Release Year: 2011
Synopsis:
"Transgression," a short yet powerful documentary released in 2011, illuminates the harrowing experiences of transgender immigrants facing persecution and the brutalities of the American immigration detention system. Directed by a team of filmmakers—TJ Barber, Toni Marzal, Morgan Hargrave, and Daniel Rotman—the film follows the journey of Norma Ureiro, a transgender immigrant from Mexico, who seeks asylum in the United States after facing years of abuse, discrimination, and violence. The documentary, produced in collaboration with Immigration Equality, a non-profit organization that provides legal assistance to LGBTQ immigrants, shines a spotlight on the intersection of gender identity, immigration law, and human rights.
At the heart of the film is Norma Ureiro, whose personal story of suffering, resilience, and survival underpins the broader issues faced by transgender immigrants. The documentary not only brings attention to her individual plight but also highlights the work of Immigration Equality and the broader systemic challenges faced by transgender individuals in the immigration system. Through Norma's journey, "Transgression" explores the devastating impact of the U.S. immigration detention system on transgender detainees and the complexities of seeking asylum when one's identity is not only a source of danger but also a point of contention in the legal process.
