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: Emily Goldberg
Release Year: 2003
Synopsis:
Venus of Mars (2003), a documentary by Emily Goldberg, offers a deep and intimate exploration of gender identity, love, and personal transformation through the eyes of its protagonist, Venus, the lead singer of the glam rock band All The Pretty Horses. The film presents a poignant and thought-provoking narrative about Venus' journey as a transgender person, living in the space between male and female, exploring themes of self-definition, love, and acceptance in a world that often demands clear labels.
At the heart of the documentary is Venus' dual identity: on stage, Venus is an unapologetic force of glam rock and performance, embodying the persona of Venus, a bold, confident, and defiant figure in vinyl corset and stiletto boots. The electrifying presence of Venus in front of an audience is not just about music or performance; it's about claiming her space, challenging conventions, and reclaiming her own narrative. In the world of All The Pretty Horses, Venus is celebrated not only for her musical talent but also for her audacity in challenging traditional gender norms. The band's music is infused with themes of rebellion, self-expression, and freedom, mirroring Venus' own journey of self-discovery and transformation.
2003,
English,
USA,
Venus de Mars,
Producer: Remy Blumenfeld
Release Year: 2003
Synopsis:
Miriam Rivera’s appearance on Big Brother Australia 2004 is an important chapter in the history of reality television, not only because of her personal story but also because of the cultural shift it symbolized. As the first openly transgender reality TV personality, Rivera's entry into the Big Brother house marked a turning point in the representation of gender and sexuality in the media. Her time on the show also highlighted the complex interplay between public perception, media exploitation, and the realities of being a transgender individual in the limelight.
Miriam Rivera was born on January 20, 1981, in Mexico. From a very early age, she expressed a clear sense of gender identity, feeling that she was a girl despite being assigned male at birth. Rivera’s gender dysphoria was evident as she displayed a preference for stereotypically feminine activities like playing with Barbie dolls, and she often found herself at odds with societal expectations. By the age of 12, she had already begun hormone treatments, signaling her intention to transition and live as a woman.
2003,
Australia,
Big Brother,
English,
Miriam Rivera,
Producer: Remy Blumenfeld
Release Year: 2003
Synopsis:
In the early 2000s, reality television was at its peak, with audiences ravenous for new formats that pushed the boundaries of entertainment. One show that stands out from this era, not just for its unique premise but also for the controversy it sparked, is There’s Something About Miriam. A British reality TV series that aired on Sky1 in 2004, the show involved six men competing for the affection of a 21-year-old Mexican model named Miriam Rivera. The twist? Rivera, who was introduced as a woman, was revealed in the final episode to be a transgender woman. The series not only shocked its contestants but also ignited a firestorm of criticism over issues of gender identity, exploitation, and the ethics of reality TV.
There’s Something About Miriam was the brainchild of British television producer Remy Blumenfeld and was produced by Brighter Pictures, a subsidiary of the global entertainment company Endemol. The concept was simple: six men, ranging in age from 20 to 35, were invited to compete for a £10,000 prize by winning the affection of Miriam Rivera, a stunning Mexican model. The men took part in physical challenges and went on dates with Miriam, believing she was an attractive, cisgender woman.
2003,
English,
Miriam Rivera,
UK,
Director: Ruth Cullen
Release Year: 2003
Synopsis:
"Becoming Julia", a powerful 2003 documentary directed by Ruth Cullen, is a profound exploration of gender identity, personal transformation, and societal perceptions of masculinity and femininity. Over the course of two years, the film takes us on an intimate journey with Paul, a 37-year-old, single, and straight bus driver in Australia, as he embarks on the process of gender transition to become Julia. The documentary provides an unfiltered look at the emotional and physical challenges Paul faces as he begins living as a woman, while questioning societal norms about what makes someone a man or a woman.
At first glance, Paul seems to embody the quintessential Australian "bloke" — a rugged, car-loving, straight man with an affinity for the stereotypical "Aussie" lifestyle. He enjoys cars, works as a bus driver, and presents himself as masculine in both appearance and behavior. However, as the documentary unfolds, we learn that beneath the surface, Paul has always felt a profound disconnect between his gender identity and the body he was born into. While he outwardly presents as a man, Paul has known for years that he is, in fact, a woman trapped in a man’s body. Becoming Julia becomes an exploration of how Paul navigates this realization and takes steps toward becoming his true self.
2003,
Australia,
English,
