Wilma Creith: Belfast’s Pioneering Transgender Bus Driver

Wilma Creith is considered to be among the initial individuals from Northern Ireland who underwent gender reassignment surgery in 1980. At 47 years old, she undertook a significant journey from Belfast to Leeds, only to pass away three days later. An official inquiry determined her death was due to a blood clot, which was attributed to elevated oestrogen levels. Her story gained prominent media attention in 1977, when a tabloid published the headline “Call me Wilma, says bus driver Bill,” and her life has now served as the inspiration for a theatrical production. Suspect Device, a novel immersive theatrical experience, is presented inside a vintage Ulsterbus located within the premises of Belfast Castle. Paula McFetridge, the artistic director, stated that numerous individuals had contacted them to recount anecdotes about Wilma. She stated, “She ferried children to and from school including St Columbanus in Bangor, and Sullivan Upper and Sacred Heart of Mary’s in Holywood,”. Ms McFetridge mentioned that those who communicated with them described her “stoic grace in the way she looked and in the way she handled people.” She further noted that contributors indicated individuals who challenged Wilma were “in the minority,” though some recalled instances of school children exhibiting significant aggression. Mariah Louca, portraying Wilma, reported accounts of the mistreatment Wilma endured. She stated, “A lot of horror stories came out of her time driving the buses,” adding, “That just makes me more in awe of her.” Wilma is recalled as a tenacious and determined individual. Nevertheless, associate director Colm Doran commented that the “humiliation and embarrassment must have been huge” when her image graced the front page of the Sunday World in 1980. Wilma commenced her career as a bus driver following an encounter with Werner Heubeck, who was then the director of Ulsterbus and Citybus. Their initial meeting occurred when Wilma, then known as Bill, a married individual with children, performed electrical work at Mr Heubeck’s residence. Subsequently, he extended an invitation for Wilma to take up driving. When Wilma subsequently informed Mr Heubeck of her desire to live as a woman, he offered her substantial assistance. Ms McFetridge and her colleagues learned from Wilma’s acquaintances that Mr Heubeck granted her five weeks of sick pay, enabling her journey to Leeds and her recuperation from the operation. She further stated: “He was even the first person to ring her after the operation.“That level of support, because it came from the boss, meant that a lot of the bus drivers and a lot of those that were working in the unions, knew that they had to have respect for her and look out for her.” The theatrical work endeavors to commemorate Wilma by drawing parallels with Greek mythology concerning the River Styx, traditionally viewed as the boundary between the realm of the living and the domain of departed souls. Spectators are seated among the performers within the historic Ulsterbus. Ms McFetridge characterizes Wilma’s role as “the eternal bus driver taking a bus of souls to the other side of the River Styx, in this case the River Lagan.” Ms Louca explained, “It’s a promenade production,” adding, “You’re walking up and down the aisle and they really are part of the story. They’re on the bus journey with you.” She concluded, “They get to go on Wilma’s ride with her.” Suspect Device is scheduled to run until 1 December 2024 at Belfast Castle. Kabosh Theatre Company produces it as a component of Belfast 2024 and the Outburst Arts Festival. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.