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.
Producer: BBC Three
Release Year: 2015
Synopsis:
Aired on November 23, 2015, on BBC Three, Young, Trans and Looking for Love is a compelling documentary that captures the romantic journeys of young transgender individuals. As part of the channel’s "Breaking The Mould" season, the film focuses on the lives of Claire Green, Arin Andres, and Katie Rain Hill, exploring the unique challenges and triumphs they face in their pursuit of love. Through their stories, the documentary sheds light on the broader experiences of transgender youth and their quest for connection in a world that often marginalizes their identities.
In recent years, representation of transgender individuals in media has gained momentum, yet it remains a complex and often fraught topic. Young transgender people face numerous hurdles, including societal stigma, family acceptance, and personal insecurities, all of which can significantly affect their romantic lives. Young, Trans and Looking for Love stands out as it brings these issues to the forefront, presenting authentic narratives that resonate with viewers, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.
2015,
Claire Green,
English,
Katie Hill,
UK,
Producer: Channel 4 (UK)
Release Year: 2008
Synopsis:
"Sex Change Soldier," a documentary that premiered on Channel 4 in March 2008, chronicles the remarkable journey of Abigail Austen, a Northern Irish-born Scottish journalist and former British Army officer. Known as Ian Hamilton before her transition, Austen made history as the first officer in the British Army to begin gender reassignment while still serving. This film not only showcases her personal struggles and triumphs but also serves as a critical examination of military policies regarding transgender service members.
Abigail Austen's story begins in Belfast, where she was born on December 8, 1964. Raised in Stonehaven, Scotland, her childhood was marked by challenges and trauma, including experiences of abuse at a boarding school. These formative years were filled with dislocation and inner turmoil, exacerbated by her struggles with gender dysphoria. To cope, Austen enlisted in the British Army in 1982, seeking to mask her true self behind the façade of a soldier.
2008,
Abigail Austen,
English,
Ian Hamilton,
UK,
Director: Fox Fisher
Release Year: 2015
In an era where voices of marginalized communities are finally being amplified, Fox Fisher's documentary "Time is Short" shines a spotlight on the remarkable life of Alice Denny—a British poet and transgender activist from Brighton, England. This poignant film captures Alice’s journey through the challenges of identity, activism, and artistry, creating an intimate portrait of a woman dedicated to both her craft and her community.
Alice Denny’s path has not been a straightforward one. From a young age, she grappled with her identity, navigating the complexities of being transgender in a society that often marginalizes such narratives. In an interview with Monika Kowalska for her blog "
Heroines of My Life," Alice speaks candidly about her early experiences, revealing the profound impact that societal expectations and personal struggles had on her self-acceptance. “I tend to speak from a personal point of view through poetry and hope it resonates with others,” she confides, recalling the moments of despair and confusion that shaped her youth.
2015,
Alice Denny,
English,
Monika Kowalska,
UK,
Producer: Thames TV
Director: Terry Steel
Release Year: 1977
Synopsis:
On 17 March 1977, Thames TV aired a landmark interview featuring April Ashley, M.B.E, a model, actress, and author, who is celebrated as one of the first British individuals to undergo sex reassignment surgery. The interview, conducted by Mavis Nicholson, offers a poignant glimpse into the life of a woman who not only challenged societal norms but also paved the way for future generations in the LGBTQ+ community.
April Ashley was born in 1935 in Liverpool to a strict Roman Catholic family. In the interview, she reflects on her childhood, illustrating the internal struggles she faced growing up in an environment where traditional gender roles were rigidly enforced. Ashley's early years were marked by a profound sense of disconnect from her assigned male identity. She candidly recounts her feelings of being trapped in the wrong body, a sentiment that many trans individuals resonate with.
The interview reveals how Ashley's upbringing shaped her understanding of gender and identity. Her family's adherence to Catholic values added a layer of complexity to her journey, as she grappled with the teachings of the Church that often condemned anything outside of the heteronormative framework. This juxtaposition between her innate identity and her family's beliefs created a formative tension that would influence her path toward self-acceptance.
