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: Uknown
Release Year: Uknown
Producer: Australian Television Archive
Synopsis:
Alexandra The Great 48 has always been my inspiration. The eloquent and intelligent woman with the face of Sophia Loren and 48-25-42 figure proved to many transgender women that YES, WE CAN!!!!!
The world of burlesque has long been characterized by its dazzling performers, captivating routines, and vibrant personalities. One such luminary is Gayle Sherman, better known as Alexandra The Great "48," whose remarkable journey from the stages of New York to the bright lights of Honolulu and beyond is a testament to her talent and resilience. Her participation in an unknown documentary produced by Australian television serves as an essential glimpse into her life, showcasing the evolution of an artist who embraced her identity and made a significant impact on the world of entertainment.
Alexandra the Great "48",
Australia,
English,
Gayle Sherman,
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.
2010,
Australia,
English,
Producer: ABC
Release Year: 2014
Synopsis:
In 2014, ABC iView aired the landmark episode of Australian Story titled "Call Me Cate", which delved into the extraordinary life of Lt Colonel Cate McGregor AM, one of Australia's most notable transgender figures. The program chronicled Cate's incredible journey, spanning her life as a decorated military officer, political strategist, speechwriter, writer, and commentator, as well as her deeply personal transition from Malcolm McGregor to Cate McGregor.
At the time of the broadcast, McGregor had already become one of Australia's most high-profile transgender individuals. She had served in the Australian Army for decades, worked alongside prominent political figures, and even contributed to one of the most significant moments in recent Australian military history. But in 2013, after decades of private struggle, McGregor publicly embraced her identity as a transgender woman, making her one of the highest-ranking military officers in Australia to do so. Her transformation was a defining moment not just in her life, but in the broader national conversation around gender identity and acceptance.
2014,
Australia,
Cate McGregor,
English,
Producer: Janine Cohen
Release Year: 2005
Synopsis:
The Gender Puzzle, a 2005 documentary directed by Janine Cohen, brings to light the intricate and often misunderstood relationship between biological sex, gender identity, and the social constructs that shape our understanding of these concepts. In the film, Cohen explores the challenges that arise from the increasing complexity of determining gender, especially in the face of scientific advances and growing recognition of intersex and transgender individuals. The documentary delves into the intersection of biology, psychology, and social identity, shedding light on the lived experiences of people who challenge traditional notions of gender.
For much of the 20th century, the understanding of gender was predominantly rooted in the assumption that biological sex could be determined by the presence of either XX or XY sex chromosomes. These chromosomes were considered reliable markers for identifying a person's sex, with XX chromosomes corresponding to females and XY chromosomes to males. However, The Gender Puzzle reveals that this binary view of sex and gender is increasingly inadequate.
According to the documentary, approximately 40,000 Australians (and a similar number globally) do not conform to these "standard" sex chromosome patterns. Some individuals are born with atypical chromosomal configurations, such as XXY, XYY, or variations in the number of sex chromosomes, which means they may not fit neatly into the male/female binary. This phenomenon is part of a larger issue in which one in 500 boys are born with XY chromosomes but may have female reproductive organs, a situation that often goes unnoticed until adulthood when fertility issues arise.
2005,
Australia,
English,
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,
Director: Mark Andersson
Release Year: 2011
Synopsis:
Sally’s Story, directed by Mark Andersson and released in 2011, is an emotionally raw and deeply personal documentary that follows the life and experiences of Sally Goldner, a transgender woman from Melbourne, Australia. This documentary goes beyond the typical narratives surrounding transgender experiences and offers a multi-dimensional portrayal of a woman who has been an integral part of the Australian LGBTQ+ community for over two decades.
Sally Goldner is not just a transgender woman—she is a bi-sexual, Jewish, cowgirl who defies convention with her broad range of passions and talents. Throughout her journey, she has become an activist, an entertainer, and a voice for the marginalized within the gender and sexuality communities. With her 45th birthday approaching, Sally’s Story explores her transition, both gendered and personal, as she reflects on her life up until that point.
This documentary is striking for the way it deviates from the standard "transgender narrative," offering viewers a refreshing take that avoids sensationalism or victimization. Instead, Sally’s story is one of discovery, evolution, and above all, empowerment.
2011,
Australia,
English,
Monika Kowalska,
Sally Goldner,
Director: Alan White
Release Year: 2013
Synopsis:
"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.
2013,
Australia,
English,
Westerly Windina,
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,
