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.
Directors: Donna McCrum & Andy Canny
Release Year: 2010
Synopsis:
In the realm of documentary filmmaking, few works capture the rich tapestry of identity, culture, and self-expression as poignantly as Sistagirl, directed by Donna McCrum and Andy Canny. This emotionally resonant and visually stunning documentary takes viewers on a transformative journey into the lives of the Sistagirl community of the Tiwi Islands, challenging stereotypes and redefining what it means to be an Indigenous Australian in contemporary society.
Sistagirl centers around the journey of Bindi Cole, an award-winning photographer who embarks on an exploration of Aboriginal identity through her artistic lens. The film is not just a personal narrative; it serves as a broader commentary on the complexities of cultural identity in the face of external perceptions and societal norms. Bindi’s encounter with Jason De Santis, known by his drag persona ‘Foxxy Empire,’ ignites her curiosity about the Sistagirls—transgender women from the Tiwi Islands who embody a unique blend of cultural heritage and personal expression.
The Tiwi Islands, located north of Darwin, are home to a vibrant Indigenous community with a rich history and culture. Within this context, the Sistagirls emerge as powerful figures who navigate their identities while remaining deeply rooted in their cultural traditions. This intersection of gender identity and cultural heritage is central to the film’s narrative, offering a refreshing and nuanced perspective on what it means to be both Indigenous and queer.
Nani Sahra Walker’s Other Nature is a powerful and poignant documentary that sheds light on one of the most groundbreaking legal and cultural shifts in modern history. The film chronicles the remarkable journey of third-gender rights in Nepal, focusing on the activism and personal stories of individuals who identify outside the traditional male-female gender binary. Central to the narrative is Bhumika Shrestha, a courageous third-gender activist and actress whose life and work have had a profound impact on the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Nepal.
At the heart of Other Nature is Nepal's historic Supreme Court ruling in 2008, which made the country the first in the world to grant legal recognition to the third gender, a monumental decision that would change the lives of countless individuals. Through personal interviews, grassroots activism, and a nuanced examination of the social and political landscape, Other Nature illuminates both the triumphs and struggles of third-gender people, particularly through the eyes of Bhumika Shrestha.
Full name: Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel - Transitions
Synopsis:
"Transitions" (2012) is a powerful and insightful documentary directed by Bernardo Loyola that delves into the lives of three transgender sportswriters, offering a nuanced portrayal of their experiences in a world that has historically been resistant to gender diversity.
The documentary follows Bobbie Dittmeier, a writer for MLB.com; Christina Kahrl, an editor and writer for Baseball Prospectus; and Christine Daniels, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times. These women—each with a unique voice and perspective—share their personal stories of transitioning, their experiences within the sports media landscape, and the challenges they face in navigating both their identities and careers. Loyola's approach to this subject matter is both respectful and revealing, providing viewers with a compelling exploration of identity, acceptance, and the intersection between gender and sports.
Director: Marilyn Solaya
Release Year: 2010
Original title: En el cuerpo equivocado
Synopsis:
En el cuerpo equivocado (2010), a documentary directed by Marilyn Solaya, offers a poignant and deeply insightful look into the life of Mavi Susel, a Cuban woman who became the first transgender person in Cuba to undergo sex reassignment surgery in 1988. The film, which premiered in Cuban theaters in 2010, presents Mavi's journey of self-discovery, societal rejection, and eventual acceptance, all while exploring larger issues of gender identity, patriarchy, and the Cuban social landscape.
The film tells the story of Mavi Susel not just as a personal narrative of transition, but as a critical commentary on Cuba’s societal expectations of women. Mavi's transformation is marked by the groundbreaking surgery she underwent at the hands of Cuban medical professionals, an event that had a profound impact on Cuban society at the time. The operation, which occurred on May 22, 1988, made Mavi Susel the first person in Cuba to receive a sex reassignment surgery. The attention this garnered in the media was not entirely positive, and the public response was so negative that it led to a hiatus of nearly 20 years before sex reassignment surgeries would again be made available in the country. The initial backlash came after the Cuban newspaper Juventud Rebelde published an extensive report on Mavi’s surgery, sparking controversy and pushing the Cuban government to halt similar procedures for nearly two decades.