1977,
April Ashley,
English,
UK,
Director: David Pearson
Release Year: 1980-1999
Synopsis:
David Pearson's groundbreaking documentary series "A Change of Sex" offers an intimate portrait of transgender activist Julia Grant, chronicling her transition from George Roberts to Julia Grant. Originally airing on BBC2 in the late 1970s, this multi-part documentary not only shed light on the complexities of gender identity but also set a precedent for future representations of transgender lives in media.
The series began as an episode of "Inside Story," focusing on investigative journalism, which soon captured the attention of audiences. The initial chapter, "George," premiered in 1979 and followed George Roberts, a catering manager who felt a profound disconnect between his assigned gender and his true identity as a woman. This candid exploration of identity, combined with the challenges of seeking gender reassignment surgery, marked one of the first times a transgender narrative was presented so openly on television.
1980,
English,
Julia Grant,
UK,
Director: Fox Fisher & Lewis Hancox
Release Year: 2014
Synopsis:
"Patchwork: Ayla - Transgender UK" (2014), directed by Fox Fisher and Lewis Hancox, is an intimate and powerful short film that forms part of the Patchwork Digital Storytelling Project, a groundbreaking series of 25 short films that provide a personal and diverse view into the lives of transgender individuals across the UK. The series, commissioned by All About Trans and produced by Lucky Tooth Films in collaboration with Channel 4, is designed to challenge stereotypes and offer a more complex, nuanced perspective on the experiences of transgender people from all walks of life.
In the case of Ayla, the story centers on Ayla Holdom, a courageous and accomplished search and rescue pilot. Through Ayla’s story, the film takes viewers on a deeply personal journey into the challenges and triumphs she has experienced throughout her transition, shedding light on the intersection of gender identity and professional ambition, as well as the ways in which her loved ones—particularly her wife, Wren, and her parents—have navigated and supported her transformation.
2014,
Ayla Holdom,
English,
UK,
Director: Helen Richards
Release Year: 2011
Synopsis:
In the world of television, where marginalized groups often struggle to see themselves represented with depth and authenticity, My Transsexual Summer (2011) stands as a significant step forward in how the transgender community is portrayed. Produced by Channel 4 and directed by Helen Richards, this British documentary-style reality series took a bold and refreshing approach to telling the stories of seven transgender individuals from different walks of life, each navigating their own unique journey of self-discovery and gender transition.
The series was broadcast in 2011 and rebroadcast in 2012 on More4 in the UK, with international distribution in Australia.
While it may be tempting to categorize the series within the bounds of a typical reality TV show, My Transsexual Summer is far from superficial. It offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the lives of transgender individuals, allowing them to speak for themselves rather than having their experiences mediated through the often problematic lens of mainstream media. Over five weekends in the summer of 2011, seven trans individuals from across the gender spectrum—ranging from those in early stages of transition to those further along—gathered at a secluded retreat in Bedfordshire to share their personal struggles, triumphs, and hopes for the future. Their candid conversations and the intimate footage that followed offer a much-needed counterpoint to the tired tropes and sensationalist portrayals of transgender people in mainstream media.
2011,
Donna Whitbread,
Drew-Ashlyn Cunningham,
English,
Karen Gale,
Monika Kowalska,
Sarah Savage,
UK,
Producer: Remy Blumenfeld
Release Year: 2003
Synopsis:
In the early 2000s, reality television was at its peak, with audiences ravenous for new formats that pushed the boundaries of entertainment. One show that stands out from this era, not just for its unique premise but also for the controversy it sparked, is There’s Something About Miriam. A British reality TV series that aired on Sky1 in 2004, the show involved six men competing for the affection of a 21-year-old Mexican model named Miriam Rivera. The twist? Rivera, who was introduced as a woman, was revealed in the final episode to be a transgender woman. The series not only shocked its contestants but also ignited a firestorm of criticism over issues of gender identity, exploitation, and the ethics of reality TV.
There’s Something About Miriam was the brainchild of British television producer Remy Blumenfeld and was produced by Brighter Pictures, a subsidiary of the global entertainment company Endemol. The concept was simple: six men, ranging in age from 20 to 35, were invited to compete for a £10,000 prize by winning the affection of Miriam Rivera, a stunning Mexican model. The men took part in physical challenges and went on dates with Miriam, believing she was an attractive, cisgender woman.
