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.
Producer: Donahue
Release Year: 1991
Synopsis:
In the early 1990s, the landscape of media representation for transgender individuals was shifting, albeit slowly. One pivotal moment in this transformation occurred during Caroline Cossey’s appearance on the Donahue Show in 1991. This was her second visit to the show, and it provided a significant platform for discussing her life, her experiences, and the forthcoming release of her biographical book, My Story, which would be published in 1992. Accompanied by her mother and Count Glauco Lasinio, Cossey's presence on the show was not just a personal milestone but a broader statement about acceptance, identity, and the complexities of being transgender in society.
Hosted by Phil Donahue, the Donahue Show was known for its candid discussions on social issues and featured a diverse array of guests. The show often tackled topics that mainstream media shied away from, making it an ideal venue for voices that needed to be heard. Caroline Cossey’s invitation to return to the show highlighted her growing influence as a transgender model and activist, and it provided a significant opportunity to bring her story to a wider audience.
1991,
Caroline Cossey,
Donahue,
English,
Monika Kowalska,
Producer: Donahue
Release Year: 1990
Synopsis:
In the early 1990s, the visibility of transgender individuals in mainstream media was limited, often overshadowed by stereotypes and misconceptions. Caroline Cossey’s groundbreaking appearance on the Donahue Show in 1990 marked a significant turning point in this narrative. As one of the first transgender women to participate in a talk show with a live audience in the United States, Cossey became a beacon of hope and resilience for transgender individuals around the world, advocating for acceptance, understanding, and dignity.
Caroline Cossey, born in 1954 in England, had already made a name for herself in the fashion world as a model and a showgirl. Yet her journey was far from easy. Before her appearance on Donahue, she had faced numerous challenges, including societal rejection and personal struggles with her identity. However, her determination to live authentically and her desire to raise awareness about transgender issues propelled her into the spotlight.
Her participation in the Donahue Show was particularly significant, as it represented one of the first major opportunities for a transgender woman to speak candidly about her life and experiences on American television. The show, hosted by Phil Donahue, was known for tackling difficult social issues and providing a platform for marginalized voices.
1990,
Caroline Cossey,
Donahue,
English,
Monika Kowalska,
Director: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders
Release Year: 2016
Synopsis:
In recent years, the visibility of transgender individuals in media has grown significantly, providing an essential platform for voices that have long been marginalized. One landmark contribution to this discourse is The Trans List, a documentary film directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, which aired on HBO in 2016. This poignant film brings together the stories of eleven transgender Americans, each offering unique insights into their lives, identities, and experiences. Through intimate interviews and stunning visuals, The Trans List provides a vital group portrait that illuminates the diversity and complexity of the transgender experience.
The Trans List features an impressive array of individuals, each representing different facets of transgender life. The eleven participants include Buck Angel, Kylar Broadus, Caroline Cossey, Laverne Cox, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, Caitlyn Jenner, Amos Mac, Nicole Maines, Shane Ortega, Bamby Salcedo, and Alok Vaid-Menon.
2016,
Bamby Salcedo,
Caitlyn Jenner,
Caroline Cossey,
English,
Janet Mock,
Laverne Cox,
Major Griffin-Gracy,
Monika Kowalska,
Nicole Maines,
