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.
Lei è mio marito (She is My Husband), a poignant documentary by Gloria Aura Bortolini and Annamaria Gallone, offers a profound exploration of love, identity, and transformation. The film chronicles the journey of Alessandro, a successful Venetian lawyer, and his partner Roberta, who navigates the complexities of gender transition and the enduring power of love. This documentary stands as a testament to the strength of human connection and the courage it takes to live authentically.
The narrative begins with Roberta and Alessandro’s meeting in Corsica eight years prior to the events that unfold in the documentary. Their romance blossoms against the backdrop of the picturesque island, marked by a shared passion for life and adventure. However, beneath the surface of their idyllic love story lies Alessandro’s hidden truth—a longing to become a woman that he has grappled with since adolescence.
Alessandro's success as a lawyer in Venice is juxtaposed with his internal struggle.
In Thailand, the military draft is a rite of passage for all males turning 21, a significant moment that intertwines personal identity with national obligation. Drawing a black card grants exemption, while a red card results in two years of compulsory military service. Draft Day, directed by Joshua Kim, offers a poignant and thought-provoking narrative centered on two girls who were assigned male at birth but are now navigating this challenging milestone as transgender women. Through their eyes, the film delves into themes of identity, societal expectation, and the struggle for autonomy in a rigidly structured system.
The military draft in Thailand is a deeply entrenched tradition, symbolizing both patriotism and duty. For many young men, the day of the lottery is fraught with anxiety, uncertainty, and the potential for life-altering consequences. The stakes are high, not just in terms of military service but also concerning how this obligation aligns with their personal identity. For transgender individuals, the experience can be even more complex, as they must confront societal norms and expectations that may not reflect their true selves.
Director: Ana Jakimska
Release Year: 2013
Original title: Би се викал Барбара
Synopsis:
Ana Jakimska’s documentary "Би се викал Барбара" (translated as "Call Me Barbara") is a compelling exploration of identity, dreams, and the complex realities faced by transgender individuals in the Balkans. Released in 2013, this short documentary centers on Filip Janevski, affectionately known as Fifi, a 22-year-old aspiring singer and trans woman whose journey encapsulates the struggles and triumphs of self-discovery against a backdrop of societal challenges.
At that time, Ana Jakimska was a promising filmmaker and a student at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Skopje, North Macedonia. With a focus on stories that highlight marginalized voices, Jakimska has made a name for herself through her sensitivity and dedication to authentic storytelling. "Би се викал Барбара" is a testament to her commitment to shedding light on the experiences of those often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
At the heart of "Би се викал Барбара" is Fifi, a vibrant and determined individual whose two biggest aspirations are to transition and to achieve fame as a singer. The documentary captures her heartfelt journey as she navigates the challenges of being a transgender woman in a conservative society.
Fifi's desire to transition is not merely about changing her appearance; it is deeply tied to her sense of self and fulfillment. The film poignantly explores her internal struggle and the external pressures she faces, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance in a world that often stigmatizes difference.
Fifi's ambition to become a singer serves as a powerful metaphor for her quest for authenticity and visibility. Music becomes a means of expression and liberation for her, allowing her to share her story and connect with others.
The Balkan Context
The documentary situates Fifi's story within the broader socio-cultural context of the Balkans, a region known for its complex history and often conservative views on gender and sexuality. Fifi's journey is a reflection of the challenges faced by many in the LGBTQ+ community in this area, where traditional norms can clash with individual desires for self-expression and acceptance.
A central theme of the documentary is the journey of self-discovery. Fifi’s candid exploration of her identity invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of gender and the deeply personal nature of transitioning. The film illustrates that identity is multifaceted and often requires navigating societal expectations and personal truths.
Fifi’s aspiration to become a singer is intertwined with her identity. The film highlights how performance can serve as a platform for self-assertion and empowerment. Her participation in "X Factor," where she captivated audiences with her bravery and talent, marks a significant moment in her journey, showcasing the transformative power of art.