2003,
English,
Miriam Rivera,
UK,
Director: Sally George
Release Year: 1994
Synopsis:
In 1994, the BBC produced a documentary that would cement the legacy of one of the most iconic magicians of the 20th century. Titled Illusions of Grandeur, the documentary directed by Sally George was a window into the world of Fay Presto, a trailblazing figure in the world of magic, and a captivating exploration of the artist behind the tricks. Known for her skillful close-up magic, her charming yet mysterious stage presence, and her larger-than-life personality, Fay Presto was already a beloved figure by the time Illusions of Grandeur aired.
The documentary did more than just showcase Fay's magical talents—it delved into her life as a transgender woman navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry, her personal journey, and the artistic creativity that went into her performances. The film, which aired as part of the BBC’s 40 Minutes series, generated one of the most positive responses the BBC had ever received for a documentary in its category. Illusions of Grandeur became a landmark for both its portrayal of magic and for its honest depiction of transgender issues during a time when the topic was still heavily stigmatized.
1994,
English,
Fay Presto,
Monika Kowalska,
UK,
Producer: BBC 3
Release Year: 2007
Synopsis:
"I’ve been trapped in a man’s body, but my soul is a woman’s." These poignant words from Lucy Parker (born Richard Parker) encapsulate the essence of the groundbreaking documentary Lucy: Teen Transsexual (2013). The film, produced by BBC3, provides an intimate and powerful portrayal of Lucy's journey as the youngest transsexual in Britain. At just 18 years old, Lucy had already begun her transformation from Richard, a boy who struggled with his identity, to a young woman who was finally living as her true self.
From a young age, Lucy (then Richard) knew she was different. Growing up in Middlesbrough, she was drawn to things that were stereotypically considered feminine, such as makeup, dresses, and high heels. However, her gender identity did not align with societal expectations, and she was forced to navigate a world where she did not quite fit in.
Lucy recalls that even as a child, she sensed something was off. At the age of four, she asked her mother, “Why am I different?” but was too young to explain the depth of her feelings. Her mother, Allison, initially did not understand what her child was experiencing. Lucy’s discomfort only deepened during her school years, where she was bullied for not conforming to traditional gender norms. As Richard, she hated typical “boyish” activities like football and Cubs, and often felt like an outsider. She preferred the company of girls and secretly dressed up in girls’ clothing at home, activities that were quickly shut down by family members who did not understand what she was going through.
2007,
English,
Lucy Parker,
UK,
Director: Tim Brunsden & Andy McCann
Release Year: 2011
Synopsis:
In 2011, filmmakers Tim Brunsden and Andy McCann collaborated with the talented Vikki-Marie Gaynor to create Transition, a deeply personal and experimental documentary that offers a unique look at one woman’s life, struggles, and triumphs as she navigates the complex terrain of gender identity. The film, which was made as part of the International 48-Hour Documentary Challenge, is more than just a story of personal transformation—it is a reflection on the fluidity of identity and the challenges of reconciling one’s inner truth with the external world.
The International 48-Hour Documentary Challenge, where Transition was born, presents a fascinating premise: teams are given 48 hours to craft a documentary, beginning with a specific theme and constraints. The filmmakers must then quickly conceive a concept, shoot, edit, and finalize the film within this tight timeframe. For Tim Brunsden, Andy McCann, and their collaborators—including Vikki-Marie Gaynor, Maus (who composed the original music), and Paul McCann—the theme they received, "movement," opened a world of creative possibilities.
In a mere two days, the team conceptualized, filmed, and edited Transition, an experimental film that used a projector to explore the evolving story of Vikki-Marie's life.
