Paris Lees makes history as BBC Question Time’s first out trans panellist

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

History will be made on BBC One tonight when Paris Lees becomes the first out transgender panellist to appear on Question Time.

She will be on the panel alongside Labour MP Chris Bryant, Conservative MP Matthew Hancock, Liberal Democrat MP Jeremy Browne and the author Harriet Sergeant.

Question Time first began in 1979 and it’s understood the programme has never featured an openly transgender panellist – although others (not out about their status) have appeared on Question Time in the past.

In October, Paris Lees topped this year’s Independent on Sunday Pink List.

Along with being a columnist for GT and DIVA, she regularly writes articles for the mainstream press.

Earlier this year, she presented The Hate Debate, a show about prejudices for BBC Radio 1.

She has previously worked with the Gender Trust and Trans Media Watch, and currently works with All About Trans.

Question Times begins at 10:35pm on BBC One.