Throughout the documentary, Fifi's resilience is evident. She confronts the societal stigma surrounding transgender individuals, using her story to challenge preconceived notions and inspire others. The film serves as a reminder of the strength required to live authentically in a world that often imposes restrictive norms. The importance of community is another significant theme in the documentary. Fifi’s journey is bolstered by the support of friends and allies who encourage her to pursue her dreams. This sense of belonging is crucial in her quest for acceptance and highlights the necessity of solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community.
"Би се викал Барбара" has garnered attention not only for its intimate portrayal of Fifi's life but also for its broader cultural significance. By shining a light on the realities of transgender individuals in the Balkans, Jakimska’s film contributes to the ongoing discourse around LGBTQ+ rights and representation in a region that often grapples with these issues.
The documentary has resonated with audiences, sparking conversations about gender identity and the need for greater acceptance and understanding. It serves as an important educational tool, particularly in conservative contexts, where such narratives can foster empathy and challenge stereotypes.
The documentary was filmed in a region where discussions about gender identity and sexuality are often taboo. Jakimska faced challenges in gaining access to certain spaces and ensuring that Fifi felt comfortable sharing her story on camera.
Fifi's performance on "X Factor" is a pivotal moment in the film, symbolizing her courage and determination. This experience not only helped elevate her visibility but also inspired others in the LGBTQ+ community to pursue their own dreams. Since its release, "Би се викал Барбара" has been featured in various film festivals focusing on LGBTQ+ issues and human rights, receiving acclaim for its honest portrayal of Fifi's life and the broader challenges faced by transgender individuals in the Balkans.
The documentary has prompted discussions in North Macedonia and neighboring countries about the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals, highlighting the need for more inclusive policies and greater societal acceptance.
After the release of the documentary, Fifi has continued to advocate for transgender rights and representation, using her platform to inspire others and raise awareness about the challenges faced by the community.
Conclusion
Ana Jakimska’s "Би се викал Барбара" is more than just a documentary; it is a powerful narrative that captures the essence of resilience, aspiration, and the quest for authenticity. Through Fifi’s journey, the film provides a vital glimpse into the life of a young transgender woman navigating the complexities of identity in a challenging socio-cultural landscape. As the documentary continues to inspire conversations about acceptance and representation, it stands as a testament to the importance of storytelling in fostering understanding and compassion in our diverse world.
In Welcome Home, director Silvia Maggi takes audiences into the heart of Lebensort Vielfalt, the first LGBT intergenerational elderly community in Germany. This groundbreaking project is a testament to the possibilities of self-managed, community-driven care models that cater to the specific needs of LGBTQ+ seniors, creating a space where aging, care, and identity are not compromised but celebrated. Through the lens of this innovative project, Welcome Home explores themes of identity, belonging, care, and community, while also highlighting the profound social and political importance of building alternative, inclusive care models for marginalized groups.
Located in Berlin, Lebensort Vielfalt is a co-housing project designed specifically for LGBTQ+ seniors, creating an alternative to traditional elder care homes that often fail to meet the needs of older LGBTQ+ individuals. The initiative is revolutionary not only for its focus on LGBTQ+ seniors but also for its model of self-management. Residents of Lebensort Vielfalt are responsible for the daily functioning of the community, making collective decisions about the management of the space, organizing activities, and determining how care is provided.
In this self-organized environment, decisions are made collectively in community meetings, where all members, regardless of age or background, have a say.
In many parts of the United States, the fight for transgender rights can feel like an uphill battle—one that requires fierce advocacy, community mobilization, and often, years of effort to secure even modest victories. However, in the small city of Chelsea, Massachusetts, a remarkable collaboration between two grassroots organizations led to a monumental policy change that will have a lasting impact on the lives of transgender individuals in the state. The video Small City, Big Change, directed by Rich Aucoin, documents this powerful story of advocacy, solidarity, and the power of local action in the fight for transgender rights.
