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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XY Chelsea

Director: Tim Travers Hawkins
Release Year: 2019

Synopsis:
"XY Chelsea" (2019) is a poignant and revealing documentary that chronicles the life of Chelsea Manning after her release from prison, following her conviction in 2013 for the unauthorized disclosure of classified military documents. Directed by Tim Travers Hawkins, the film gives viewers an intimate look into Manning’s personal and political transformation as she emerges as an outspoken activist, public figure, and political candidate. Through her journey, the film explores themes of identity, freedom, justice, and the intersections of gender and politics.
 
The documentary stands as an important cultural artifact, shedding light on Manning's experience as a transgender woman in the public eye, grappling with the trauma of her past, and navigating her newfound freedom after seven years of imprisonment. "XY Chelsea" premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in May 2019 and was later distributed by Showtime in the U.S. and Dogwoof in the U.K. Chelsea Manning was born Bradley Manning in 1987 in Oklahoma. She was an Army intelligence analyst who became internationally known in 2010 when she leaked over 700,000 classified military documents, including diplomatic cables and battlefield reports, to WikiLeaks. These leaks provided unprecedented insight into U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and sparked debates about government transparency, national security, and the ethics of whistleblowing.
 
Manning was arrested in 2010, tried in 2013, and sentenced to 35 years in prison for violating the Espionage Act and other charges. Throughout her incarceration, Manning’s case became a flashpoint for discussions about gender identity and civil rights. Manning publicly came out as a transgender woman in 2013, announcing that she would like to be referred to as Chelsea and that she was seeking gender transition treatment. This revelation sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some supporting her gender identity and others criticizing her for what they saw as a tactic to distract from her criminal conviction. After serving nearly seven years of her sentence, Manning’s sentence was commuted by President Barack Obama in January 2017, and she was released from the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth. Following her release, Manning faced the daunting task of rebuilding her life outside of the prison system.
 
The documentary "XY Chelsea" opens a window into Manning’s post-prison life, capturing her transition both as a person and as an activist. It follows Manning as she embarks on a new chapter, returning to activism, engaging with the press, and even attempting to run for the U.S. Senate. The film offers a raw look at her struggles, triumphs, and the challenges of living in the public eye, particularly as a transgender woman and political figure. One of the most compelling aspects of the film is its focus on Manning's gender transition. Throughout her incarceration, Manning experienced gender dysphoria, and while in prison, she fought for access to gender-affirming medical treatment. In 2015, after years of advocacy, the U.S. military approved hormone therapy for Manning, and she began her transition while incarcerated. The film gives viewers a deeply personal glimpse into Manning’s journey as she navigates the complex emotional and physical challenges of transitioning, even while dealing with the trauma of her past. "XY Chelsea" also highlights Manning’s efforts to reclaim her voice and public identity after her release. The film documents her attempt to re-enter the political landscape, including her bid for a U.S. Senate seat in Maryland, where she sought to use her platform to advocate for issues such as government transparency, criminal justice reform, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her Senate campaign, which was widely considered a symbolic gesture, underscores her determination to remain an active voice in American politics despite the barriers she faces as a former prisoner and transgender woman. 
 
In addition to Manning herself, the documentary features a range of individuals who have been instrumental in her journey. Key figures include her attorney Nancy Hollander, who is seen advocating for Manning's legal and human rights, and Chase Strangio, an ACLU lawyer who fought for Manning’s right to receive hormone treatment while in prison. Other supporters, such as Manning’s family members and activists from the LGBTQ+ community, also make appearances in the film, providing valuable context for Manning’s life and activism. The film also highlights the significant role played by Manning’s legal team and allies in pushing for her release and advocating for her rights while incarcerated. These individuals are portrayed as steadfast defenders of Manning’s dignity, fighting for recognition of her gender identity and the rights of transgender individuals within the justice system. Their support became particularly vital as Manning’s case evolved, from the early days of her arrest to her eventual release. 
 
At its core, "XY Chelsea" is a documentary about identity and transformation. The film focuses heavily on Manning’s personal growth as she comes into her own as a transgender woman and moves beyond the constraints of her military career and criminal past. Manning’s journey is a testament to the power of self-determination and the resilience of individuals who confront systemic injustice and personal trauma. The documentary also addresses broader issues of government transparency, whistleblowing, and the ethics of surveillance. Manning’s actions in releasing classified information continue to spark debate about the balance between national security and the public's right to know. In "XY Chelsea", the filmmakers do not shy away from exploring these themes, but they present Manning’s actions through the lens of her personal experience. For Manning, her decision to release the documents was motivated by a sense of moral duty and the belief that the American public had a right to understand the consequences of military actions. In addition to Manning’s personal story, the film is also about the larger political and social movements that intersect with her life. Her return to activism, her advocacy for transgender rights, and her attempts to reshape public perceptions of her reflect the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice in the United States. Manning’s life, both in and out of prison, serves as a focal point for discussions about the treatment of transgender individuals, particularly in the criminal justice system, and the challenges they face in achieving equal rights and recognition. 
 
"XY Chelsea" garnered generally positive reviews, though it did not escape criticism. The film holds a 65% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a mixed reception on Metacritic, with some critics praising its intimate portrayal of Manning and her transformation, while others felt the documentary did not fully address the complexities of her actions and political legacy. Nevertheless, the documentary has been praised for giving voice to a figure who remains polarizing but whose story is undeniably important to the ongoing conversation about gender, activism, and justice. Manning’s status as a whistleblower and a trans woman with a controversial past has undoubtedly influenced the reception of the film. While some view her as a hero who risked everything to expose government wrongdoing, others criticize her for endangering national security. "XY Chelsea" does not take a clear stance on these debates, instead focusing on Manning’s personal journey and the struggles she faces as a marginalized individual in a complex political and social landscape. 
 
"XY Chelsea" (2019) is a powerful documentary that captures the life of Chelsea Manning in the years following her release from prison. By focusing on her transition and activism, the film offers an intimate and humanizing portrait of a person who has been at the center of some of the most contentious debates of the past decade. The documentary is a compelling exploration of the intersection of gender, identity, politics, and freedom, and it serves as a testament to the resilience of individuals who seek to live authentically in the face of societal and institutional resistance. As Manning continues to navigate her life beyond prison, "XY Chelsea" stands as a critical reflection of the challenges and triumphs that accompany the fight for personal and political liberation. It is a documentary not just about a single individual, but about the broader fight for justice and equality in a complex and often unjust world.
 
via: youtube
Image credits: YouTube

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