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: Ritesh Sharma
Release Year: 2014
Synopsis:
"Rainbows Are Real," directed by Ritesh Sharma, is a poignant documentary that offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of three transgender individuals living in Kolkata. Through the experiences of Anu, Tracy, and Pauli, the film explores the multifaceted realities of their existence—navigating societal rejection, personal aspirations, and the vibrant tapestry of their day-to-day lives. While it does not shy away from the darker aspects of their journeys, the documentary ultimately celebrates the beauty and resilience of its subjects, painting a picture filled with the psychedelic colors of the rainbow.
The film centers around three compelling characters, each embodying different facets of the transgender experience.
Pauli, a sex worker, is open about her struggles but also her joys, sharing her story with a raw honesty that invites empathy. She is a testament to the resilience of those who have been forced into survival mode, navigating the complexities of her work while maintaining a fierce sense of identity.
Director: Peter Spenceley
Release Year: 2009
Synopsis:
In the heart of South India, a compelling narrative unfolds in Peter Spenceley’s documentary "Aravani Girl." This film captures the lives of two teenagers, Palani and Karthik, who are navigating their identities amid societal pressures, family rejection, and the yearning to express themselves as part of the Aravani community—a group known for its unique gender expression and cultural significance in Indian society.
The Aravani, often referred to as “ladyboys,” are a distinct group in South India, traditionally accepted in some aspects of culture, particularly as performers in folk dances at festivals. However, their acceptance is paradoxical; they are celebrated for their artistic talents while simultaneously facing discrimination and ostracism for their sexual orientation. In "Aravani Girl," Spenceley delves into the lives of Palani and Karthik, who aspire to embrace their identities as Aravanis, despite the bullying and violence they encounter from peers and family alike.
Both teenagers have faced significant struggles. Palani, at sixteen, recounts how he has been called derogatory names and how his mother has supported him through these challenges. Karthik, a year older, shares a deeper reflection on his identity, noting that he felt like a girl from a very young age. Their stories highlight a broader narrative of the inner conflict experienced by many in India as they grapple with societal expectations and their authentic selves.
Directors: Anjali Monteiro and K.P. Jayasankar
Release Year: 2007
Synopsis:
In 2007, Anjali Monteiro and K.P. Jayasankar, two distinguished professors from the Centre for Media and Cultural Studies at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, released a powerful and thought-provoking documentary titled Our Family. The film examines themes of gender identity, the challenges faced by transgender individuals in India, and the dynamics of family bonds that transcend traditional heteronormative frameworks. Through the lives of three transgender women—Aasha, Seetha, and Dhana—alongside a performance by Pritham K. Chakravarthy, the documentary explores the boundaries between "us" and "them," between normality and deviance, and between societal expectations and individual truths.
At its core, Our Family asks fundamental questions about what it means to cross the line that sharply divides us on the basis of gender. It also probes what it means to liberate oneself from the socially constructed "onus" of being male, and whether life exists beyond the heteronormative family. By juxtaposing real-life stories with an evocative performance, the film underscores the challenges and triumphs of self-liberation and the quest for belonging in a world that often marginalizes those who do not fit neatly into prescribed categories.
