's death, I was extremely distraught, angry, and upset. That article was incredibly insensitive and disrespectful towards Alex, refusing to use his correct pronouns and framing his gender identity as "an extension of his mental illness’ which is just not true. Disgustingly, anti-trans activists have celebrated the publication of this article and other news outlets like Stuff and 1News have shamefully republished this article on their websites. I'm a part of the trans community myself and I also suffered from mental health problems as well and if I ended up in the same position as Alex, I would vomit at the idea of the media framing my death as the result of my trans identity and using my death to spread anti-trans narratives. I'm so sorry this happened to you, Alex. You don't deserve this. Rest in peace, my angel”
Response 3:
“This is an intentional misframing of the situation to make transgender people appear evil and invalid. It is clearly discriminatory and I am genuinely so disgusted. Anyone with half a brain should see this article is bullshit transphobic nonsense. Shame on RNZ for importing American culture war bullshit towards a tragic individual.”
Response 4:
“It makes me want to puke. Rest in power, Alex—you deserved better.”
Response 5:
“It's a horrible representation of a reality. They are factually lying about what happened and it should be retracted in full with an apology”
Response 6:
“This story absolutely breaks my heart seeing this reporting. I volunteer for Rainbow Youth. I've known trans kids who've killed themselves. It's always due to bullying from peers, family, and institutions like RNZ. TERFs in these institutions know this, and they don't care. The end goal is for us to be dead or bullied back into hiding. The erasure of our trans identities and victim-blaming for our suicides is an abomination."
Response 7:
"In his own words, Alex only wanted to be accepted for who he is. Even in death, Ruth Hill & RNZ couldn’t afford him that dignity. Alex deserved what all trans people deserve – compassion, respect, understanding, support. It sounds simple, but his tragic death and the openly transphobic reporting on it has demonstrated just how necessary caring for our trans community is. It is disgusting that Ruth Hill & RNZ chose to largely ignore the important story of how government agencies neglected and failed a vulnerable young person, in favour of weaponizing his death against the transgender community. That Alex’s death is being used as a points-scoring opportunity by anti-trans figures is ridiculously disrespectful and a tragedy in itself. All of us, regardless of who we are, should be sitting up and paying attention to this. Ruth Hill & RNZ are fanning the flames of transphobia and its violence enacted on the most vulnerable members of our community."
Response 8:
“it's fucked”
These responses represent just a fraction of the pain, anger, and resilience felt across the Rainbow community in response to harmful media narratives. The voices shared here demand accountability and respect in how trans lives are represented and valued. Craccum stands in solidarity with Alex, with all trans youth, and with everyone fighting for dignity, truth, and justice. The conversation is far from over — and it must continue, louder and stronger.
Support and Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, gender identity, or eating disorders, you are not alone. Here are some organisations and helplines that offer support in Aotearoa New Zealand:
- OUTLine NZ
A nationwide support service offering phone and online support for LGBTQIA+ people.
Helpline: 0800 688 5463
Website: outline.org.nz - Gender Minorities Aotearoa
Provides advocacy, support, and education for transgender and non-binary people.
Website: genderminorities.com - Youthline
Support for young people with free phone, text, and online chat.
Helpline: 0800 376 633
Website: youthline.co.nz - Eating Disorders Aotearoa
Support and information for those affected by eating disorders.
Helpline: 0800 334 637
Website: eatingdisorders.org.nz - Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
Provides information and resources for mental wellbeing.
Website: mentalhealth.org.nz
If you’re in immediate crisis, please call 111 or go to your nearest hospital. Remember, support is always available.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the individuals quoted and do not necessarily reflect the views of Craccum, its editors, or contributors. While Craccum aims to provide a platform for student voices and marginalised perspectives, it does not endorse or take responsibility for the accuracy of statements made by contributors or third parties.
