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,
Director: Eduardo Gión
Release Year: 2011
Synopsis:
"Madame Arthur" (2011), directed by Eduardo Gión, is a compelling documentary that delves into the life and career of one of Spain's most iconic and beloved cabaret performers, Madame Arthur. Known for her powerful presence and audacious performances in Barcelona's underground scene during the 1970s and 1980s, Madame Arthur—born Modesto Mangas in Villavieja de Yeltes, Salamanca—became a central figure in the world of travesti cabaret, a form of performance that blends drag, transvestism, and theatrical artistry. This film provides an in-depth portrait of a man who not only defied societal norms but helped shape the landscape of queer performance during a politically and socially tumultuous period in Spain.
The documentary is inspired by the book Memorias Trans: Transexuales, transformistas y travestis by Pierrot, a prominent Spanish performer in her own right. Pierrot’s memoirs offered Gión a glimpse into the world of cabaret performers, including some of the era’s most legendary figures such as Christine, Alexandra the Great (also known as Gayle Sherman or "48"), and Dolly Van Doll. This reference material, along with Gión's passion for the underground culture of the 1970s, led him to the remarkable story of Modesto Mangas, who would later take on the persona of Madame Arthur.
2011,
Alexandra the Great "48",
Gayle Sherman,
Spain,
Spanish,
