Rose Ayling-Ellis expressed deep emotions over the revelation that an 18-month-old girl in the UK, born deaf, can now hear unaided following a gene therapy trial. She shared a childhood photo on Instagram, reflecting on the implications of this development. Rose questioned the idea of a world where everyone is perceived as “normal,” raising concerns about the potential loss of deaf culture, language, and identity. She emphasized that deaf people have a rich history and questioned the motives behind assuming they need to be “fixed.”
The EastEnders star expressed fear and heartbreak at the news of the gene therapy trial, stating that it felt like the end of something significant. She rejected the notion that deafness needed to be “fixed” and highlighted the achievements of deaf individuals, emphasizing that their experiences and contributions should be celebrated. Rose also condemned the timing of the trial announcement during Deaf Awareness Week, which should be dedicated to embracing and raising awareness about deaf culture instead of focusing on “overcoming” deafness.
Rose’s Strictly Come Dancing partner, Giovanni Pernice, showed his support with red heart emojis, and other public figures like Tasha Ghouri and Tasha Stone also shared their thoughts. Tasha Stone, the first deaf contestant on the Great British Bake Off, expressed pride in her deafness, emphasizing how it shapes her identity, creativity, and community connections. She criticized the assumption that deaf individuals need to be “fixed,” stating that deafness is an integral part of who they are, and taking it away would be detrimental.
The gene therapy trial involved an 18-month-old girl named Opal Sandy, who was born deaf due to auditory neuropathy. Professor Manohar Bance, the chief investigator for the trial, reported promising results close to restoring normal hearing for Opal. The potential of this therapy to cure deafness raised hopes and questions about the future of hearing impairment treatments. Rose and other deaf advocates highlighted the importance of respecting individual choices and celebrating the diversity and richness of deaf culture and identity.
The reactions to the gene therapy trial underscore the complex emotions and concerns surrounding efforts to “cure” deafness. Rose Ayling-Ellis, along with other deaf individuals and advocates, emphasized the significance of deaf culture, language, and identity. They challenged the assumption that deafness needs to be fixed and called for respect for individual experiences and choices. The trial’s outcomes have sparked a broader conversation about the implications of gene therapy on the deaf community and the importance of inclusivity and understanding in diverse societies.
