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.
Producer: Donahue
Release Year: 1990
Synopsis:
In the early 1990s, the visibility of transgender individuals in mainstream media was limited, often overshadowed by stereotypes and misconceptions. Caroline Cossey’s groundbreaking appearance on the Donahue Show in 1990 marked a significant turning point in this narrative. As one of the first transgender women to participate in a talk show with a live audience in the United States, Cossey became a beacon of hope and resilience for transgender individuals around the world, advocating for acceptance, understanding, and dignity.
Caroline Cossey, born in 1954 in England, had already made a name for herself in the fashion world as a model and a showgirl. Yet her journey was far from easy. Before her appearance on Donahue, she had faced numerous challenges, including societal rejection and personal struggles with her identity. However, her determination to live authentically and her desire to raise awareness about transgender issues propelled her into the spotlight.
Her participation in the Donahue Show was particularly significant, as it represented one of the first major opportunities for a transgender woman to speak candidly about her life and experiences on American television. The show, hosted by Phil Donahue, was known for tackling difficult social issues and providing a platform for marginalized voices.
1990,
Caroline Cossey,
Donahue,
English,
Monika Kowalska,
Director: Jennie Livingston
Release Year: 1990
Synopsis:
Released in 1990, Paris Is Burning, directed by Jennie Livingston, is widely considered one of the most significant documentaries in the history of queer cinema. The film offers an intimate, multifaceted portrayal of the vibrant and complex ball culture in New York City during the mid-1980s. Through its detailed exploration of the African-American, Latino, gay, and transgender communities that participated in this underground subculture, Paris Is Burning illuminates themes of race, class, gender, and sexuality in a society that often marginalized these communities.
Over the decades since its release, the film has earned critical acclaim for its candid depiction of the resilience, creativity, and humor of its subjects, many of whom faced profound challenges including poverty, homophobia, transphobia, racism, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It also gave rise to broader discussions about the intersection of identity and performance in queer and drag cultures.
1990,
Anji Xtravaganza,
Dorian Corey,
English,
Octavia St. Lauren,
Paris Duprée,
USA,
