TransMilitary

2018, English, Jennifer Peace, Laila Villanueva, USA,

Director: Gabriel Silverman and Fiona Dawson
Release Year: 2018

Synopsis:

"TransMilitary" (2018) is an extraordinary documentary that takes a courageous, humanistic look at the struggles of transgender service members in the United States Armed Forces. Directed by Gabriel Silverman and Fiona Dawson, this film tells the powerful and emotional stories of four transgender individuals who are risking their careers and families' livelihoods to serve their country openly and fight for their right to do so.

 

Amid the backdrop of a ban on transgender people serving in the U.S. military — a policy that was temporarily lifted and then reinstated under the Trump administration — "TransMilitary" highlights the dedication, sacrifice, and resilience of these individuals, who continue to risk everything for the freedom they defend. The documentary is notable for its poignant portrayal of transgender service members who embody the paradox of fighting for a nation that refuses to grant them equal rights. It was recognized for its raw emotional power and authenticity, winning the "2018 SXSW Audience Award" for Best Documentary, a testament to its ability to engage and resonate deeply with audiences. The film also highlights the complexity of the transgender experience within the context of military service, offering a personal, behind-the-scenes look at the lives of these individuals. 

 

The heart of "TransMilitary" lies in the stories of four individuals: "Senior Airman Logan Ireland", "Corporal Laila Villanueva", "Captain Jennifer Peace", and "First Lieutenant El Cook". These are not just personal narratives; they represent the approximately "15,500 transgender people" who serve in the U.S. military, the largest employer of transgender individuals in the nation. Each of these service members has made the difficult choice to come out as transgender to their superiors, putting their careers at risk in hopes of securing the equal right to serve openly. Before 2016, transgender people were banned from serving in the military under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which prevented LGBTQ+ individuals from serving openly. In 2016, the Obama administration lifted the ban, allowing transgender people to serve openly for the first time in U.S. military history. However, this progress was quickly threatened by the Trump administration, which attempted to reinstate the ban in 2017 through a series of controversial tweets and policy directives. The film chronicles this turbulent time, showing how the hope of equality for transgender service members is continually jeopardized by political shifts and public discourse. 

 

Each of the four subjects featured in "TransMilitary" has a unique story, but they all share the common struggle of fighting for their right to serve authentically. The documentary delves into their personal, professional, and familial lives, shedding light on the human side of a politically charged issue. Logan Ireland, a senior airman stationed in Kandahar, Afghanistan, was born a woman but transitioned to live as a man. He served in a combat zone for several years, and his fellow soldiers had no idea he was transgender. His journey of self-acceptance and his efforts to come out within the military environment are central to the documentary. Logan’s bravery and resilience in confronting the potential consequences of living authentically are powerful themes throughout the film. Laila Villanueva, a corporal who transitioned while serving, offers a perspective on the struggles faced by transgender people in the military prior to the 2016 policy change. Laila recalls the moment when the “Don't Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was repealed under President Obama, allowing gay and lesbian service members to serve openly. However, she was shocked to learn that this did not apply to transgender individuals, leaving her with limited rights. Through Laila's story, "TransMilitary" paints a picture of the inequalities transgender service members faced even in an era of greater LGBTQ+ rights.

 

Jennifer Peace, a captain who transitioned while in the military, represents the struggles of those who have served long careers in the military before coming out. After being outed as transgender, Jennifer’s professional life took an unexpected turn. She was forced to navigate military regulations concerning dress codes and personal presentation, all while continuing to perform her duties at a high level. Jennifer's involvement with "SPARTA" — an advocacy group for LGBTQ+ military personnel — is a key element of her story and reflects her ongoing fight to achieve equal treatment for herself and other transgender troops. El Cook, a black transgender man from Houston, offers a glimpse into the intersection of race, gender, and military service. El’s journey is not just about navigating military rules and regulations but also dealing with societal and institutional biases. His story demonstrates the unique challenges that transgender people of color face within the military. Throughout the film, the protagonists engage in behind-the-scenes advocacy efforts, meeting with top military brass and Pentagon officials to push for policy change. Their efforts culminate in a series of pivotal meetings in which they successfully lobby for the end of the military’s transgender ban. However, the victory is short-lived, as the film takes a sudden turn with the election of President Donald Trump, whose tweets and policy decisions threaten to reverse all the progress made. The film reveals that while individual service members are often accepted and respected by their peers and superiors, the policies governing military service are shaped by political leaders who may not understand or empathize with the lives of transgender people. The ongoing battle to change military policy is depicted as not only a fight for equality but also a fight for dignity, for the right to serve without hiding one’s true identity.

 

Upon its release, "TransMilitary" received widespread critical acclaim for its honest and moving portrayal of transgender service members. It was praised for humanizing the issue of transgender rights in a way that goes beyond politics and policy, focusing on the personal stakes of the individuals involved. Beth Sullivan of the Austin Chronicle described the film as "informative and visually engaging," while John DeFore of The Hollywood Reporter called it "an affecting and, despite present circumstances, hopeful doc." The film was noted for its ability to bring viewers into the personal lives of the service members, allowing them to understand the challenges and triumphs of these individuals on a deeply emotional level. The film's focus on individual stories makes it a persuasive and empathetic argument for tolerance and equality, demonstrating that transgender service members are capable and deserving of the same opportunities as their cisgender counterparts. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing political struggles that LGBTQ+ individuals face, even in 2018. 

 

At its core, "TransMilitary" is a documentary about human dignity. It challenges the prejudices that still persist in the U.S. military and society at large, asking viewers to reconsider their assumptions about transgender individuals, particularly those who serve in the military. The film makes the case that the qualities that make someone a good soldier — courage, loyalty, and selflessness — are not determined by one's gender identity. "TransMilitary" is a powerful reminder that the fight for transgender rights is ongoing, and it is a fight that affects not just transgender individuals but society as a whole. The bravery shown by the individuals in the film — fighting for the right to serve their country while enduring discrimination — is a testament to their resilience and the power of their voices. By showcasing their struggles, Silverman and Dawson have created a documentary that is both a celebration of progress and a call to action for greater equality. In the end, "TransMilitary" is more than just a documentary about a group of transgender individuals in the military; it is a moving exploration of the complex intersection of identity, service, and the pursuit of justice. As the struggle for transgender rights continues, "TransMilitary" stands as an important piece of the conversation, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who risk everything to protect a country that does not always protect them.

 

via: youtube

wikipedia
imdb

Image credits: YouTube