"Beautiful Darling" (2010), a feature-length documentary directed by James Rasin, is a heartfelt exploration of the life and legacy of Candy Darling, one of the most iconic figures in the New York City avant-garde scene of the 1960s and 70s. Darling, a pioneering trans woman and actress, became an emblematic muse of Andy Warhol's Factory, capturing the fascination of both the art world and pop culture. Rasin’s film is a deeply personal and poignant portrayal of Darling’s short but extraordinary life, as well as an examination of her complex identity as a trans woman navigating the turbulent cultural landscape of the 20th century.
The documentary begins by examining the early years of Darling's life, born James Lawrence Slattery in Long Island, New York, in 1944. From a young age, Darling exhibited an undeniable longing to escape the limitations of her assigned gender and embrace her identity as a woman. The film poignantly highlights how Candy transformed herself into an unforgettable persona, driven by a dream to live as the glamorous women she admired in Hollywood films. The documentary makes clear that Darling’s journey was not without struggle, but her ambition, charisma, and striking beauty propelled her into the orbit of Warhol and his Factory, where she would rise to fame as one of his most beloved superstars.
Released in 2010, Trans-akcja is a deeply intimate and powerful documentary by filmmakers Sławomir Grünberg and Katka Reszke. The film follows Anna Grodzka, a Polish transgender woman, in one of the most crucial moments of her life: her legal gender change. Through candid footage and sensitive storytelling, the documentary captures Grodzka’s emotional, physical, and social transition, offering an in-depth look at her journey from living as a man named Krzysztof to becoming a woman named Anna. Beyond the personal story, Trans-akcja delves into the broader political and cultural contexts surrounding transgender issues in Poland, a country that has been historically conservative about gender and LGBTQ+ rights.
Born in 1954 in Otwock, near Warsaw, Anna Grodzka’s life before her transition was defined by a deep sense of incongruity between her gender identity and the body she was born into. Assigned male at birth, Grodzka married a woman, Grażyna, and fathered a son. For several decades, she lived as a man, fulfilling societal expectations of masculinity. However, despite external appearances, Grodzka was never at peace with the gender assigned to her. This internal conflict led to years of emotional turmoil and a deep sense of alienation.
Creators: Robert Jason, Kristine Patnugot, Abby Terkuhle
Release Year: 2010
Synopsis:
"TRANSform Me" was an American reality television series that premiered on VH1 on March 15, 2010. The show stood out not only for its unique premise but also for its powerful messages surrounding self-esteem, identity, and transformation. The series featured cisgender female contestants who were struggling with issues related to body image, confidence, or self-worth. These women were given a makeover by a team of three talented trans women stylists—Jamie Clayton, Laverne Cox, and Nina Poon—who helped them find new ways to embrace their beauty, both inside and out.
At the heart of the series was Laverne Cox, the groundbreaking actress and activist, who made history by becoming the first African-American trans woman to produce and star in her own television show. As one of the central figures on "TRANSform Me," Cox and her team worked to not only revamp their participants’ appearances but also to uplift their spirits and help them overcome their insecurities. This combination of personal empowerment and physical transformation resonated deeply with viewers, and the show quickly became a source of inspiration for many who struggled with their self-image.
Erika Kisheva, born on November 27, 1981, in Nalchik, Russia, made headlines as one of the most unique and controversial participants in the reality television series Дом 2 (House 2), which aired in 2010. Her appearance on the show sparked conversations across Russia and beyond, as she was open about her transgender identity—an openness that was rare for Russian media at the time. Yet, her journey to Дом 2 was far from simple, marked by personal struggles, societal rejection, and a deeply transformative process. In this article, we will take a closer look at her life, her time on the show, the challenges she faced, and how she became a significant figure in the LGBTQ+ community in Russia.
Erika Kisheva's story began in the small city of Nalchik, in the southern Russian republic of Kabardino-Balkaria. Born in a Muslim family, Erika was always different from the other children. From a young age, she recognized that her true gender identity did not align with the body she was born into. As a boy in a traditional and conservative family, this realization was met with confusion, rejection, and disapproval. In her family’s eyes, gender roles were clearly defined, and Erika's identity didn't fit the mold.
