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: Erica Tremblay
Release Year: 2014
Synopsis:
"In the Turn," directed by Erica Tremblay, is a powerful and deeply moving documentary that follows the life of Crystal, a 10-year-old transgender girl growing up in rural Canada. Released in 2014, the film offers an intimate look at Crystal’s journey as she navigates the complexities of her gender identity amidst a challenging environment fraught with misunderstanding, bullying, and familial strain. Tremblay’s documentary not only highlights the struggles faced by transgender youth but also underscores the impact of societal attitudes on individual lives and the families that support them.
At the heart of "In the Turn" is Crystal, a young girl who is determined to embrace her true self despite the significant obstacles in her path. The documentary presents her as a vibrant and hopeful individual, whose spirit shines through even in the face of adversity. Through Crystal’s eyes, viewers gain insight into the emotional turmoil of growing up transgender in a rural setting where acceptance is not guaranteed.
Crystal's narrative is compellingly personal; her experiences resonate deeply as she articulates the joy and pain of her identity. The film captures her innocence and resilience as she tries to assert herself in a world that often refuses to acknowledge her existence. As she grapples with her identity, Crystal’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the strength of young people as they navigate the complexities of self-acceptance.
Producer: René Ferron (Caméra87)
Release Year: 1987
Synopsis:
"L'exil intérieur," a poignant documentary produced by Caméra87, takes viewers deep into the personal story of Daniel, a transgender woman navigating the complexities of identity, acceptance, and the profound yearning to align her external self with her internal truth. This film provides a rare and intimate glimpse into Daniel's life, illustrating not only her struggles but also the broader societal issues faced by transgender individuals.
From an early age, Daniel felt a disconnect between her mind and body, experiencing profound feelings of being trapped in a male body. The film portrays her childhood, marked by confusion and isolation, as she wrestled with a society that often marginalizes those who deviate from traditional gender norms. Daniel's journey is not just about transitioning; it is about the quest for authenticity and the relentless pursuit of being true to oneself in a world that can be unforgiving.
The documentary captures Daniel's reflections on her experiences, offering a heartfelt testimony that resonates deeply with viewers. She articulates the pain of feeling like an outsider, the loneliness that accompanied her journey, and the moment of clarity that ignited her desire to transition. Through her story, the film sheds light on the emotional and psychological toll that gender dysphoria can inflict on an individual.
Director: Rémy Huberdeau
Release Year: 2012
Synopsis:
"Transforming Family" (2012) is a short documentary directed by Rémy Huberdeau that offers an intimate and insightful glimpse into the lives of transgender, transsexual, and gender-fluid individuals as they navigate the challenges and rewards of parenthood. Running just ten minutes, the film is a powerful tool for raising awareness about the experiences of these parents, who are often underrepresented in mainstream media and society. By diving straight into the ongoing conversations among trans people about parenting, the documentary highlights the strength, resilience, and diversity within the trans community, particularly as it relates to the complexities of raising children while managing one’s own gender identity.
At its core, "Transforming Family" provides a portrait of a community that is often marginalized, offering a platform for individuals to share their personal stories about family, identity, and the intersection of gender and parenting. The film was created as part of a larger community-based research project initiated by Jake Pyne and the LGBTQ Parenting Network in 2010, which aimed to increase the visibility of trans parents in Toronto and to foster a sense of empowerment and solidarity within the community. The project sought to address the gaps in knowledge and understanding about trans parenting while also offering a space for trans individuals to discuss their unique experiences in a safe and affirming environment.
Producer: Paperny Films
Release Year: 2001
Synopsis:
KinK, the Canadian television series that aired from 2001 to 2005 on the ShowCase network, remains a cult classic for its unflinching exploration of BDSM, power dynamics, and alternative sexualities. At a time when mainstream TV still shyed away from portraying non-heteronormative sexual practices, KinK carved out a space for kink communities to be represented in complex and humanizing ways. One of the most prominent figures associated with the show, and one whose own life and work mirrored its themes of transgression, transformation, and the body, was Nina
Arsenault.
Arsenault, born on January 20, 1974, in Beamsville, Ontario, is a Canadian performance artist, writer, and activist whose multi-disciplinary career spans theatre, dance, video, photography, and visual art. While she may be best known for her work in the world of performance art and activism, Arsenault's role on KinK cemented her status as a cultural icon, particularly within LGBTQ+ and kink communities. Her involvement with the series reflected not only her own personal experiences and identity but also her commitment to pushing boundaries and creating space for more complex narratives around gender, sexuality, and power.
