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: Sam Feder
Release Year: 2020
Synopsis:
In a pivotal moment for both cinema and social justice, Sam Feder's documentary Disclosure offers an unprecedented examination of transgender depictions in film and television. With the participation of influential trans figures like Laverne Cox, Lilly Wachowski, Yance Ford, and Chaz Bono, the film reveals how Hollywood not only reflects but also shapes societal anxieties about gender. By exploring a rich tapestry of cinematic history, Disclosure provides critical insights into the complexities of trans representation, ultimately urging viewers to rethink their perceptions and assumptions.
At its core, Disclosure confronts the long-standing, often problematic representations of transgender people in media. From early films like A Florida Enchantment (1914) to contemporary works such as Pose, the documentary showcases a range of portrayals that oscillate between dehumanizing and empowering.
2020,
Alexandra Billings,
Alexandra Grey,
Bianca Leigh,
English,
Jamie Clayton,
Jen Richards,
Laverne Cox,
Lilly Wachowski,
Mj Rodriguez,
Monika Kowalska,
Susan Stryker,
Trace Lysette,
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,
Producer: Laverne Cox
Release Year: 2014
Synopsis:
In a groundbreaking move for representation and visibility, actress and activist Laverne Cox produced Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word, an hour-long documentary that dives deep into the lives of seven transgender youths from diverse backgrounds. Released in 2014, the film highlights the unique challenges and triumphs faced by young transgender individuals living in New York, New Orleans, and Baltimore. Through personal stories, candid interviews, and powerful visuals, The T Word sheds light on the realities of being transgender in America today, fostering a deeper understanding of the trans experience.
The documentary follows seven young individuals, ranging in age from 12 to 24 years old, each navigating their own journeys of identity, acceptance, and self-discovery. From the outset, viewers are introduced to a vibrant tapestry of personalities, each with their own unique story and perspective.
2014,
Daniella Carter,
English,
L'lerrét Jazelle,
Laverne Cox,
Rolanda Schmidt,
Zoey Luna,
Creators: Robert Jason, Kristine Patnugot, Abby Terkuhle
Release Year: 2010
Synopsis:
"TRANSform Me" was an American reality television series that premiered on VH1 on March 15, 2010. The show stood out not only for its unique premise but also for its powerful messages surrounding self-esteem, identity, and transformation. The series featured cisgender female contestants who were struggling with issues related to body image, confidence, or self-worth. These women were given a makeover by a team of three talented trans women stylists—Jamie Clayton, Laverne Cox, and Nina Poon—who helped them find new ways to embrace their beauty, both inside and out.
At the heart of the series was Laverne Cox, the groundbreaking actress and activist, who made history by becoming the first African-American trans woman to produce and star in her own television show. As one of the central figures on "TRANSform Me," Cox and her team worked to not only revamp their participants’ appearances but also to uplift their spirits and help them overcome their insecurities. This combination of personal empowerment and physical transformation resonated deeply with viewers, and the show quickly became a source of inspiration for many who struggled with their self-image.
2010,
English,
Jamie Clayton,
Laverne Cox,
Nina Poon,
USA,
Producer: Laverne Cox & Jac Gares
Director: Jacqueline Gares
Release Year: 2014
Synopsis:
Released in 2014, FREE CeCe! is a powerful documentary directed by Jacqueline Gares that chronicles the life of Chrishaun Reed “CeCe” McDonald, a trans woman of color who survived a violent attack, was incarcerated in a men’s prison, and became a symbol of resilience and advocacy for transgender rights. Through Gares' documentary lens, FREE CeCe! transcends the typical narratives of victimhood often imposed on transgender individuals. Instead, it focuses on McDonald's strength, her fight for justice, and her emergence as a leader within the larger movement for transgender rights.
The story of CeCe McDonald begins in June 2011 when she was attacked while walking with friends to a local store in Minneapolis. McDonald, a transgender woman, and her friends were confronted by a group of white men who hurled racial slurs and transphobic comments at them. One of the men, Dean Schmitz, made an aggressive move toward McDonald and her friends. In self-defense, CeCe defended herself with a pair of scissors, which led to Schmitz’s death. The incident was a tragic case of self-defense against a violent attack fueled by transphobia and racism.
In the aftermath of the confrontation, McDonald was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Despite the clear evidence that she had acted in self-defense, she was coerced into a confession during a highly problematic interrogation. This was a case that immediately revealed the deep-seated systemic issues at play—not only regarding how trans people are treated by the legal system but also in the broader context of racial and gender-based violence.
2014,
CeCe McDonald,
English,
Laverne Cox,
USA,