The video chronicles a collaboration between a statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, MassEquality, and the Chelsea Collaborative, a Latino-led community group. Through this partnership, they successfully pushed for the inclusion of comprehensive transgender protections in city policy. The resulting victory is a testament to the power of grassroots activism and how diverse communities, when united in purpose, can achieve significant social change.
The film features key interviews with individuals deeply involved in the advocacy effort, including Gladys Vega, Director of the Chelsea Collaborative, Shanthell Saenz, a transgender community leader, Carly Burton, Deputy Director of MassEquality, and Rep. Eugene O'Flaherty. These voices help to tell the story of how this collaboration unfolded, what challenges were faced along the way, and what it means for the future of transgender rights in Massachusetts.
"Julia" (2013) by Johanna Jackie Baier is a searing exploration of identity, transformation, and survival, told through the intimate lens of a trans woman's life journey. A film that transcends the typical documentary format, "Julia" is a meditation on what it means to be uprooted, displaced, and forced to carve out a place for oneself in a world that often rejects and punishes difference. Through the lens of Julia K., a transsexual woman from Klaipeda, Lithuania, Baier traces a decade-long narrative of self-discovery, rage, and defiance against the confines of society and the rigid structures that define gender, desire, and belonging.
At its heart, the documentary asks a provocative and often uncomfortable question: What would drive a boy from art school in Klaipeda to leave home and ultimately become a woman who sells her body in the streets of Berlin, in the back rooms of clubs, and in the shadowy corners of a porn theater? This journey, seemingly driven by desperation, rebellion, and survival, is captured with a raw and unapologetic honesty that refuses to turn away from the complexities of Julia's life.
Nessuno è perfetto! (2013) by Fabiomassimo Lozzi is a profound exploration into the complex world of transgender identities, told through the personal stories of five individuals who navigate the intricacies of gender, society, and self-acceptance. The film, whose title translates to "Nobody is Perfect!", sheds light on the lived experiences of transgender people in Italy, focusing particularly on the pre-Law 164 era, a period when legal recognition and social acceptance of transgender individuals were still far from being guaranteed. With a humanistic touch, Lozzi and writer Antonio Veneziani craft a narrative that is as emotional as it is enlightening, showcasing how individuals from various walks of life have faced adversity, rejection, and their own internal struggles in the pursuit of self-realization.
The narrative is built around four main characters: Georgiana, a civil servant; Marcello, an eccentric milliner; Andreas, a fishmonger; and Daniela, an escort. Each of them represents a unique facet of the transgender experience, portraying both the challenges and the triumphs they encounter in a world that often seeks to marginalize or misunderstand them. The characters' stories are personal, deeply intimate, and yet universally relatable, exploring not only the external struggles they face in their respective professions and social environments but also the internal transformation that occurs as they fight to express their authentic selves.
Directors: Gabriel Gasca & Phil Siegel
Release Year: 2013
Synopsis:
In the early 1960s, a cultural revolution was underway in the United States. The Civil Rights Movement, the feminist movement, and the anti-Vietnam War protests were all powerful forces fighting against entrenched social and political inequalities. At the same time, LGBTQ+ individuals across the country, many of whom had long lived in the shadows of societal repression, were beginning to find the courage to come out and demand their rights. The convergence of these movements created a “perfect storm” of activism that would leave an indelible mark on the LGBTQ+ rights struggle.
One of the most significant works to capture this moment in history is the 2013 documentary Coming Out in the 1960s, directed by Gabriel Gasca and Phil Siegel. In this film, four young activists interview a diverse group of LGBTQ+ elders—gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals—about their experiences in the '60s and how the social upheavals of that era inspired them to fight for their personal freedoms.
Mexico is a country rich in cultural traditions and deep indigenous roots, but one of the most fascinating and complex aspects of its cultural heritage lies within the Zapotec community of Juchitán, Oaxaca. Here, the concept of gender is not confined to the traditional binary categories of "man" and "woman." Instead, there exists a third gender, known as muxes (pronounced "mooshez"). These individuals are born male, but are raised as women, adopting the social roles and responsibilities of women within their community. The phenomenon of the muxe challenges conventional understandings of gender, highlighting the fluidity and diversity of gender identities in different cultural contexts.
