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: Flavio Florencio
Release Year: 2015
Synopsis:
Made in Bangkok, directed by Flavio Florencio, is a powerful documentary that chronicles the journey of Morganna Love, a transgender soprano, actress, beauty queen, and activist from Mexico. This film is not merely a narrative of transformation; it is an exploration of the complexities of identity, societal stigma, and the pursuit of dignity. Morganna's journey embodies the struggles faced by many transgender individuals as they seek to affirm their identity in a world often fraught with prejudice.
Morganna Love's passion for music and opera began at a young age.
In an interview with Monika Kowalska for her blog Heroines of My Life, she recalls a pivotal moment at the age of 18 when her parents took her to a concert featuring Allegri's Miserere. The experience was transformative, igniting her desire to become an opera singer. This moment of epiphany set the stage for her future, leading her to the National Music Conservatory in Mexico, where she pursued formal training in singing and music theory.
Morganna’s journey to becoming a professional opera singer reflects her determination and dedication. She describes her ambition to be the best countertenor in Mexico, and through hard work, she achieved this goal. This early dedication to her craft laid the foundation for her future successes in opera and beyond.
2015,
Monika Kowalska,
Morganna Love,
Spanish,
Director: Fernando Olmeda
Release Year: 2014
Synopsis:
In the rich tapestry of Spain's social and cultural evolution, few narratives resonate as powerfully as that of Carla Antonelli. In El Viaje de Carla, directed by Fernando Olmeda, we embark on an intimate exploration of Carla's life as she returns to her hometown of Güímar in Tenerife, Canary Islands, after thirty-two years. This documentary delves into her transformative journey of self-identity, activism, and the deep emotional currents that have shaped her life.
Carla's return to Güímar is not merely a physical journey; it symbolizes a reconnection with her past and a reckoning with the experiences that have defined her. Leaving her hometown in search of a life aligned with her gender identity and free from societal prejudices was a pivotal moment for Carla. In the documentary, we witness her reflections as she revisits the streets of her childhood, the memories flooding back as she engages with friends, family, and former neighbors.
This journey is structured in two distinct phases, beginning in 2009 when Carla was honored with a significant award in her municipality. It culminates in 2013 during the main festival in Güímar, a celebration she had not attended since 1976. This homecoming allows viewers to witness the evolution of both Carla and her community over the decades.
2014,
Carla Antonelli,
Spanish,
Director: Ulysse del Drago and Sofiane Belaid
Release Year: 2003
Synopsis:
"Mari," directed by Ulysse del Drago and Sofiane Belaid, is a poignant and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the complex and often painful journey of a transgender woman in Cuba. Through the eyes of Mari, the film provides an intimate portrayal of her struggles, triumphs, and the harsh realities of living in a society that is frequently unaccepting of those who defy traditional gender norms. This powerful documentary not only highlights Mari's personal narrative but also serves as a broader commentary on the systemic issues faced by transgender individuals in Cuba.
At the heart of the documentary is Mari herself, a woman trapped in a man's body, who bravely shares her life story. From the outset, viewers are drawn into Mari's world as she candidly discusses the challenges she faces. Her narrative is not just about her gender identity; it encompasses a spectrum of emotional and physical hardships that have shaped her existence.
Director: Patricio Enriquez
Release Year: 2002
Original title: Juchitán de las locas
Synopsis:
"Juchitán de las locas," directed by Patricio Enriquez, is a remarkable documentary that offers an intimate glimpse into the vibrant culture of Juchitán, a small city in Mexico renowned for its progressive views on gender and sexuality. Located near the Guatemalan border, Juchitán stands out as a community where homosexuality is not only accepted but celebrated as a part of its rich cultural tapestry. The film explores the lives of three gay individuals—a teacher, a hairdresser, and a shop owner—highlighting their experiences in a society that embraces fluidity in gender and sexuality.
Juchitán is distinguished by its unique cultural identity, which challenges traditional gender norms prevalent in many parts of the world. In this small city, being gay is viewed through a lens of acceptance, where families regard the birth of a boy who exhibits tendencies toward homosexuality as a blessing rather than a burden. This cultural perspective reshapes the understanding of gender roles, allowing individuals to express themselves authentically without fear of stigma.
