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: Josh Aronson
Release Year: 2006
Synopsis:
In February 2004, a groundbreaking moment occurred in the world of theatre and activism: the first all-transgender performance of The Vagina Monologues. This production, a collaboration between celebrated playwright Eve Ensler, actress and activist Jane Fonda, and members of Deep Stealth Productions, marked an important milestone in the transgender community’s long and often marginalized history. The production included a new monologue penned by Ensler that reflected the unique experiences of transgender women, as well as a star-studded cast of trans women from across America. Many of these women had been living in “stealth,” concealing their identities in order to protect themselves from discrimination or harm, and chose this moment as their declaration of identity—a public coming out at one of the most iconic and culturally significant events for women.
Beautiful Daughters (2006), a documentary directed by Josh Aronson, chronicles the powerful journey behind this historic event. It dives deep into the creative process, from the early interviews with trans women that inspired Ensler’s new monologue, to the weeks of auditions, rehearsals, and dress preparations. The film captures the tension and excitement leading up to the big night, as well as the significance of the performance itself, both as an artistic endeavor and as a political statement. In doing so, Beautiful Daughters gives audiences an intimate glimpse into the lives of the performers and the cultural moment that led to this unforgettable show.
2006,
Andrea James,
Beverly Ann Smith,
Calpernia Addams,
Christine Beatty,
Debra Soshoux,
Gwendolyn Ann Smith,
Jordan Blaza Olsen,
Leslie Townsend,
Lynn Conway,
Monika Kowalska,
Valerie Spencer,
Verba Deo,
Producer: World of Wonder
Release Year: 2008
Synopsis:
Transamerican Love Story (2008), created by Julio Kollerbohm and produced by World of Wonder Productions, was a groundbreaking reality dating series that premiered on the LOGO network in February 2008. It featured transgender woman Calpernia Addams, an actress, activist, and musician, as the "bachelorette" in a competition where suitors vied for her affection. This series stood out as the first of its kind, showcasing a transgender woman at the center of a dating competition—a format popularized by shows like The Bachelor.
Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, Transamerican Love Story invited viewers into the intimate, often humorous, and occasionally uncomfortable world of dating as a transgender person. While many reality shows emphasize sensationalism or conflict, this series took a more nuanced approach. It allowed Calpernia to remain composed and thoughtful as she navigated the complexities of both her own emotions and the contestants' interactions with her. The show ultimately sought to humanize both Calpernia and the men who were interested in her, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of people who were not typically represented in mainstream dating shows.
2008,
Andrea James,
Calpernia Addams,
Debra Soshoux,
English,
Monika Kowalska,
USA,
Director: Antony Thomas
Release Year: 2005
Synopsis:
Middle Sexes: Redefining He and She (2005), directed by Antony Thomas, is a provocative documentary that delves into the complexities of gender and sex, offering a nuanced exploration of what it means to be male, female, or something in between. Through personal stories, scientific explanations, and cultural perspectives, the film challenges the traditional binary understanding of sex and gender, highlighting the lived experiences of transgender and intersex individuals. The documentary examines a range of issues, from the murder of transgender women to the medical and social implications of gender identity, all framed within the larger questions of how sex and gender are constructed.
The documentary opens with scenes from a nightclub where transgender women, some of whom are dancers, perform for a crowd. This sets the tone for the exploration of the transgender experience and the stark reality of the dangers faced by people who don't conform to traditional gender norms. The film then shifts to the tragic story of Gwen Araujo, a 17-year-old transgender woman who was brutally murdered by several acquaintances after they discovered that she had been assigned male at birth. The case is a heartbreaking example of the violence that transgender people can face, even when they have intimate relationships with those around them. The brutality of the crime serves as a sobering reminder of the societal rejection and violent backlash that gender nonconforming individuals often experience.
2005,
Andrea James,
Calpernia Addams,
English,
Joan Roughgarden,
Monika Kowalska,
USA,