2011,
English,
Monika Kowalska,
UK,
Vikki-Marie Gaynor,
Producer: Channel 4
Release Year: 2013
Synopsis:
Embarrassing Bodies, a British medical reality television series that aired on Channel 4, is known for tackling a wide array of medical conditions that are often considered taboo, embarrassing, or misunderstood. Through its candid and educational approach, the show has helped demystify a variety of issues related to physical and mental health, particularly those related to sexuality, gender, and bodily function. Among the most sensitive topics addressed was gender dysphoria—the condition in which a person experiences discomfort or distress due to a mismatch between their gender identity and the sex assigned at birth.
In the 2013 special episode, Gender Dysphoria: Embarrassing Bodies, the show sought to break down the stigma surrounding transgender and gender-nonconforming experiences by featuring a variety of individuals who were navigating gender dysphoria. Among those who shared their deeply personal journeys were Bright Daffodil and Jenny-Anne Bishop, two prominent figures in the transgender and intersex communities in the UK. Their participation in the show was an important moment for visibility and education around issues of gender identity and gender transition, which are often misunderstood or marginalized in mainstream media.
2013,
Bright Daffodil,
English,
Jenny-Anne Bishop,
Monika Kowalska,
UK,
Director: Dan Murdoch
Producer: BBC
Release Year: 2012
Synopsis:
In 2012, the BBC3 documentary Transsexual Teen Beauty Queen captured the world’s attention with the remarkable story of Jackie Green, the youngest person in the world to undergo gender reassignment surgery. Directed by Dan Murdoch, the film chronicled Jackie’s courageous journey from being born Jack, a boy trapped in the wrong body, to a confident, outspoken young woman competing in the prestigious
Miss England beauty pageant.
Jackie Green's story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and defiance against societal prejudice. As a teenager, Jackie did what many people only dream of: she fought for her true identity in the face of unspeakable odds, including bullying, suicidal thoughts, and the struggle to gain acceptance in a world often hostile to gender diversity. But more than just a personal transformation, Jackie’s journey speaks to larger issues surrounding transgender rights, the power of supportive family, and the ongoing challenges faced by young trans people today.
2012,
English,
Jackie Green,
UK,
Director: Maxx Ginnane
Release Year: 2008
Synopsis:
In 2008, the UK documentary I’m 80% Girl, 20% Boy: VC2 made a profound impact by offering a deeply personal and vulnerable insight into the life of Adele (Bright Daffodil), an intersex woman grappling with her identity in a world that relentlessly enforces binary gender norms. Directed by Maxx Ginnane, the film explores Adele’s journey as an XXY intersex individual, born with ambiguous genitalia and subjected to invasive surgeries that “corrected” her body as part of a process of enforced gender conformity.
This powerful short film serves not only as a poignant narrative of Adele’s personal struggle and resilience but also as an important commentary on the medical, social, and psychological aspects of intersex lives, particularly as they pertain to gender identity. Through her journey, the film highlights the tension between biological sex and gender identity, questioning the conventional frameworks society uses to understand these complex realities.
2008,
Bright Daffodil,
English,
Monika Kowalska,
UK,
Producer: Riccardo Corsini
Release Year: 2011
Synopsis:
In 2011, filmmaker Riccardo Corsini had the unique privilege of capturing the vibrant and colorful world of transgender beauty in the UK through his documentary The Mango Tree. This short film provides a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives of transgender contestants as they prepare for the Mango Tree competition, one of the largest and most flamboyant beauty pageants in London dedicated to celebrating transgender individuals. The documentary follows two contestants, their day-to-day lives, and the complex preparations involved in vying for the prestigious title of Madame Mango Tree.
The Mango Tree competition, often dubbed as "London's largest and campiest beauty pageant," has carved a niche for itself as an important event in the UK's LGBTQ+ calendar. More than just a beauty contest, it is a vibrant celebration of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals who may otherwise struggle for recognition in mainstream beauty culture. The event is a space for self-expression, empowerment, and a defiant statement against the often exclusionary nature of traditional beauty standards.
While the pageant itself involves all the usual trappings of a beauty contest – stunning gowns, dazzling performances, and intense competition – it also provides a platform for contestants to showcase their unique stories, struggles, and triumphs. For many transgender contestants, it is more than just a chance to wear glamorous dresses and compete for a crown; it is an opportunity to affirm their identity, express their beauty, and demonstrate their resilience.