Director: Sebastiano d’Ayala Valva
Release Year: 2011
Synopsis:
Sebastiano d’Ayala Valva’s 2011 film Angel is a striking exploration of identity, survival, and the nuances of human relationships, set against the backdrop of a deeply divided society. Centered around the figure of Angel (also known as ‘Mujeron’—Big Woman), a transsexual prostitute and former boxer, the film delves into the life of a remarkable individual whose quest for dignity, justice, and familial connection reveals both the complexity of self and the harsh realities of economic struggle. A poignant character study of a woman who has lived in exile for years,
Angel's return to Ecuador confronts her with painful questions of identity, family loyalty, and social rejection.
At its core, Angel is about survival—the lengths people go to when faced with the crushing pressures of poverty and the weight of social marginalization. It challenges the viewer to consider the intersections of gender, class, and sexuality in an increasingly globalized world. This deeply personal story takes the audience beyond the typical narratives surrounding trans people, focusing instead on the humanity of its protagonist and the particular cultural, social, and economic forces that shape her world.
Director: Marilyn Solaya
Release Year: 2010
Original title: En el cuerpo equivocado
Synopsis:
En el cuerpo equivocado (2010), a documentary directed by Marilyn Solaya, offers a poignant and deeply insightful look into the life of Mavi Susel, a Cuban woman who became the first transgender person in Cuba to undergo sex reassignment surgery in 1988. The film, which premiered in Cuban theaters in 2010, presents Mavi's journey of self-discovery, societal rejection, and eventual acceptance, all while exploring larger issues of gender identity, patriarchy, and the Cuban social landscape.
The film tells the story of Mavi Susel not just as a personal narrative of transition, but as a critical commentary on Cuba’s societal expectations of women. Mavi's transformation is marked by the groundbreaking surgery she underwent at the hands of Cuban medical professionals, an event that had a profound impact on Cuban society at the time. The operation, which occurred on May 22, 1988, made Mavi Susel the first person in Cuba to receive a sex reassignment surgery. The attention this garnered in the media was not entirely positive, and the public response was so negative that it led to a hiatus of nearly 20 years before sex reassignment surgeries would again be made available in the country. The initial backlash came after the Cuban newspaper Juventud Rebelde published an extensive report on Mavi’s surgery, sparking controversy and pushing the Cuban government to halt similar procedures for nearly two decades.
2010,
Cuba,
Mavi Susel,
Spanish,
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,
Director: Bernardo Loyola
Release Year: 2013
Synopsis:
Mexico is a country rich in cultural traditions and deep indigenous roots, but one of the most fascinating and complex aspects of its cultural heritage lies within the Zapotec community of Juchitán, Oaxaca. Here, the concept of gender is not confined to the traditional binary categories of "man" and "woman." Instead, there exists a third gender, known as muxes (pronounced "mooshez"). These individuals are born male, but are raised as women, adopting the social roles and responsibilities of women within their community. The phenomenon of the muxe challenges conventional understandings of gender, highlighting the fluidity and diversity of gender identities in different cultural contexts.
In 2012, filmmaker Bernardo Loyola released his documentary "Mexico's Third Gender," which delves into the lives of muxes in Juchitán, offering an intimate and eye-opening portrait of this unique community. The film takes us on a journey to this remote town in southern Mexico, where the celebration of the Vigil of the Authentic Intrepid Searchers of Danger (La Vela de las Auténticas Intrépidas Buscadoras de Peligro) becomes a central event for the muxes. This documentary not only introduces us to the people of Juchitán, but also invites us to participate in one of the most joyful, inclusive, and liberating celebrations in the region, the Vela, which is the highlight of the year for muxes.
Director: Dan Sickle & Antonio Santini
Release Year: 2014
Synopsis:
Released in 2012, Mala Mala is a documentary that takes us on an intimate journey into the lives of transgender individuals in Puerto Rico. Directed by Antonio Santini and Dan Sickles, the film explores themes of identity, gender, sexuality, and the struggles of being a part of a community that is often overlooked or misunderstood. Although neither Santini nor Sickles identify as transgender, the filmmakers were captivated by the lives of those in Puerto Rico’s vibrant transgender and drag queen communities and set out to tell their stories. The result is a poignant, thought-provoking exploration of personal transformation, social acceptance, and the fight for equality.
Sickles and Santini’s venture into the transgender community began serendipitously. The pair met during their studies at New York University, and their paths crossed again at a film festival in Austin, Texas, where they encountered a drag queen who would alter the course of their filmmaking careers. This drag queen opened up about her life, her struggles, and the complexities of gender and identity, igniting a spark in Santini and Sickles. They felt a deep connection to the universal human desire to define oneself and to achieve one's goals despite social or biological constraints.
“It is universally related to human desires, how we all aspire to be certain things in our life, and if there is a road or a way of achieving those goals,” Sickles reflected in an interview. “They use and employ these methods as a means to achieve those things.” This sentiment became the foundation of their documentary: a way of exploring how individuals, particularly those in marginalized communities, navigate and define their own identities.
2014,
Drag Queen,
English,
Puerto Rico,
Samantha Close,
Spanish,
Director: Kaiton Kalaitzidis
Release Year: 2001
Alternate title: Girls of Sentiment
Synopsis:
Chicas por Sentimiento (2001), a documentary directed by Kaiton Kalaitzidis, presents an intimate and complex exploration of the lives of five transsexual women living in Barcelona. Through personal interviews and candid reflections, the film offers a rich tapestry of experiences, showcasing the diversity of trans identities and the social, psychological, and emotional challenges that accompany the journey of gender transition. Each woman featured in the film presents her own unique perspective, shaped by different histories, societal attitudes, and personal choices. What binds them together is a shared courage to redefine their lives and assert their identities in the face of both personal and societal obstacles.
Barcelona, often regarded as a "Mekka" for transgender people, provides a vibrant backdrop for the film. The city’s dynamic cultural scene and relatively progressive atmosphere make it an important space for LGBTQ+ visibility and activism, yet the stories of these women reveal the complexities of living as a transsexual in Spain. Through the lens of Kalaitzidis' documentary, we gain insight not only into their personal narratives but also into the shifting landscapes of sexuality, gender, and identity in a post-Franco era.
2001,
Barcelona,
Spain,
Spanish,
Director: Isabel Castro
Release Year: 2013
Synopsis:
Crossing Over (2014): A Documentary on Transgender Immigration, Identity, and Resilience
Crossing Over, a powerful 2014 documentary directed by Isabel Castro, presents an intimate look into the lives of transgender Mexican immigrants navigating life in Los Angeles. The film documents the personal and emotional journeys of three transgender women—Francis Murillo, Brenda Gonzalez, and Abigail Madariaga—who risked everything in search of safety, acceptance, and a better life in the United States. In the process, the film exposes the intersection of gender identity, immigration struggles, and the violence faced by transgender individuals in both their home countries and the U.S.
At its core, Crossing Over is not just a story about immigration, but a poignant exploration of survival and resilience. The documentary unfolds the complex realities that transgender immigrants face, with a particular focus on how systemic issues of transphobia, abuse, and lack of legal knowledge complicate their pursuit of asylum and a better future. Through the stories of Francis, Brenda, and Abigail, Castro aims to shed light on a marginalized group within both the immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities, offering viewers a humanizing and nuanced perspective on the struggles that define their lives.
2013,
Abigail Madariaga,
Bamby Salcedo,
Brenda Gonzalez,
Francis Murillo,
Mexico,
Spanish,
Directors: TJ Barber, Toni Marzal, Morgan Hargrave and Daniel Rotman
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.
2011,
English,
Norma Ureiro,
Spanish,
USA,
Director: Scott Elliott
Release Year: 2012
Synopsis:
In the heart of Queens, New York, a place of quiet devotion holds one of the most controversial and enigmatic figures in contemporary spiritual practice. This place, built by Arely Gonzalez, a transsexual immigrant from Mexico, is believed to be New York’s largest shrine to La Santa Muerte, the Holy Death, a folk saint worshipped in Mexico and increasingly across the U.S.
Loving The Bony Lady (2012), directed by Scott Elliott, chronicles Arely’s journey from marginalization to becoming a spiritual leader for a growing community of devotees. The film explores not only her personal transformation but also the rise of La Santa Muerte and the tension between devotion and condemnation that has characterized this unique religious phenomenon.
2012,
Arely Gonzalez,
Mexico,
Spanish,
USA,
