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: George Zuber
Release Year: 2013
Synopsis:
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.
2013,
Angelica Love Ross,
Cecilia Chung,
Earline Budd,
English,
Jillian Weiss,
Katie Hill,
USA,
Producer: Michael A. Simon
Release Year: 2013
Synopsis:
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.
2013,
Amber Taylor,
Angelica Love Ross,
English,
Mina Caputo,
Monika Kowalska,
Our Lady J,
Ryder Morrison,
Shawna Virago,
Sissy Début,
USA,
