I agree that it should not be part of the equation - but in our present media landscape, it absolutely is.

Her being transgender will ultimately have a lot to do with public perception.

There is quite a big movement right now to promote the rights of transgendered people, it's like the late 1980's for gay people - wherein stereotypes were being fought against, and issues brought into public discussion.

In the era of 'social justice media' - these bits of identity are all part of the presentation.

Some will regard the 'transgender' as even a deeper transgression of 'norms and values' and to others it might engender deeper sympathies - nevertheless, it definitely adds a dynamic to the story.