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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My Transparent Life

Director: Serena Dc and Miko Allyn Quinones
Release Year: 2022

Synopsis:
In 2022, two filmmakers, Serena DC and Miko Allyn Quinones, released a powerful documentary titled "My Transparent Life", which delves into the complex and personal journeys of two transgender individuals. The film follows Jesse Sullivan, a TikTok star, and Stassi Kihm, a celebrity makeup artist, as they navigate their gender transitions. But "My Transparent Life" does more than document hormone replacement therapy and gender reassignment surgeries. It pushes into the deeply human stories of identity, acceptance, and the ongoing evolution of what it means to live as a transgender person in today’s world.
 
The film was well-received and even earned a 2023 Emmy nomination for Best Documentary, further establishing its critical importance in the growing body of media focused on transgender narratives. But what truly sets "My Transparent Life" apart is its deeply personal and intimate approach to its subjects, with the documentary offering a window into the lives of both its stars and the wider transgender community.
 
At the heart of "My Transparent Life" is an exploration of identity, specifically the question: Is being trans a choice, or are trans people truly born in the wrong body? This central question is not merely a theoretical one, but a lived reality for the film’s main subjects. Throughout the documentary, Sullivan and Kihm grapple with their experiences, shedding light on the complexities of being transgender while answering this question from their own unique perspectives. Serena DC, one of the co-directors, is transparent about the motivation behind the documentary. In the trailer, she says, “The reason I’ve embarked on this journey is because I don’t feel the world understands what it means to be trans.” This statement highlights a fundamental theme of the film: the lack of widespread understanding and empathy regarding transgender experiences. For DC, the documentary represents an attempt to foster greater understanding, creating a platform for voices and stories that are often marginalized. The film’s exploration of whether being transgender is a "choice" is complex. For many in the cisgender community, the concept of being "born in the wrong body" remains a point of contention or misunderstanding. "My Transparent Life" takes on this issue directly by showcasing the personal stories of two individuals who have lived through this experience—first-hand. Through candid interviews and moments of vulnerability, Jesse Sullivan and Stassi Kihm confront and clarify this question, offering nuanced responses based on their own transitions.
 
One of the film's most compelling figures is Jesse Sullivan, a well-known TikTok personality with 2.3 million followers. Sullivan is not just a social media star—he is also a trans man raising his daughter, Arlo, and using his platform to chronicle his experiences as a parent and a trans individual. His unique position as a trans father offers a powerful narrative that is often overlooked in mainstream media. In the trailer, Sullivan reflects on his journey, stating, “I also just have always wanted mine and my daughter’s story out there… I just think no one has talked about being a trans parent. That story just hasn’t been told enough.” His sentiment is poignant and speaks to a broader cultural gap in representation. While there has been increasing visibility of trans individuals, stories of trans parents, particularly fathers, remain rare. Through Sullivan’s journey, "My Transparent Life" presents a narrative of fatherhood that is not only trans but also deeply human. As the documentary follows Sullivan’s transition, viewers witness his commitment to both his personal identity and his relationship with Arlo. These intimate moments are pivotal, as they confront the unique challenges of raising a child while undergoing a gender transition. There is a vulnerability in Sullivan’s voice as he shares the highs and lows of his experience, and the documentary captures the emotional complexity of balancing family life with the journey of self-discovery. His message to the world is clear: “If I had one message to the world, it would be that transgender people are way more similar to you than they are different.” This statement encapsulates the essence of the documentary, which aims to break down the barriers between trans and cisgender people. Sullivan’s journey is one of discovery, not just for himself, but for his daughter and, by extension, for society at large.
 
The second central figure in "My Transparent Life" is Stassi Kihm, a celebrity makeup artist who embarks on her own journey of gender transition. Like Sullivan, Kihm’s transition is not just a physical transformation, but an emotional and psychological one. As a makeup artist, Kihm’s career in the beauty industry intersects with her journey in ways that add depth to the narrative. For Kihm, the documentary becomes a tool for exploring both the external and internal changes that come with transitioning. Her work in beauty and fashion allows her to reflect on issues of self-image, confidence, and authenticity, all of which are essential to the process of transition. Through her lens, "My Transparent Life" provides insight into the ways that societal beauty standards can both challenge and empower trans individuals. In Kihm’s case, her professional identity as a makeup artist is closely tied to her personal reinvention. Makeup, in her hands, becomes a metaphor for the transition from one version of herself to another. Throughout the film, Kihm’s journey is marked by a commitment to self-expression and authenticity. As she goes through hormone replacement therapy and prepares for gender-affirming surgery, the documentary captures her experience with both raw honesty and dignity. Her story is one of resilience and courage, offering viewers a chance to witness the full scope of transformation, not just physically but emotionally and socially.
 
While the documentary focuses on Sullivan and Kihm, it also emphasizes the importance of community and mentorship within the trans experience. Both individuals are supported by mentors from the trans community, who provide guidance and advice throughout their transitions. This communal aspect of the film highlights the significance of finding connection and solidarity among those who share similar experiences. Transgender individuals often face challenges not only in their personal journeys but in navigating a society that frequently marginalizes or misunderstands them. "My Transparent Life" emphasizes that the trans experience is not one of isolation, but one that is strengthened by community. Mentors in the film are depicted as sources of wisdom, offering support and understanding that is vital to the healing and growth of those transitioning.
 
The documentary goes beyond just the physical and medical aspects of transitioning. While hormone replacement therapy and gender reassignment surgery are featured in the film, these are not the sole focus. Instead, "My Transparent Life" expands the conversation to include the emotional, social, and psychological components of being trans. The film’s portrayal of Sullivan’s relationship with his daughter, Arlo, exemplifies this broader scope. Through moments of tenderness and vulnerability, Sullivan’s experience as a trans parent becomes a testament to the complexity of gender identity and its intersections with family, love, and care. By showing these multi-faceted aspects of the transgender experience, "My Transparent Life" challenges the oversimplified narratives that often dominate discussions of trans people. It emphasizes that being trans is not just about transitioning—it is about living authentically, navigating relationships, and contributing to society in meaningful ways. 
 
Ultimately, "My Transparent Life" is more than just a documentary about transgender individuals—it is an invitation for the world to empathize, understand, and connect. By offering a raw and unfiltered look into the lives of Jesse Sullivan and Stassi Kihm, the film humanizes the transgender experience in a way that is often overlooked. Through their stories, the documentary reinforces that transgender people are not defined by their transitions alone, but by their identities, relationships, and contributions to the world. As the film’s tagline suggests, "My Transparent Life" aims to show that transgender people are more similar to others than they are different. In doing so, it opens the door for broader conversations about identity, gender, and the ways in which we can all live more authentically and compassionately. In a world where the voices of transgender individuals are often drowned out by misinformation and prejudice, "My Transparent Life" stands as a beacon of hope—both for those who are trans and for the people who are trying to understand them. Through its honesty, vulnerability, and dedication to truth, the documentary helps to illuminate the humanity that unites us all.
 
via: youtube
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