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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Trans X Istanbul

Director: Maria Binder
Release Year: 2014

Synopsis:
"Trans X Istanbul" (2014), directed by Maria Binder, is a poignant documentary that delves into the lives of transgender individuals in Turkey, particularly focusing on Ebru, a transgender woman from Istanbul. The film explores the increasing violence against transgender people in Turkey, shedding light on their struggles for survival in a society that often marginalizes and persecutes them. The film not only captures the personal journey of Ebru, but also highlights the systemic issues faced by the transgender community in a society where hate crimes against them often go unpunished, and where societal and state exclusion is pervasive. 
 
In Turkey, thousands of transgender women live in major cities like Istanbul, yet their lives are constantly under threat. In recent years, there has been a disturbing rise in the number of transgender women murdered, with at least 49 transgender women killed in just two years. Despite the severity of these crimes, the police rarely investigate them thoroughly, and when they do, perpetrators often face minimal punishment or are exempt from prosecution altogether. Ebru, who has been a tireless advocate for the transgender community for over 25 years, works relentlessly to raise awareness about the displacement and murder of her transgender peers. Throughout her activism, she has experienced firsthand the exclusion and rejection by the state, society, and even her own family. Ebru's resilience and determination to change Turkish society are evident in her approach to activism. She fights not only against the violence and discrimination that transgender people face but also against the pervasive social attitudes that perpetuate these injustices. With humor, self-irony, and sharp political insight, she seeks to bring about change. One of the key highlights of Ebru's journey is her partnership with Margarethe, an 85-year-old retired German nurse and mother of the film’s director, Maria Binder. Together, they establish Turkey’s first-ever old-age home specifically for transgender people, a project that underscores the vulnerability of transgender individuals, especially as they age. 
 
The film reflects broader social movements in Turkey, particularly the Gezi Park protests, which represent a fight against urban transformation and political oppression in Istanbul. The documentary does not just focus on the struggles of transgender individuals but also connects their fight to wider social movements, illustrating how issues of urban change, political unrest, and human rights intersect. Ebru's activism is deeply entwined with these larger forces, as she navigates the complexities of advocating for transgender rights in a society that often views them with suspicion and disdain. As Maria Binder points out, transgender individuals in Turkey face a unique set of challenges that go beyond discrimination based on gender identity. “Everywhere they go, they are expelled,” Binder explains. “More than the gay community because of their visibility, because they have already been expelled by their families.” The struggles of transgender individuals in Turkey are not isolated, though. As Binder emphasizes, the persecution of transgender people is a global issue, and it is not confined to Turkey alone. Even in Europe, there are ongoing debates within the transgender community about the lack of serious attention given to their murders and the inadequate legal protections in place. 
 
Despite the fact that being transgender is not illegal in Turkey, there are no specific laws that protect transgender individuals from discrimination or violence. The struggle to introduce progressive gender identity and sexual orientation laws in Turkey has been ongoing for years, but, as Binder notes, these efforts have been unsuccessful. While President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has publicly stated that LGBTQI individuals deserve equal rights, his actions have not matched his words, and there has been little progress in creating legal protections for gender minorities in Turkey. The situation is markedly different in countries like Pakistan, where transgender individuals have legal recognition and protections. In Pakistan, for example, transgender individuals can apply for a transgender-specific identity card without needing to undergo gender-reassignment surgery. In contrast, Turkey's legal framework remains stagnant, offering limited opportunities for transgender people to gain the recognition and rights they deserve. This lack of legal recognition, as Binder observes, continues to fuel the discrimination and violence faced by transgender individuals in Turkey. 
 
Ebru's personal journey is one of resilience and defiance. Throughout her life, she has encountered profound rejection—from her family, society, and the state. Yet, she has turned these painful experiences into fuel for her activism. Despite facing life-threatening violence, Ebru continues to question her society's norms with courage and self-reflection. In addition to her activism, Ebru has become an educator and advocate for human rights, using her platform to raise awareness about the systemic issues faced by transgender people. One of her notable achievements is the creation of the first transgender orchestra in Turkey, a groundbreaking initiative that provides a space for transgender individuals to come together and express themselves through music. In a powerful moment in the film, Ebru confronts her family after 20 years of estrangement, challenging them to accept her identity. This confrontation is not just about personal reconciliation; it is symbolic of the broader struggle for transgender people to be recognized and accepted by their families, communities, and the state. Ebru’s determination to pursue justice is also reflected in her decision to study law and become a human rights lawyer. Through her studies, she hopes to become the first transgender human rights lawyer in Turkey, a significant milestone for the community. Ebru’s story is not just one of personal survival, but of hope for systemic change. Her journey exemplifies the power of individual action in the face of systemic oppression and serves as an inspiration for transgender individuals both in Turkey and around the world. 
 
In addition to her work as a filmmaker, Maria Binder is a passionate human rights advocate. She has spent years working on projects aimed at addressing issues of exclusion, particularly in relation to gender minorities. Her efforts extend beyond the film industry, as she and her colleagues are actively involved in establishing a transgender refugee home in Turkey to provide support for LGBTQI refugees, especially those fleeing the war in Syria. Transgender refugees, Binder explains, face particularly harsh conditions, as they are highly vulnerable to abuse and harassment in refugee camps. The lack of adequate support and legal protection for transgender refugees underscores the urgency of creating safe spaces and legal frameworks for transgender individuals. Binder’s work on "Trans X Istanbul" is part of a broader commitment to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and to expose the mechanisms of exclusion that perpetuate discrimination and violence. Through her films and activism, Binder strives to create a world where transgender people are not only visible but also protected, respected, and celebrated. 
 
"Trans X Istanbul" is a powerful and emotional documentary that captures the struggle of transgender individuals in Turkey, highlighting the personal and collective challenges they face in a society that often marginalizes and persecutes them. Through the lens of Ebru's activism, the film sheds light on the lack of legal protections, the widespread violence, and the societal rejection faced by transgender people in Turkey. However, it also offers a message of hope and resilience, showcasing the transformative power of activism, solidarity, and self-determination. Ebru’s story is not just one of survival; it is a testament to the possibility of change, both on a personal and societal level.
 
via: Vimeo
Image credits: Vimeo
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