Director: Michael Barnett
Release Year: 2019
Synopsis:
Michael Barnett's impactful documentary "Changing the Game" takes viewers deep into the lives of three transgender teens navigating the world of high school sports. With an emphasis on their personal journeys, Barnett sheds light on the unique challenges these young athletes face as they strive to live authentically in a world that often resists their identity. The film follows Sarah Huckman, a skier from New Hampshire, Andraya Yearwood, a sprinter from Connecticut, and Mack Beggs, a wrestler from Texas. Each athlete’s story unfolds against the backdrop of the ever-evolving debate over transgender athletes in competitive sports.
At the heart of the documentary is Mack Beggs, whose story made national headlines when he won the Texas state wrestling championship in 2017. Despite identifying as a boy, Mack was required by Texas state policy to compete in the girls’ division because of his assigned sex at birth. His victory, which some hailed as an inspiring triumph, also sparked controversy and vitriol from those who argued that transgender athletes have an unfair advantage. The film delves into Mack's experiences, exploring not only his athletic success but the public scrutiny and harassment he endured as a result of his identity.
Through Mack, Sarah, and Andraya, "Changing the Game" presents a powerful and personal exploration of the lives of transgender athletes. These young people face daily battles not just in their sport, but in their larger fight for acceptance and equality. In a world where discrimination against transgender individuals is still rampant, sports provide them with a sense of purpose and pride. Despite the constant barrage of hate and misunderstanding, the athletes featured in the film use their love for sports to affirm their identities and fight for the right to compete on their own terms.
The documentary underscores the resilience and courage required for transgender athletes to not only succeed in their sport but to survive the daily challenges of transphobia, bullying, and harassment. For these athletes, sports are a means of empowerment, a way to channel the negativity surrounding them into something positive. As they push back against societal expectations, they find strength in their achievements and the support of their families.
What makes "Changing the Game" so poignant is its intimate portrayal of these athletes and their relationships with their families. The film highlights the transformative journey of their parents and guardians as they come to understand and accept their children’s gender identity. For instance, while Mack's grandparents are supportive of his transgender identity, their struggle to use the correct pronouns adds complexity to their journey. In contrast, Andraya Yearwood’s single mother provides unwavering support, protecting her daughter from the dangers she faces as a transgender person of color. Similarly, Sarah Huckman’s adoptive parents stand behind her, supporting her both in her athletic pursuits and in her advocacy work to fight against discriminatory policies.
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The documentary also exposes the harmful impact of misinformation, hate, and fear surrounding transgender athletes. As the debate over transgender participation in sports intensifies, conservative voices argue that allowing transgender athletes to compete creates an unfair playing field, especially in women’s sports. This argument, often leveled against transgender women, asserts that they have an inherent advantage over cisgender women. "Changing the Game" challenges this narrative by illustrating the complexities of fairness in sports and showing that for transgender athletes, the fight for self-actualization is about more than winning—it’s about being able to participate and be recognized as their authentic selves.
While "Changing the Game" does not delve deeply into the politics of transgender athletes in sports or attempt to deconstruct the legal arguments against their inclusion, it offers a compelling emotional journey. The documentary avoids heavy-handed politics, focusing instead on the lived experiences of the athletes and their families. Through their stories, Barnett conveys an urgent plea for empathy and acceptance, illustrating how these athletes are not asking for special treatment, but simply for the right to compete as who they are.
One of the film's most powerful moments is when the athletes articulate their identities. Mack, Sarah, and Andraya all make strong, confident statements about who they are, demanding the right to exist as they truly are, without fear of rejection or violence. These moments, coupled with the tender portrayal of their families’ growth and support, offer a refreshing counterpoint to the often hostile discourse surrounding transgender issues.
However, "Changing the Game" does not shy away from showing the darker side of this fight. The film reveals that transgender athletes are often subjected to cruel treatment from peers, parents, and even the media. One particularly troubling aspect is the frequency with which transgender athletes are misgendered or reduced to their gender identity as a source of controversy, rather than being seen as athletes in their own right. The documentary makes clear that these children, often targeted by both adults and their peers, are at an increased risk of mental health struggles, with studies showing that 40% of transgender athletes have experienced suicidal thoughts or attempts.
While the documentary could have benefited from further exploration of the policies and laws surrounding transgender athletes, particularly from those in positions of power or authority, Barnett’s decision to focus on the athletes’ stories provides an intimate and moving portrayal of their experiences. Rather than get bogged down in policy debates, "Changing the Game" puts a human face on the issue, showing the profound impact that acceptance or rejection can have on a young person’s life.
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The stories of Sarah, Andraya, and Mack offer a vital perspective in a time when the rights of transgender people—especially transgender youth—are under constant scrutiny. The film serves as a reminder that these athletes are not political pawns, but real people trying to live their lives with dignity. Their struggles and triumphs are a call for acceptance and understanding, and for the right to compete in sports on their own terms.
In conclusion, "Changing the Game" is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the personal toll that discrimination can take on transgender athletes. By focusing on the experiences of these three teens, the documentary underscores the importance of self-expression, the power of family support, and the need for greater empathy in the conversation about transgender rights in sports. Whether or not one agrees with transgender participation in competitive sports, "Changing the Game" reminds us that at the heart of the debate are real kids, simply asking for the opportunity to live and play as their true selves.
Image credits: YouTube
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