The Believers

2006, English, Miss Major Griffin-Garcy, USA,

Director: Todd Holland
Release Year: 2006

Synopsis:

"The Believers," directed by Todd Holland, is a profound and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the intersection of faith, gender identity, and the LGBTQ+ community. Released in 2006, the film takes viewers on a journey through the lives of the members of the Transcendence Gospel Choir, the world’s first transgender gospel choir.

 

This documentary stands as a groundbreaking exploration of the struggles and triumphs of transgender individuals who seek acceptance in both their religious and gender identities. The story of the Transcendence Gospel Choir is one of perseverance, personal growth, and transformation. Founded in 2001 by Ashley Wai'olu Moore, a professional sound engineer and musician, the choir initially faced many challenges. The choir members, who are transgender individuals, grappled with reconciling their gender identity with the deeply entrenched religious belief that changing one's gender could be considered a violation of divine will. The documentary reveals how the choir members, through their dedication to music and faith, navigate this tension, ultimately finding their place in the sacred space of gospel music.

 

The film features the personal stories of several choir members, each facing unique struggles. One of the most poignant stories is that of Tom, a former radical lesbian feminist who finds himself at odds with both his past and his faith as he transitions. Tom’s journey is emblematic of the broader struggles faced by transgender people within religious communities, where acceptance is often hard to come by. Another key figure in the documentary is Ashley, the choir's founder, who navigates the complexity of leading a community of transgender people while managing the practicalities of being a professional in the music industry. There is also Bobby, a recovering drug addict and former sex worker, whose personal history adds another layer of depth to the choir's diverse membership. The documentary follows the choir from its early, uncertain beginnings—a disorganized and often chaotic group learning to sing with transitioning voices and debating the appropriate wardrobe choices for performances—to their eventual transformation into a polished, award-winning ensemble. The choir’s evolution reflects their collective growth, both musically and personally, and highlights the sense of community and family they develop over time. The Transcendence Gospel Choir goes from struggling with internal conflicts to achieving major successes, including winning the prestigious Outmusic Award in 2004 for their album "Whosoever Believes".

 

At its core, "The Believers" is not just about music or religion; it is a documentary that delves deeply into the personal and emotional struggles of individuals seeking acceptance in two worlds that have historically been in conflict—religion and the LGBTQ+ community. The film captures the delicate balance the choir members must strike between honoring their faith and embracing their identities as transgender individuals. One of the most poignant quotes from the film comes from a choir member who states, “I'm living in a window. I get to see both sides.” This line encapsulates the dual experience of transgender individuals in religious spaces—constantly balancing between two often opposing realities, striving for understanding and acceptance from both sides. The film is a testament to the power of music, faith, and community in creating a space for social change and personal growth. It also emphasizes the complexity of navigating identity, particularly for those who belong to marginalized communities. The choir’s mission is not only to provide a sense of belonging and empowerment for transgender people but also to challenge the traditional, often exclusionary, interpretations of faith. The documentary ultimately portrays the choir as a revolutionary force within religious communities, using gospel music as a platform to confront and dismantle the prejudice, transphobia, and homophobia that persist within many faith-based organizations.

 

The Transcendence Gospel Choir is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and is affiliated with the City of Refuge United Church of Christ. The choir is part of a broader movement within the LGBTQ+ community that seeks to redefine the relationship between spirituality and gender identity. Their performances at events such as the opening of the San Francisco LGBT Community Center and the 2003 LGBT interfaith conference in Philadelphia helped bring attention to the important role that transgender individuals play in both music and spiritual worship. Additionally, the choir's influence contributed to the United Church of Christ's passing of resolutions that affirm transgender participation and ministry, as well as denounce violence against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. The choir’s significance extends far beyond its musical achievements. It represents a powerful challenge to the norms of both religion and society, showing that transgender people can play a vital role in spiritual practices and that their voices deserve to be heard in the sacred spaces of worship. The choir’s work is a testament to the resilience and strength of transgender individuals who are reclaiming their spiritual heritage and working to ensure that faith can be a source of empowerment, not exclusion. 

 

"The Believers" has garnered significant recognition, including the Frameline30 Audience Award for Best Documentary, and remains a vital contribution to the discourse surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, faith, and social justice. It is a powerful reminder that spirituality is not monolithic and that there is room for all voices, including those of transgender individuals, within the church and beyond. By 2014, the impact of the Transcendence Gospel Choir’s pioneering efforts was further felt with the debut of the Butterfly Music Transgender Chorus in Boston, marking the beginning of a broader movement for transgender representation in music and cultural spaces. As more transgender choirs emerge and gain recognition, "The Believers" stands as a testament to the power of faith, music, and identity in transforming lives and communities. In conclusion, "The Believers" is more than just a documentary about a gospel choir; it is a powerful exploration of faith, identity, and the journey toward self-acceptance. The film illustrates how music and spirituality can provide a sense of community and healing for those who have long been marginalized by both society and religious institutions. It is an important story of resilience, change, and the ability to transcend societal expectations, showing that faith can be both a refuge and a revolutionary tool for change.

 

via: Vimeo

wikipedia
imdb and frameline.org

Image credits: Vimeo