She expressed her desire to become a girl early on, but her family struggled to understand her. Despite the lack of acceptance at home, Erika was determined to live as her true self. Realizing that her dreams could not be fulfilled in her hometown, she moved to Moscow in 2003, in search of greater freedom to explore her identity.
Producers: Jeremy Stanford, Ted Smith, and Christopher Robert
Release Year: 2010
Country: USA
Synopsis:
Wild Things (2010) is a reality television series that blends the spirit of adventure with a deeply personal narrative, following three transgender women on a fundraising road trip across the United States. The series, produced by Jeremy Stanford, Ted Smith, and Christopher Robert, features Maria Roman, Tiara Russell, and Cassandra Cass, who set out on a mission to raise money for Maria's brother, who is struggling with a life-threatening illness.
The series is notable not only for its unique premise but also for the way it challenges conventional gender roles, stereotypes, and expectations through its portrayal of the daily lives and ambitions of transgender women.
Wild Things initially aired as a part of Canadian television programming on The Movie Network and Movie Central in March 2010, though it gained further attention in 2019, when it resurfaced as a critically appreciated piece that brought to light not only the lives of transgender individuals but also the deep bonds of friendship and the strength of community. The show’s eight episodes chronicle the journey of the three women, who engage in traditionally masculine, blue-collar jobs to earn money. Their mission: to raise funds to help Maria’s brother, whose health is rapidly deteriorating.
In a world where the intersection of identity, faith, and personal transformation is often fraught with tension, Thy Will Be Done (2010), directed by Alice Bouvrie, stands as a profound and intimate documentary that explores the life of Sara Herwig—a transgender woman navigating the complexities of gender, religion, and family within the context of her call to ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
The documentary follows Herwig's journey to ordination and the impact her decision to transition has on her personal and familial relationships. More than just a story of individual transformation, the film also delves into the broader implications of how faith communities, and in particular the Presbyterian Church, respond to the issues of gender identity and inclusion.
Through the lens of Sara Herwig’s personal narrative, Thy Will Be Done examines the transformative power of faith and identity, the challenges of living authentically, and the potential for reconciliation in the face of deep familial rifts.
Director: Susan Koenen
Release Year: 2010
Original title: Ik ben een meisje!
Synopsis:
The 2011 Dutch documentary Ik ben een meisje! ("I am a Girl!") by director Susan Koenen offers a heartfelt and often humorous portrayal of a 13-year-old transgender girl named Joppe, who is navigating the complexities of adolescence, gender identity, and her first crush. In this intimate portrait, the documentary touches on universal themes of self-discovery and the social dynamics of youth while highlighting the specific challenges faced by transgender individuals. Through Joppe’s story, the film explores how gender identity can shape one's experiences during childhood and adolescence, particularly when that identity does not align with societal expectations.
The documentary follows Joppe, a young girl who, despite being born biologically male, knows that she is a girl. She has the same teenage anxieties and desires as any other girl her age—she dreams of a relationship with Brian, a cute boy from her neighborhood. But there’s a catch: Brian doesn’t know that Joppe was born male. The film follows Joppe and her close circle of friends as they discuss how she might tell Brian the truth and whether or not he will accept her for who she truly is.
Joppe’s journey is not one of self-doubt or confusion about her gender identity. She’s clear about who she is and feels strongly that she was simply "born in the wrong body." Instead, the documentary focuses on her more immediate concerns: how to navigate friendships, relationships, and the awkwardness of first crushes while also confronting the reality of a society that does not always understand or accept trans identities. The ultimate question for Joppe, however, is not about her gender but whether or not she will ever get that date with Brian.
"A fascinating documentary about the life story of Gila Goldstein, born in the 1950s as Avraham Goldstein. From Maccabi Haifa soccer player to Tel Aviv stripper, Gila was one of Israel's first trans-gender individuals. A Tel Aviv icon and a living legend who is admired by the LGBT community."
"A soccer player in Maccabi Haifa in her youth, Gila always knew she was a woman. In her 20′s she moved to Tel Aviv and worked as a prostitute and exotic dancer. In 2003 she was proclaimed the community’s darling for her contribution and continued fight for social justice. The film, shot between 1997 and 2010, describes the world of a woman who is, despite many struggles, still happy, optimistic, and feeling forever young."