In 2012, filmmaker Bernardo Loyola released his documentary "Mexico's Third Gender," which delves into the lives of muxes in Juchitán, offering an intimate and eye-opening portrait of this unique community. The film takes us on a journey to this remote town in southern Mexico, where the celebration of the Vigil of the Authentic Intrepid Searchers of Danger (La Vela de las Auténticas Intrépidas Buscadoras de Peligro) becomes a central event for the muxes. This documentary not only introduces us to the people of Juchitán, but also invites us to participate in one of the most joyful, inclusive, and liberating celebrations in the region, the Vela, which is the highlight of the year for muxes.
In 2013, journalist Mia Sheldon released a groundbreaking documentary titled Gender Identity, which highlighted the personal stories of two 10-year-old children, Tracey Wilson and Harriet Cunningham. Born biologically male, both girls identify as female, and their journeys of self-discovery and transition form the emotional core of the documentary.
The film provides an intimate look at their lives, focusing on the challenges they face as transgender children in a world where acceptance is often hard to come by. While their parents are supportive, the documentary reveals the significant resistance that the girls encounter from other members of society, including teachers, peers, and even political figures. This resistance sparks a larger debate about transgender rights, particularly in relation to children, that spans across schools, families, and government institutions in British Columbia (BC) and beyond.
At its heart, Gender Identity is about the complexities of growing up transgender in a world that tends to place people into rigid gender categories. It also explores the roles that parents, educators, and policymakers play in supporting—or opposing—the experiences of transgender children. Through the stories of Tracey and Harriet, Sheldon’s documentary opens a conversation that is as personal as it is political, touching on issues of identity, acceptance, and the importance of community support.
In 2013, George Zuber released Just Gender, a poignant and educational documentary that sheds light on the often misunderstood and marginalized world of transgender individuals. This documentary does more than just explore the complexities of gender identity; it challenges misconceptions, debunks myths, and emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathy for the transgender community. Through a combination of powerful personal interviews, expert insights, and archival footage, Just Gender offers a comprehensive look at the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of those whose gender identity defies societal norms.
Just Gender was created with the intention of fostering understanding about the lives and challenges faced by transgender individuals, particularly in the context of their ongoing fight for equal rights. The documentary, narrated by actress and activist Bebe Neuwirth, features a wide range of interviews with transgender people, their families, friends, and experts in various fields. These include social workers, psychiatrists, neurologists, and historians who provide both personal and professional perspectives on the transgender experience.
The film uses a mix of original interviews and archival materials to tell the story. Through these voices, it explores the misconceptions surrounding transgender people, offering insight into the deep divisions between societal views on gender and the lived experiences of transgender individuals. The overarching message of the documentary is clear: those who challenge or seek to change society’s rigid binary view of gender are not less human. Instead, they are deserving of empathy, respect, and the same rights as anyone else.
In 2013, the world was introduced to TransBeats, a poignant and compelling documentary directed by Michael A. Simon. The film offered an intimate and raw exploration of the lives of five transgender musicians—Amber Taylor, Angelica Ross, D'Loco Kid, Mina Caputo, Our Lady J, Shawna Virago, Sissy Debut, and Storm Miguel Florez—who had come to Los Angeles with dreams of making it in the music industry. As they pursued their ambitions, TransBeats also gave a powerful voice to a segment of the transgender community that had long been underrepresented in both the arts and mainstream media.
At its core, TransBeats is a story about resilience, authenticity, and transformation. It follows these talented transgender performers not only through the highs and lows of their careers but also through their personal journeys of self-discovery and empowerment. The documentary paints a picture of the challenges that transgender individuals face, not just in society, but within the confines of an often rigid and exclusionary music industry.
