Director: Christina Willings
Release Year: 2018
Synopsis:
"Beauty", a poignant documentary directed by Christina Willings, delves into the lives of five gender-creative children as they navigate the complexities of self-expression and identity in a world that often enforces rigid gender norms. Through the voices of Bex, Lili, Fox, Tru, and Milo, the film provides a powerful look into the challenges these young people face as they struggle to live authentically. Whether dealing with bullying, explaining their identities to their parents, or navigating the often confusing terrain of relationships, these children share their stories, highlighting both the difficulties and the joys of embracing one's true self in a society that can be less than accepting.
Christina Willings, a filmmaker with a deep personal connection to the LGBTQ community, explores a subject that remains taboo in many circles—transgender and gender-nonconforming youth. In her film, she presents a sensitive yet empowering portrayal of children living with gender expressions that defy societal expectations. Her own experiences as a member of the LGBTQ community have shaped her understanding of how societal norms can suppress individual expression, especially for young people who don't conform to traditional gender roles. The film sheds light on how some parents, willing to embrace their children's authentic selves, support their journey toward self-expression, even when it goes against the grain of societal expectations. Willings opens the conversation in the documentary by reflecting on the cultural constructs of femininity and masculinity, asking how society arrived at such strict and often contradictory definitions of gender. Drawing from her personal experiences, she notes how factors like exercise can influence gendered expectations, offering an insight into the ways gender is constructed and reinforced.
These reflections led Willings to explore the broader questions of what it means to be male or female, and how much of that is socially constructed rather than inherently biological. She poses questions about the polarities of gender, questioning why society fetishizes certain body shapes and behaviors as “feminine” or “masculine.” Willings' approach in "Beauty" invites viewers to think beyond these rigid structures and explore gender as a more fluid, individual experience. As she points out, we are currently at a cultural crossroads where inclusivity and diversity are gaining more recognition, allowing for a broader definition of what it means to be human. The documentary does not only focus on transgender children but also includes a broader exploration of gender expression. One subject in the film identifies as a female, but her journey is different from others in the film. She doesn’t conform to traditional gender roles or expectations for women. Instead, she embraces a more expansive definition of femininity, free from the constraints of societal pressures to look, act, or dress a certain way. For her, gender is not about fitting into a predefined mold, but about expressing herself authentically in ways that may not always align with conventional ideas of femininity.
When asked about the inclusion of this subject, Willings explained that this girl’s experience exemplified the broader theme of the documentary—expanding the possibilities of gender expression and encouraging a more inclusive view of what it means to be human. The documentary’s purpose, according to Willings, is to challenge viewers to rethink gender in a more liberated way and to be inspired by the authenticity of the children featured.
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Willings' documentary also highlights the power of lived experience. The children featured in "Beauty" offer a unique perspective on gender, articulating their experiences from a young age with clarity and self-awareness. Their ability to express their authentic selves, despite the pressures of a world that often requires conformity, is a testament to their courage. Willings emphasizes that unlike previous generations, which may have been more cerebral or theoretical about gender identity, today's youth can articulate their experiences in ways that resonate deeply with those around them.
The film’s impact is particularly evident in the responses from audiences. After a screening at a high school, three students approached Willings, two of whom were visibly emotional. They shared that they had never seen their experiences reflected on screen before and, for the first time, had the language to describe their own struggles with gender identity. Willings views these reactions as the ideal outcome of her work: a film that not only educates but also provides a sense of belonging and hope to those who may be struggling with their gender identity.
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The film also touches on the challenges transgender and gender-nonconforming children face, especially when it comes to transitioning. One subject in the film discusses their journey of realizing that they felt different from the gender they were assigned at birth. Initially, this realization was organic and unremarkable, as they simply felt more comfortable identifying as a girl and enjoying activities typically associated with girls. However, as they grew older, they began to question their identity more deeply and ponder whether transitioning was the right choice for them. The film captures this evolving process, showing how the subject navigates the tension between wanting to fit into societal expectations and longing to remain authentic to their true self.
For some of the children, the desire to avoid gendered expectations is not about rejecting femininity or masculinity altogether but about creating a space where they can embrace both. They want the freedom to express themselves in ways that may not be fully masculine or feminine, but something in between. This desire for fluidity and freedom is central to the film’s message: that gender should not be confined to rigid labels and definitions.
"Beauty" is not only a powerful exploration of gender but also a work of art in its own right. Willings approached the film with a creative vision that blends documentary filmmaking with artistic expression, incorporating animation and dreamlike sequences to enhance the storytelling. The film’s 23-minute runtime allowed her to experiment with a more stylized approach, creating an atmosphere that is both contemplative and visually engaging. The film has received a positive response from audiences, particularly from young viewers who have found validation in the stories of the children featured. Willings screened the film at several film festivals, including TIFF Kids, the Vancouver Queer Film Festival, and Outfest in Los Angeles, among others. Each screening sparked thoughtful discussions about gender, identity, and inclusivity, with audiences reflecting on the ways they view and interact with gendered expectations.
In the long term, "Beauty" serves as an invitation to expand our understanding of gender, to embrace diversity, and to challenge the societal norms that have long dictated how we should express ourselves. Willings hopes that the film will inspire audiences to engage more thoughtfully with the experiences of gender-nonconforming and transgender individuals, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic world. "Beauty" is a groundbreaking documentary that captures the experiences of young people challenging the norms of gender expression. Through its powerful storytelling and visual artistry, it encourages viewers to embrace the authenticity of gender-creative children and rethink the rigid expectations that society imposes on identity. As we continue to move toward a more inclusive world, "Beauty" offers a much-needed reminder of the importance of self-expression and the freedom to be truly ourselves.
Image credits: YouTube
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