2001,
Canada,
English,
Nina Arsenault,
Producer: Mia Sheldon
Release Year: 2013
Synopsis:
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.
Directors: Gwen Haworth
Release Year: 2014
Synopsis:
In the realm of documentary filmmaking, few have captured the complexities of marginalized lives with such intimacy and care as Gwen Haworth. Her 2014 short documentary A Woman with a Past offers a brief but profound window into the life of Antonette Rea, a transgender, intersex poet and activist who has been navigating the rough terrains of life in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
This 10-minute documentary delves into Antonette’s remarkable journey, capturing not only the challenges she faced but also her resilience, creativity, and self-awareness.
The film’s opening lines, "You can never have too much lube," offer a stark and candid glimpse into Antonette’s unapologetic and humorous personality. This quote, which might sound provocative or cheeky to some, reflects the lived experience of a woman who has not only survived but thrived amid significant struggles with homelessness, addiction, and the sex trade. Antonette’s candidness, as expressed through her poetry and life story, becomes a testament to her ability to transform pain into creative energy.
2014,
Antonette Rea,
Canada,
English,
Monika Kowalska,
Director: Karen Duthie
Release Year: 2004
Synopsis:
“It’s not about the bike. It’s about me being a woman in a man’s sport.” This statement from Michelle Dumaresq captures the essence of 100% Woman: The Story of Michelle Dumaresq (2004), a documentary by Karen Duthie that chronicles the journey of one of the most pioneering transgender athletes in the world of competitive sports. The film provides an intimate look into Michelle’s life, both as a professional downhill mountain biker and as a trans woman, navigating the complexities of identity, gender, and competition in the public eye.
Michelle Dumaresq’s story is one of remarkable courage and resilience. After undergoing gender reassignment surgery, Michelle entered the world of competitive mountain biking in 2001, six years after transitioning from Michael to Michelle. She quickly made a name for herself in the world of sports, but not just because of her impressive riding talent. Michelle’s participation in women’s competitive biking sparked fierce debate, controversy, and protests. She became the first openly transgender woman to compete in women’s professional mountain biking, an experience that would test not only her athletic abilities but also the definition of gender and fairness in sports.
2004,
Canada,
English,
Michelle Dumaresq,
Director: Chase Joynt
Release Year: 2012
Synopsis:
In 2012, filmmaker Chase Joynt released I'm Yours, a short documentary that provides a raw, sardonic, and poetic exploration of the transgender experience through the eyes of two artists: Joynt himself and Nina Arsenault. Using an innovative narrative style and inspired by the work of Canadian video artist Colin Campbell, I'm Yours offers a fresh perspective on a topic that has often been reduced to sensationalism or voyeurism in mainstream media. Rather than presenting the typical story of struggle or transformation, Joynt’s film turns the lens on the invasive, repetitive questions that transgender people are so often subjected to, questions that, as the film shows, only reinforce ignorance and dehumanize those who are asked.
One of the most striking features of I'm Yours is its use of clever editing and visual contrasts. The film is a collage of black-and-white shots alternating between the two protagonists, Chase Joynt and Nina Arsenault, as they respond to a series of questions. These questions, while never heard, are inferred through the answers given by Joynt and Arsenault, making the documentary a subtle critique of the ways in which cisgender society interrogates transgender people.
Through rhythmic montages, Joynt cuts between the two artists as they respond with wit, deflection, and sardonic humor to questions that have become all too familiar.
2012,
Canada,
English,
Nina Arsenault,
Director: Gwen Haworth
Release Year: 2007
Synopsis:
She's a Boy I Knew (2007), a groundbreaking Canadian documentary directed by Gwen Haworth, invites viewers into an intimate, multi-layered exploration of gender identity and transition, offering a deeply personal narrative about self-discovery, family, and transformation.
Through an inventive mix of interviews, archival footage, animation, and home videos, the film recounts Haworth’s process of transitioning from Steven to Gwen, and explores the impact of her transition on those closest to her. In a genre often dominated by stories of clinical transition or sensationalized portrayals of gender change, She's a Boy I Knew stands out for its raw honesty, humor, and vulnerability, offering a powerful insight into how gender identity reshapes familial bonds and personal histories.
2007,
Canada,
English,
Gwen Haworth,