Director: Bruce Bruce
Release Year: 2013
Original title: Vos papiers
Synopsis:
The documentary Vos papiers (2013), also known as ID Please, directed by Bruce Bruce, takes an intimate and poignant look at the lives of seven transgender individuals. Through a unique and compelling format, the film explores the often fraught and painful relationship that transgender people have with their identity papers—those official documents that are meant to represent who we are, but which for many trans people can feel like an alienating reflection of their past, not their present or future. This powerful film, presented at various film festivals around the world, invites viewers to confront the everyday challenges faced by transgender individuals as they navigate the bureaucratic maze of gender identity, legal recognition, and personal authenticity.
At the heart of Vos papiers is a series of candid photo booth portraits, where seven transgender individuals—both transgender men and women—speak openly about their struggles with identity documents. These photo booth images, often seen as a symbol of casual, anonymous documentation, become an unexpected medium for the deeply personal subject matter of gender identity.
"Trans is a new photo project by Dave Naz, incorporating photography with supplemental video interviews. The models in this project identify as Transgender Female — as well as hold positions within their communities as activists, porn stars, and public figures. Through his appreciation of expression in diverse bodies, Dave aims to use his unique position in Los Angeles’ progressive art scene to raise awareness and tolerance within diverse gender expressions and queer communities."
"Interviews with: Wendy Summers, Kelli Lox, Foxxy, Eva Cassini, Jamie French, Tasha Jones, Tiffany Starr, Mandy Mitchell, Evie Eliot, Jenny Elizabeth & Stefani Special.
This is a Trans-Positive project featuring photos and videos of transgender females."
In 2013, the Tulsa World documentary Being Katie cast a powerful spotlight on the life of Katie Hill, a transgender teenager from Bixby, Oklahoma. The film is part of a broader conversation on gender identity and the complexities surrounding the transgender experience, particularly in a conservative community. In particular, the documentary provides an intimate portrayal of Hill’s personal transition, the challenges she faced, and her ultimate advocacy for transgender rights. Through this compelling two-part series, Being Katie reveals the courage, resilience, and humanity of a young person navigating her identity in a world that often fails to understand or accept the nuances of gender diversity.
Born Katie Rain Hill in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1994, Hill's journey toward self-acceptance was far from easy. Like many transgender individuals, she struggled with her gender identity from a young age. She was assigned male at birth, but throughout her childhood and early adolescence, Katie felt an overwhelming sense of disconnection from her assigned gender. This inner turmoil led to bullying and isolation, which affected her mental health deeply. In interviews, Hill openly shares the torment she felt as a child, describing how the bullying led to depression and even suicidal thoughts.
In a particularly harrowing account, Hill recalls attempting to take her own life when she was only eight years old. While she survived, this moment marked the beginning of a long struggle with mental health, which included coping with depression and anxiety. For years, Katie lived with a quiet sense of despair, feeling trapped in a body that did not reflect who she truly was.
Released in 2013, Bambi is a French documentary directed by Sébastien Lifshitz that chronicles the extraordinary life of Marie-Pierre Pruvot, a trailblazing transgender woman who performed for over 20 years in Paris's famous cabaret, Le Carrousel. Known by her stage name, Bambi, Pruvot's career in the world of trans showgirls during the 1950s and 1960s made her an iconic figure, both for her performances and as a symbol of transgender visibility in an era when such stories were rarely told.
Beyond her stage career, Bambi also sheds light on Pruvot's transition from a celebrated entertainer to a respected educator and author.
In a world where transgender lives are often obscured by stereotypes or misrepresentation, Bambi serves as an intimate portrait of a woman who defied the norms of her time to forge a path that was both groundbreaking and personal. Through candid interviews and archival footage, Lifshitz gives viewers a poignant look into Pruvot's journey, her reflections on gender identity, and her transition from a performer to a high school teacher. The documentary not only explores Pruvot's professional trajectory but also touches upon broader themes of transgender identity, societal acceptance, and the struggle for self-realization.
