A Run for More

2022, English, Frankie Gonzales-Wolfe, USA,

Director: Ray Whitehouse
Release Year: 2022

Synopsis:

"A Run for More," a 2022 documentary by Ray Whitehouse, chronicles the emotional and transformative journey of Frankie Gonzales-Wolfe, a transgender woman running for city council in San Antonio, Texas, with the aspiration of becoming the first openly elected transgender official in the state. The film offers an intimate portrayal of Gonzales-Wolfe’s personal growth, political aspirations, and the obstacles she faces along the way, set against the backdrop of a growing wave of legislative attacks on transgender rights in Texas and the South. 

 

Growing up, Frankie Gonzales-Wolfe was instilled with a sense of resilience, learning to fight for her place in the world. However, she never imagined that one day she would have the opportunity to make history as the first openly transgender official elected in Texas. "A Run for More" follows Gonzales-Wolfe through a pivotal chapter in her life, as she questions her relationship with the community and embarks on a political campaign that challenges the norms of local government. The documentary captures her attempt to run for the District 8 seat on the San Antonio City Council, offering an inside look at the unique dynamics of her campaign. As Gonzales-Wolfe grapples with her identity and her place within her community, the documentary also illuminates the broader societal forces at play, particularly the increasingly hostile political environment for transgender individuals in the United States. Filmed over four years, "A Run for More" delves deep into Gonzales-Wolfe’s political journey, while also exploring the impact of her campaign on the LGBTQ+ community in San Antonio and beyond. The documentary showcases how local politics intersects with personal identity and the power of community, while also highlighting the urgent need for more diverse representation in government. 

 

In Texas, as in many parts of the South, state legislatures have been passing laws that target transgender individuals, severely limiting access to essential healthcare, education, and legal protections. From banning gender-affirming care to criminalizing families who support transgender children, these legislative attacks have created a hostile environment for the transgender community. Against this backdrop, "A Run for More" aims to energize the LGBTQ+ community and encourage civic participation through events such as screenings, keynote speeches, and workshops in collaboration with organizations like the Human Rights Campaign. The goal is not just to chronicle Gonzales-Wolfe’s journey but also to galvanize people to take action and fight back against the discrimination that transgender individuals face. One of the most poignant moments in the film occurs early on, when Gonzales-Wolfe is shown at her wedding to Jeff Wolfe, her supportive husband. Clad in a beautiful cream wedding dress, she exchanges vows with Jeff, who is dressed in his United States Air Force uniform. The wedding takes place just after the 2016 presidential election, amidst the disappointment of Hillary Clinton’s loss and the uncertain future that many in the LGBTQ+ community feared. This moment, captured by Whitehouse, is a reminder of the personal stakes in Gonzales-Wolfe’s political journey. The wedding scene, filled with emotion, offers a glimpse into the love and support that fuels her determination to seek political office. As Gonzales-Wolfe navigates the complexities of running for office, her relationship with Jeff provides a source of strength, offering stability in a tumultuous political landscape. 

 

Three years after that pivotal wedding, Gonzales-Wolfe decided to run for city council in San Antonio’s District 8, making history as the first transgender woman to run for public office in the city. When she reached out to Whitehouse to document her campaign, he was eager to support her. Having already established a friendship with Gonzales-Wolfe through their work on the 2016 presidential campaign, Whitehouse saw the significance of her run and the potential for the documentary to inspire others. Whitehouse, who had previously worked on award-winning coverage for "The Washington Post", became an integral part of documenting the highs and lows of Gonzales-Wolfe’s campaign. His involvement in the film reveals his commitment to telling stories that highlight the lived experiences of marginalized communities, especially in the context of local politics. Although Gonzales-Wolfe’s campaign did not result in the political victory she had hoped for, the documentary offers a nuanced exploration of the challenges transgender candidates face, particularly when challenging an incumbent. Gonzales-Wolfe’s campaign also emphasizes the unique hurdles transgender individuals encounter in the political sphere, where their identities are often weaponized and their legitimacy questioned. 

 

One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is Gonzales-Wolfe’s internal journey toward fully embracing her transgender identity. This process is marked by her experiences at a Transgender Lobby Day in Austin, where she met other transgender activists from across the state. Initially feeling like an outsider in the “sisterhood” of trans women, Gonzales-Wolfe was confronted with her own privilege as a “passing,” married trans woman with a strong support system. This realization prompted her to reflect on how she had been running her campaign as if she were a cisgender person, rather than embracing her full identity as a trans woman. Gonzales-Wolfe’s emotional response to these revelations is captured in the documentary, as she recalls feeling “embarrassed” at the Lobby Day, reflecting on how different her experiences had been from those of other trans women facing homelessness, neglect, and marginalization. However, through the encouragement of her friends, including Houston-based activist Monica Roberts, she began to understand the importance of listening to the stories and experiences of other trans individuals. These moments of self-reflection and growth become the foundation for Gonzales-Wolfe’s increased confidence, both as a candidate and as a person. Today, she serves as the Chief of Staff for the Commissioner of Precinct 1 in San Antonio, where she advocates for small businesses, improved infrastructure, and transgender rights. 

 

In the broader context of "A Run for More", Whitehouse emphasizes the critical need for more transgender representation in political offices across the country. Despite the significant legislative battles being waged against transgender individuals, very few openly trans people serve in public office. According to the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, only 50 legislators in the United States openly identify as transgender. Whitehouse points out the stark reality that transgender individuals are subject to laws that directly affect their lives, yet they remain largely absent from the legislative process. This lack of representation highlights the importance of campaigns like Gonzales-Wolfe’s, even when they don’t result in immediate electoral success. The documentary underscores that simply running for office as a transgender individual is a powerful act of resistance, challenging the status quo and opening doors for future generations. At its core, "A Run for More" is not just a political documentary; it is a love story about Frankie Gonzales-Wolfe and her husband, Jeff. Their relationship provides a touching counterpoint to the often harsh realities of campaigning and the broader political struggle for transgender rights. As Jeff speaks at their wedding reception, expressing gratitude for the right to marry his wife and vowing to continue fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, the film reminds viewers of the personal stakes involved in political activism. Despite the setbacks, the documentary closes on a note of optimism, showcasing Gonzales-Wolfe’s enduring commitment to advocacy, her evolving identity, and her dedication to fighting for a more inclusive and just society. Ultimately, "A Run for More" is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of community, and the ongoing fight for representation and equality.

 

via: youtube

wickedqueer.org and washingtonblade.com
imdb and arunformore.com

Image credits: YouTube