CBeebies aired an instructional clip about how clownfish may transition from ‘being a male fish to a lady fish,’ which sparked some controversy.
Dodge T Dog, the channel’s talking puppet dog, also mentioned that they can switch from ‘a lady fish to a guy fish.’
Clownfish are hermaphrodites, which means they are born with both sets of reproductive organs, according to Dodge. If the alpha female in their group dies, they can transform from male to female.
‘Not all fish can change gender, but many can. ‘The globe is a very great place,’ he said.
Because the BBC channel is intended at children aged six and under, the language is kept simple. Some have criticised the show for attempting to persuade young minds that anyone can change gender.
The Safe Schools Alliance describes itself as a “grassroots organisation that campaigns to maintain child safeguarding in schools.” stated the show was’indoctrinating children into the ideological idea of turning from a male to a girl.’
They went on to say that the BBC’sends in the clownfish for Pride month to target youngsters and, once again, fails in their safeguarding role.’
One irate viewer accused the BBC of attempting to conceal their true intentions.
‘The fact that there’s clearly been a meeting where this was discussed in terms of trans but they’ve also tried to maintain the plausible deniability of “it’s just a fun fact about fish!” is extremely disappointing,’ they wrote.
Another added: ‘The frustrating thing is, it IS interesting that some fish can change sex. I like kids being taught fascinating science facts. But it’s so clear what the agenda is here with the language, timing & no clarification that this is an UNUSUAL feature of fish.’
Former councilor Caroline FFiske said: ‘Why are we hearing so much about sex habits of fish species? Sadly we know – the goal is to undermine simple science; but humans can’t change sex & we don’t have inner gender identities. But fish? It’s a red herring.’
Why are we hearing so much about sex habits of fish species? Sadly we know – the goal is to undermine simple science; but humans can't change sex & we don't have inner gender identities. But fish? It's a red herring. https://t.co/ItlsRY0kwo
— Caroline ffiske (@carolinefff) June 6, 2023
The fact that there's clearly been a meeting where this was discussed in terms of trans but they've also tried to maintain the plausible deniability of "it's just a fun fact about fish!" is extremely disappointing
— Siôn (@sion___jones) June 4, 2023
Not everyone agreed with this rationale. One person commended the BBC: ‘Love seeing representation on children’s TV! Let’s teach the little ones about acceptance and diversity early on.’
‘Just saw a transphobe account getting mad at the BBC for teaching children about clownfish changing sex.
‘Maybe if you are yelling at the BBC for teaching children about fish you need to think about your choices. Perhaps log off. Maybe go to the aquarium,’ one person fired back.
Just saw a transphobe account getting mad at the BBC for teaching children about clownfish changing sex. Maybe if you are yelling at the BBC for teaching children about fish you need to think about your choices. Perhaps log off. Maybe go to the aquarium.
— Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord (@Iridescent) June 5, 2023
‘While this episode shown at the start of June was not developed expressly for Pride month, CBeebies’ ‘Everyone’s Welcome’ attitude encourages diversity, and we screen segments on a number of relevant issues throughout the year,’ a BBC spokeswoman said.
People take issue with Peppa Pig’s promotion of Pride.