Director: Justyna Banaś & Krzysztof Sienny
Release Year: 2013
Synopsis:
In a world where discussions on gender identity are becoming more prominent and widely accepted, the 2013 documentary "To tylko Ja, Stasia" (English: "It Is Only Me, Stasia") offers a deeply personal and introspective exploration of one woman’s journey through self-discovery, struggle, and liberation. Directed by Justyna Banaś and Krzysztof Sienny, this poignant Polish documentary focuses on the life of Stasia, a transgender woman, who shares her experience of transitioning from male to female in a society that often struggles to understand or embrace gender fluidity.
At the heart of "To tylko Ja, Stasia" is Stasia herself, whose open and vulnerable interview throughout the documentary gives the audience an intimate look at her emotional and physical transformation. The film focuses on her transition, both in terms of her gender identity and the process of how she navigates the world as a woman, after spending much of her life trapped in a body that did not reflect her true self.
In the 2013 documentary TransVisible: The Bamby Salcedo Story, filmmaker Dante Alencastre tells the powerful and inspirational journey of Bamby Salcedo, a transgender Latina activist and public speaker, who has become one of the most influential figures in the fight for transgender rights and the empowerment of LGBTQIA+ and immigrant communities. Through raw storytelling and vivid personal accounts, the documentary illuminates Bamby’s life, which has been marked by tremendous adversity, resilience, and a passion for social justice.
Bamby Salcedo, born on October 12, 1969, in Guadalajara, Mexico, faced unimaginable challenges early in life. From family rejection to encountering systemic violence in both Mexico and the United States, her story is a testament to survival and the power of reinvention. Today, she is the founder of the TransLatin@ Coalition, a national organization dedicated to advocating for transgender Latinx immigrants, and a widely recognized speaker in the areas of transgender rights, Latinx immigration issues, and health inequalities, particularly concerning HIV.
Crossing Over (2014): A Documentary on Transgender Immigration, Identity, and Resilience
Crossing Over, a powerful 2014 documentary directed by Isabel Castro, presents an intimate look into the lives of transgender Mexican immigrants navigating life in Los Angeles. The film documents the personal and emotional journeys of three transgender women—Francis Murillo, Brenda Gonzalez, and Abigail Madariaga—who risked everything in search of safety, acceptance, and a better life in the United States. In the process, the film exposes the intersection of gender identity, immigration struggles, and the violence faced by transgender individuals in both their home countries and the U.S.
At its core, Crossing Over is not just a story about immigration, but a poignant exploration of survival and resilience. The documentary unfolds the complex realities that transgender immigrants face, with a particular focus on how systemic issues of transphobia, abuse, and lack of legal knowledge complicate their pursuit of asylum and a better future. Through the stories of Francis, Brenda, and Abigail, Castro aims to shed light on a marginalized group within both the immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities, offering viewers a humanizing and nuanced perspective on the struggles that define their lives.
"Westerly: A Man, A Woman, An Enigma" (2013), directed by Alan White, is an introspective and thought-provoking documentary about Peter Drouyn, one of surfing's earliest superstars, who, in a stunning twist, later reinvented herself as Westerly Windina. The film not only explores Drouyn's complex transition but also delves into the tumultuous and sometimes tragic journey of a man becoming a woman—an experience full of emotional depth, societal challenge, and personal metamorphosis.
Peter Drouyn’s legacy in the surfing world is well-documented. He was a true visionary, one of the first to make a name for himself on the international surfing scene. Born in Queensland, Australia, in 1950, Drouyn grew up immersed in the world of the beach. His father was a lifeguard and a saxophonist, and his mother a musician. With such artistic and free-spirited influences, it is no surprise that Drouyn developed an affinity for the ocean early on. By the age of 11, he was already surfing, and by 1965, he had made his competitive debut at the Australian Junior Surfing Championship. Despite being assaulted the night before the competition, he still managed to compete and win—a precursor to his legendary resilience.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
