2014,
Anna Thulin-Myge,
Emma Ellingsen,
Leo Behrens,
Norway,
Norwegian,
Producer: Merkur Film A/S
Director: Petter Vennerød
Release Year: 2014
English Translation: Born in the Wrong Body
Synopsis:
"Født i Feil Kropp" (translated as "Born in the Wrong Body") is a landmark Norwegian documentary series that aired its first season on TV 2 in 2014. Directed by Petter Vennerød, the series offers an intimate and candid look into the lives of individuals in Norway grappling with gender dysphoria. It explores their struggles, triumphs, and the complex journey of aligning their bodies with their true gender identity.
The series captivated audiences and quickly gained recognition. Its first season was watched by 638,000 people, which marked a viewership share of over 41%. The emotional power of the stories resonated deeply with the public, and the show won the prestigious "Gullruten" award for Best Documentary in 2015. In 2017, its second season was nominated for Best Cast at the same awards. This success reflects not only the documentary's quality but also its timely contribution to the ongoing discussions around gender identity, societal norms, and transgender visibility.
The core of "Født i Feil Kropp" is to document the lives of individuals who feel they were born into the wrong body — those who experience gender incongruence. This condition is often referred to as gender dysphoria, where a person's gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. The documentary allows the participants to share their personal stories, offering an unfiltered view of their daily lives, the challenges they face, and the emotional toll of undergoing a long and often difficult process of gender affirmation.
The first season of the series introduces viewers to 14 participants of varying ages, from children to adults, each at different stages of their gender-affirming journey. The youngest was only 8 years old, and the oldest was 70. The series follows these individuals over the course of a year, allowing the audience to witness their growth and the sometimes painful obstacles they face.
Among the most poignant elements of the documentary are the stories of children like Emma, a young transgender girl who is part of the first season. Emma's journey reflects not only her own evolving understanding of her gender identity but also the emotional impact on her family, who must navigate their own understanding and acceptance. For many participants, the documentary was a means to not only process their own experiences but to help others in similar situations.
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One of the central themes of "Født i Feil Kropp" is the idea of visibility and acceptance. Director Petter Vennerød aimed to tell the stories of transgender individuals not as "tragic" tales, but as human stories that can resonate with anyone — stories of love, identity, and transformation. Vennerød, who has long been an advocate for marginalized communities, particularly within the realm of gender identity, sought to normalize the experiences of transgender individuals and challenge the misconceptions and stigma they often face.
The documentary does not shy away from the harsh realities of discrimination and prejudice that transgender people endure. Some of the individuals featured in the series had faced bullying, physical abuse, and rejection from their communities and families. Yet, the series also highlights the strength and resilience of those who continue to fight for their right to live authentically.
The second season of the documentary further expands on these stories, revisiting some participants from the first season and introducing new voices. It continues to explore the multifaceted nature of gender identity, shedding light on the emotional and physical transformation many undergo as they pursue their true selves. The series remains grounded in the belief that, while society may still be coming to terms with the concept of gender fluidity, the people featured in "Født i Feil Kropp" deserve acceptance, respect, and understanding.
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of "Født i Feil Kropp" is its deep engagement with personal stories. One such story is that of Lise Marie, a 19-year-old who was born male but always identified as female. Lise Marie's journey is portrayed with deep emotional resonance, from her childhood struggles to the moment she finally comes out to her family as transgender. Through home videos and interviews with her parents, viewers witness the emotional toll this process takes on both the individual and their loved ones.
Lise Marie's story is not unique in the documentary. The show also features André, a 30-year-old man who was born female but transitioned to male. For André, his transition was not a choice; it was a matter of survival. He speaks candidly about the feelings of despair and hopelessness that led him to contemplate suicide, illustrating the life-or-death stakes of his gender journey. His transformation, which includes hormone therapy and surgery, is portrayed as an intensely personal and life-affirming process.
The experiences of these individuals are raw and vulnerable, yet they reflect a larger societal challenge: the need for greater understanding and acceptance of transgender people. "Født i Feil Kropp" does not present these individuals as victims, but as empowered individuals fighting for the right to be their authentic selves. By sharing their stories, they offer a message of hope for others who may be struggling with similar questions of identity.
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Throughout the documentary, director Petter Vennerød emphasizes the importance of creating a society where tolerance and empathy are at the forefront of the conversation about gender identity. He acknowledges that not all stories have happy endings. Some individuals face rejection, bullying, and even violence, especially in areas where conservative views prevail. Yet, there is also the potential for change. Vennerød believes that through visibility and storytelling, societal attitudes can shift toward greater understanding and acceptance of transgender individuals.
In interviews with the participants, there is a shared sense of resilience and hope. They are not looking for pity or sympathy; instead, they are seeking understanding and respect. Lise Marie's experience, for example, shows how family support can be transformative, and her journey with her parents highlights the potential for growth and learning within families. However, the documentary also shows that not every story is one of unconditional support, and the road to acceptance can be long and challenging.
In this way, "Født i Feil Kropp" is both a personal and political documentary. It brings attention to the difficulties faced by transgender individuals, but it also celebrates their strength, courage, and resilience. It is a call to action for more empathy, understanding, and a commitment to creating a more inclusive society where everyone can live as their true selves.
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The impact of "Født i Feil Kropp" extends far beyond the television screen. The documentary has been a powerful tool in raising awareness about transgender issues in Norway and beyond. It has encouraged dialogue about gender identity, helping to break down barriers of ignorance and prejudice.
The series' success is also a testament to the growing visibility of transgender individuals in media and entertainment. Figures like Emma Ellingsen, one of the young stars featured in the series, have gone on to become role models and advocates for the transgender community. Ellingsen, who came out as transgender at a young age, has used her platform as a model and YouTuber to continue advocating for transgender rights and visibility.
The emotional resonance and honesty of "Født i Feil Kropp" has left a lasting mark on audiences, encouraging them to question traditional gender norms and to embrace the diversity of human experiences. By sharing these stories, the documentary has not only informed but also inspired change, helping to create a world where transgender individuals are celebrated for their courage and authenticity.
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"Født i Feil Kropp" (Born in the Wrong Body) remains a powerful, thought-provoking exploration of gender identity. Through its compassionate storytelling, it sheds light on the experiences of those navigating the complexities of gender dysphoria and advocates for a more inclusive and empathetic society.
Image credits: YouTube
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