David Paisley is a Scottish actor and trans-inclusive LGBTQ+ rights activist.
Background
Paisley was born February 2, 1979 is originally from Falkirk. Paisley is one of seven children; Paisley’s parent Janet Paisley is a noted author.
David Paisley began acting as a teen and came out as gay at age 18. Paisley studied at University of Glasgow and Glasgow Caledonian University before committing to acting full-time.
Paisley is known for roles in Tinsel Town, River City, Holby City, Casualty, and Eastenders.
Transgender activism
Paisley has been critical of trans-exclusionary queers like the LGB Alliance.
In 2021, Paisley had a dispute with Joanna Cherry, a Scottish politician and gender critical activist. Paisley called out Cherry for making a donation to a crowdfunder backed by anti-trans pressure group Fair Cop. Cherry sent a letter demanding Paisley retract the message, apologize, pay £500 to a charity of Cherry’s choice, and pay £2,000 in legal costs.
Following significant online abuse, Paisley considered deleting all social media accounts and leaving Scotland.
References
Rodger, Hannah (February 21, 2021). MP Cherry’s £2500 defamation claim ‘could have chilling effect’ on holding power to account. HeraldScotland https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19106164.mp-cherrys-2500-defamation-claim-could-chilling-effect-holding-power-account/
Duffy, Nick (February 22, 2021). ‘Gender critical’ MP Joanna Cherry demanded actor who questioned ties to anti-trans group pay £2,500. PinkNews https://www.thepinknews.com/2021/02/22/joanna-cherry-david-paisley-trans-defamation-letter-fair-cop-mp/
Rodger, Hannah (February 21, 2021). David Paisley publishes letter sent by Joanna Cherry’s lawyers. HeraldScotland https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19107223.david-paisley-publishes-letter-sent-joanna-cherrys-lawyers/
Harrison, Jody (August 31, 2001). River City actor David Paisley to leave Scotland as he no longer feels “safe.” HeraldScotland https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/homenews/19548743.river-city-actor-david-paisley-leave-scotland-no-longer-feels-safe/
Media
Attitude Magazine (June 17, 2021). Former Holby City star David Paisley on his fight against transphobia and the LGB Alliance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekwvpqraXIU
Resources
Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)
IMDb (imdb.com)
Twitter (twitter.com)
- DavidPaisley [deleted]