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: Joshua Kim
Release Year: 2013
Synopsis:
In Thailand, the military draft is a rite of passage for all males turning 21, a significant moment that intertwines personal identity with national obligation. Drawing a black card grants exemption, while a red card results in two years of compulsory military service. Draft Day, directed by Joshua Kim, offers a poignant and thought-provoking narrative centered on two girls who were assigned male at birth but are now navigating this challenging milestone as transgender women. Through their eyes, the film delves into themes of identity, societal expectation, and the struggle for autonomy in a rigidly structured system.
The military draft in Thailand is a deeply entrenched tradition, symbolizing both patriotism and duty. For many young men, the day of the lottery is fraught with anxiety, uncertainty, and the potential for life-altering consequences. The stakes are high, not just in terms of military service but also concerning how this obligation aligns with their personal identity. For transgender individuals, the experience can be even more complex, as they must confront societal norms and expectations that may not reflect their true selves.
Director: Tanwarin Sukkhapisit
Release Year: 2008
Original title: สบายดีค่ะ
Synopsis:
"สบายดีค่ะ" ("I’m Fine") is a 2008 documentary film by Thai director and actor Tanwarin Sukkhapisit that offers a raw, evocative portrayal of gender identity, societal constraints, and personal resilience. The film is memorable not only for its portrayal of Tanwarin’s experiences as a kathoey (a transgender woman in Thai culture), but also for its striking visual and symbolic language.
In the documentary, Tanwarin sits in a cage on a hot, sunny day in front of the Democracy Monument in Bangkok, a powerful metaphor for both her personal and societal struggles. The key to unlock the cage is within reach of anyone who passes by, yet Tanwarin declines every offer of help, calmly asserting, "I’m fine"—a statement that becomes both an assertion of independence and a reflection on the complexity of her identity.
This film is not just a personal reflection; it is also a profound commentary on the state of gender and sexual diversity in Thai society. Tanwarin’s body of work, including this documentary, is often described as a bold effort to challenge the traditional boundaries of gender and sexuality, offering a deeply human perspective on the lives of people often marginalized or misunderstood by society.
2008,
Tanwarin Sukkhapisit,
Thai,
Thailand,
