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Outlook: Why I came out as trans to the world on America's Got Talent

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Julia Scotti

05/02/2024 GMT

Why I came out as trans to the world on America's Got Talent

BBC World Service - Outlook, Why I came out as trans to the world on America's Got Talent

Comedian Julia Scotti outed herself as a trans woman in front of an audience of millions

US stand-up comedian Julia Scotti wowed an audience of millions when she auditioned for America's Got Talent in 2016 and outed herself as a trans woman.

When a 63-year-old bespectacled woman took to the stage on America's Got Talent in 2016 she got a standing ovation for her stand-up comedy routine. But Julia Scotti also wowed the millions of people watching on TV when she explained that she was returning to a comedy career after spending 28 years on the circuit as a man – Rick Scotti. She tells Jo Fidgen how she almost lost everything before making a triumphant return to the comedy circuit. A documentary has been made about Julia, directed by Susan Sandler – it's called Julia Scotti: Funny That Way.

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this programme, support is available on the BBC Action line website or at Befrienders.org.

Presenter:  Jo Fidgen 
Producer: June Christie 


Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

(Photo: Julia Scotti. Credit: Anne Burlock Lawver)
(Film clips:  Julia Scotti: Funny That Way/dir. Susan Sandler.
Rascal's Comedy Hour.  
America's Got Talent - produced by Fremantle North America & Syco Entertainment. 
The Abbott & Costello Show: Murder at the Radio Quiz Show (1948) - Stardust Records).

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