A random collection of films authored by or about my transgender, intersex sisters, and gender-nonconforming persons all over the world. I watched some of them, and I was inspired by some of them. I met some of the authors and heroines, some of them are my best friends, and I had the pleasure and honor of interviewing some of them. If you know of any transgender documentary that I have not covered yet, please let me know.

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Other Nature

Director: Nani Sahra Walker
Release Year: 2010

Synopsis:
Nani Sahra Walker’s Other Nature is a powerful and poignant documentary that sheds light on one of the most groundbreaking legal and cultural shifts in modern history. The film chronicles the remarkable journey of third-gender rights in Nepal, focusing on the activism and personal stories of individuals who identify outside the traditional male-female gender binary. Central to the narrative is Bhumika Shrestha, a courageous third-gender activist and actress whose life and work have had a profound impact on the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Nepal.
 
At the heart of Other Nature is Nepal's historic Supreme Court ruling in 2008, which made the country the first in the world to grant legal recognition to the third gender, a monumental decision that would change the lives of countless individuals. Through personal interviews, grassroots activism, and a nuanced examination of the social and political landscape, Other Nature illuminates both the triumphs and struggles of third-gender people, particularly through the eyes of Bhumika Shrestha.
 
Born in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 11, 1988, Bhumika Shrestha is one of the most prominent voices in Nepal’s fight for third-gender recognition. Assigned male at birth, Bhumika has never identified strictly as either a man or a woman. Instead, she embraces the identity of third gender, a term that, in South Asian cultures, refers to a spectrum of gender identities outside the male-female binary. This identity is known as Tritiya Prakriti in Hindu thought, a concept that has existed for thousands of years. Shrestha’s journey as a third-gender activist began early in her life, as she navigated societal expectations and personal understanding of her gender identity. Her experiences reflect the profound isolation that many third-gender individuals face in Nepal, where societal norms and laws have long been rigidly defined by a binary understanding of gender. Despite this, Shrestha found her calling in activism, eventually joining the Blue Diamond Society, Nepal’s leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, where she works tirelessly to improve the lives of sexual and gender minorities in Nepal. 
 
Her advocacy is not limited to legal battles; Shrestha is also an accomplished actress, with roles in films like Highway (2012) and Kanchhi (2018), where she portrays characters that resonate with the struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities. In 2022, she was awarded the prestigious International Women of Courage Award by the U.S. Department of State, a testament to her tireless work in advancing third-gender rights and gender equality in Nepal and beyond. In Other Nature, Shrestha’s personal journey is explored with sensitivity and care, providing a powerful window into the emotional, social, and political dimensions of third-gender identity in Nepal. Her role in the documentary is not just that of an activist, but also as a symbol of the strength and resilience of Nepal's third-gender community.
 
At the core of Other Nature is the 2008 Supreme Court ruling that forever changed the landscape of gender rights in Nepal. The court’s landmark decision recognized the existence of a third gender, granting third-gender individuals the right to self-identify and receive official documentation reflecting their gender identity. The ruling also mandated that third-gender individuals be granted the same civil rights as male and female citizens, including the right to access healthcare, employment, and education. This legal recognition was the culmination of years of activism, spearheaded by organizations like the Blue Diamond Society, which played a crucial role in advocating for third-gender rights. The ruling not only legalized the existence of non-binary individuals, but it also set a global precedent, inspiring other countries to reconsider their own laws and policies regarding gender identity. In Nepal, this legal shift was part of a broader political transformation.
 
After over 240 years of monarchy, Nepal was transitioning into a federal republic, grappling with the complexities of writing a new constitution. The country was in the midst of a political upheaval, with over 600 political parties vying for influence and shaping the future of the nation. In this context, the third-gender ruling stood out as a progressive move that reflected the country’s desire to build an inclusive society. However, as Other Nature poignantly highlights, legal recognition is only the first step in the struggle for full equality. While the ruling was a monumental victory, third-gender individuals in Nepal continue to face challenges in terms of social acceptance, economic opportunity, and access to healthcare. The documentary explores these ongoing issues, with personal testimonies from activists like Bhumika Shrestha, who continue to fight for a more inclusive society.
 
Nani Sahra Walker’s Other Nature goes beyond a simple chronicle of legal victories. The film delves into the complex web of politics, culture, and religion that shapes the third-gender experience in Nepal. It provides a broader perspective by including interviews with artists, politicians, lawyers, and religious figures, each offering their own views on the politics and ethics of same-sex marriage and third-gender recognition. One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is its examination of the intersection between traditional South Asian values and contemporary ideas of gender identity. Nepal, with its rich cultural and religious history, offers a unique lens through which to explore these tensions. In Hinduism, the concept of Tritiya Prakriti has existed for centuries, and many religious scholars and practitioners argue that this ancient recognition of gender diversity should be honored in contemporary society.
 
Yet, as the documentary illustrates, the transition from traditional beliefs to modern legal frameworks is not always seamless, particularly when societal prejudices and religious conservatism are deeply ingrained. The film also highlights the role of activism in bringing about change, showing how individuals like Bhumika Shrestha are not only pushing for legal reforms but are also engaged in grassroots movements that aim to shift cultural attitudes toward gender. Activists are not only focused on legal equality but also on the social and psychological well-being of third-gender individuals, many of whom experience significant mental health challenges due to discrimination and marginalization.
 
While Other Nature is rooted in Nepal, its message has global relevance. The issues of gender identity, human rights, and social inclusion are universal, affecting marginalized communities in every part of the world. The documentary asks critical questions about how societies define gender and how laws and policies either uphold or challenge these definitions. In countries like the United States and much of Europe, where same-sex marriage has been legalized and transgender rights are gaining traction, Other Nature serves as a reminder that the fight for gender equality is still far from over. It underscores the importance of legal recognition but also highlights the need for cultural acceptance, which is often the more difficult barrier to overcome. The film’s exploration of third-gender issues also serves as a powerful call to action for other countries to consider the rights of non-binary and gender-diverse individuals. It challenges viewers to think critically about their own assumptions regarding gender and the laws that govern it.
 
Nani Sahra Walker’s direction of Other Nature is marked by a deep empathy for her subjects and a keen understanding of the political and cultural context in which their stories unfold. Walker, an award-winning filmmaker, is known for her immersive storytelling and her ability to tackle complex social issues with nuance and sensitivity. Her previous work includes What They Carried, an augmented reality series on migration, and Forced, a short film about survivors of Boko Haram. Walker’s expertise in blending documentary filmmaking with social justice themes shines through in Other Nature. In addition to her role as a director, Walker is a lecturer at UC Berkeley, where she teaches courses on new media, documentary, and journalism. Her academic background, combined with her practical experience in visual storytelling, allows her to create a film that is both educational and emotionally compelling.
 
Other Nature is more than just a documentary about gender rights in Nepal; it is a testament to the resilience of the third-gender community and a powerful reminder that the fight for equality is ongoing. Through the lens of Bhumika Shrestha’s personal story, the film explores the broader themes of identity, social justice, and human rights, offering a profound reflection on the nature of gender and the need for legal and cultural change. As Nepal continues to build a more inclusive society, Other Nature stands as both a historical record and a call to action. It encourages viewers worldwide to reflect on their own attitudes toward gender and identity, and to stand in solidarity with marginalized communities fighting for recognition, respect, and equality.
Image credits: YouTube
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