In 2007, All My Children found itself as the subject of controversy when they introduced the first transgender character in the history of daytime television. The brilliant Jeffrey Carlson portrayed Zarf/Zoe. I remember critics dismissing the characters, and their story of transition as nothing more then a stunt to boost sagging ratings. I vehemently disagreed then, and still do. While I was screaming for then head writer Megan McTavish to disappear just as loud as everyone else, I saw the penning of this story as a bold, daring statement.
I count it a privilege to have followed this incredible journey of love, loss, uncertainty, searching, and acceptance. Was going to go into greater detail, but got overwhelmed.
At its greatest, daytime television can serve to teach. That's exactly what it did in this case, and I will never forget the lessons learned.
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