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.
Director: Lionel Bernard and Christophe Campos
Release Year: 1995
Synopsis:
The documentary was aired on CANAL+ in 1995. It portrays the French community of transgender divas, their stage performances, and their interactions with society.
One of the main characters is Coccinelle, also known as Jacqueline Charlotte Dufresnoy, a French actress, entertainer, and singer. She was a transgender icon, being one of the first widely publicized post-war gender reassignment cases in Europe.
God Save the Queens, a compelling documentary directed by Christophe Campos and aired on CANAL+ in 1995, offers an intimate portrait of the vibrant world of transgender divas in France. This 41-minute film captures not only the artistry and performances of these individuals but also their interactions with society at large, showcasing the complex dynamics of identity, acceptance, and resilience.
1995,
Carmen Xtravaganza,
Coccinelle,
Crystal LaBeija,
Doris Fish,
French,
Psicosis Gonsales,
Rachel Harlow,
Authors: Jo Ryan, Peter Welch, Dorothy Ahlgren
Release Year: 1995
Synopsis:
The 18-minute educational film A Transgender Path takes its viewers on a powerful and introspective journey through the life of Joelle Ruby Ryan, a University of New Hampshire (UNH) lecturer and advocate for gender inclusivity. In this documentary-style piece, Joelle shares the intimate and personal experiences of her transition from male to female, offering a rare and candid insight into the complex and often misunderstood world of transgender identity.
Authored by Jo Ryan, Peter Welch, and Dorothy Ahlgren, A Transgender Path is not only an exploration of Joelle's life but also an educational tool that aims to broaden viewers' understanding of transgender issues.
The film acts as a valuable resource for both those who are unfamiliar with or curious about the transgender experience and for those seeking a more nuanced perspective on gender identity. By weaving together personal reflections, expert commentary, and testimonies from friends, family, and colleagues, A Transgender Path creates an evocative portrait of the life of a transgender individual navigating a world that is often at odds with their lived reality.
1995,
English,
Joelle Ruby Ryan,
USA,
Director: Barry Shils
Release Year: 1995
Synopsis:
In 1995, director Barry Shils captured the vibrant, flamboyant world of New York City's annual drag festival in Wigstock: The Movie. The documentary, which provides an insider's look at the 1994 edition of the Wigstock festival, not only showcases the electrifying performances that made the event legendary but also explores the deeper cultural significance of drag and gender expression. As a historical document of an iconic moment in queer culture, Wigstock: The Movie remains a fascinating and essential viewing experience for anyone interested in the intersection of art, identity, and performance.
Wigstock, which began in 1984 as an impromptu drag gathering in the East Village of Manhattan, quickly grew into one of the most celebrated drag festivals in the world. For a decade, it served as both a riotous celebration of queer culture and a vibrant platform for drag artists to showcase their talents. The festival's name, a playful fusion of "wig" (a key drag accessory) and " Woodstock" (the legendary 1969 music festival), encapsulated its ethos of flamboyance, creativity, and freedom of expression.
By the time of the 1994 festival, Wigstock had become a cornerstone of the New York City drag scene, attracting a broad and diverse crowd from across the city and beyond. The event was known for its performances, which blended music, fashion, and irreverence with political subtext, all while maintaining an unapologetically transgressive spirit. Wigstock: The Movie captures this energy, offering a snapshot of a moment in time when drag and queer performance were gaining mainstream visibility but still operated on the fringes of popular culture.
1995,
Alexis Arquette,
Drag Queen,
English,
USA,
Producer: Brian Huberman
Release Year: 1995
Synopsis:
"Folks operating outside of what our society considers ‘normal’ tend to be very shy, retiring people. On the contrary, McGuire had no problems functioning as the head of a construction company."
"When I met her, she was already dressing full-time. She’s incredibly powerful and courageous.
There is one scene — I should have kept it — where we are in her house, and she is pissed off about something. I was asking her about all her illegal activities again and she let me have it, shouting: ‘I’m doing all the talking, revealing myself; and you never say anything!’"
Trailer:
