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: Rhys Ernst
Release Year: 2016
Synopsis:
"We've Been Around," created by Rhys Ernst and produced by Christine Beebe, is a poignant documentary series that delves into the rich and often overlooked history of transgender pioneers. This innovative series chronicles the lives and contributions of significant figures and movements, including Lucy Hicks Anderson, S.T.A.R. (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries), Albert, Little Axe, Lou Sullivan, and CAMP TRANS. By weaving together personal narratives and historical context, the series provides a vital glimpse into the resilience and impact of transgender individuals throughout history.
Each episode of "We've Been Around" focuses on a different subject, shedding light on their unique stories and the broader cultural significance of their lives:
Lucy Hicks Anderson: A trailblazer in her own right, Lucy was a prominent figure in the early 20th century who defied societal norms and fought for her identity at a time when such expressions were largely suppressed. Her story highlights the intersection of race, gender, and identity.
S.T.A.R. (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries): This activist group, founded by Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson, played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, particularly those living on the margins of society. Their legacy continues to inspire modern-day activism.
2016,
Alexandra Billings,
English,
Monica Roberts,
Monika Kowalska,
Riki Wilchins,
Susan Stryker,
Valerie Spencer,
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,
Directors: Victor Silverman and Susan Stryker
Release Year: 2005
Synopsis:
In 2005, the documentary "Screaming Queens: The Riot at Compton's Cafeteria" directed by Victor Silverman and Susan Stryker, brought attention to a pivotal yet often overlooked moment in LGBTQ history. The film delves into the events surrounding the Compton’s Cafeteria Riot of 1966, a violent confrontation between transgender people and the police in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco.
Preceding the more famous 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City, the Compton’s Cafeteria Riot is now recognized as one of the first recorded transgender uprisings in the United States. The documentary, featuring interviews with key figures like Amanda St. Jaymes, Felicia Flames, and Aleshia Brevard, serves as a critical retelling of an event that marked a turning point for the transgender community, giving birth to a political consciousness that would shape LGBTQ activism for years to come.
2005,
Aleshia Brevard,
Amanda St Jaymes,
English,
Felicia Elizondo,
Felicia Flames,
Monika Kowalska,
Susan Stryker,
USA,
Director: Monika Treut
Release Year: 1999
Synopsis:
In the late 1990s, when the conversation around gender identity was just beginning to gain broader visibility in mainstream media, Monika Treut's documentary "Gendernauts: A Journey Through Shifting Identities" emerged as a groundbreaking work that explored the lives of transgender individuals navigating the complexities of their gender identities.
Released in 1999, the documentary offered an intimate and candid portrait of a group of transgender and intersex individuals living in San Francisco—a city known for its progressive attitudes toward gender and sexuality.
The film was not only significant for its portrayal of gender fluidity but also for the way it approached the notion of gender beyond binary categories. Through the eyes of Sandy Stone, a prominent transgender theorist and one of the film's central figures, "Gendernauts" invited viewers to witness a diverse range of experiences, reflecting the rich spectrum of identities that fall outside conventional definitions of male and female.
1999,
English,
Monika Kowalska,
Sandy Stone,
Susan Stryker,
USA,
Veronica Klaus,
