Watchlist: Elliot Page, Peppermint and other trans icons share the movies that shaped them
Transgender Day of Visibility, held every March 31, was founded 16 years ago to give trans people a day to celebrate trans life and community. At a time when transgender people are facing unprecedented vitriol and attacks, it's more important than ever to seek out accurate and affirming portrayals of trans life.
The 19th asked 10 trans icons, from Elliot Page to Peppermint, to reflect on the movies that move them and that and affirm the dignity of trans people.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Actor (he/him)
''Framing Agnes' highlights two fundamental truths about the transgender community: One, that we have always existed, and two, we have always found clever ways to get what we need to live more authentically and ultimately survive. It's crucial now more than ever, for trans and cis people alike, to learn about the history of the trans community, to defend trans rights and advocate for our humanity to be acknowledged and respected — because as seen in the film, our world has always had trans people in it, and it always will.'
Actress and singer (she/her)
'I'd recommend people watch 'Monica' because it shows a trans woman in a normal context where she was able to connect with her family and display a more motherly and nurturing nature towards the end of the film, which is something we don't often get to see trans women, portrayed in ways that are actually true to how many of us are.'
Actor (he/him)
'My pick is definitely 'Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen.' It powerfully unpacks how decades of misrepresentation in media have fueled harmful narratives, directly contributing to the unprecedented wave of anti-trans legislation we're seeing nationwide — laws targeting our health care, sports participation and basic rights. It's groundbreaking because it centers trans voices authentically sharing our own experiences, created entirely by trans filmmakers — unlike many films, articles and legal discussions that talk about us without ever including us. It's essential viewing right now to counter misinformation, uplift our community and reclaim our stories during this critical fight for our humanity.'
Author, writer and director (she/her)
'These are films that center trans characters in their complex humanity. As a writer and director, these kinds of character studies fascinate me. In our current political culture that dehumanizes trans folks, these films present trans lives full of agency.'
Director of development for PAGEBOY Productions (he/him)
'This documentary is incredibly timely given the current attacks on trans youth and their right to just be kids, which includes their right to participate in sports. 'Changing the Game' highlights the benefits of sport for young people, particularly the social and developmental benefits, and sheds a light on the shameful and needless bullying of transgender children by adults and lawmakers. Arguments to exclude trans kids also inevitably adversely impact all girls and women, because if we begin to allow certain bodies to be questioned and investigated, it sets a dangerous precedent for anyone who exists outside of rigid gender stereotypes — in athletics and beyond. As a trans man and athlete, I passionately believe all kids should have access to the life-saving outlet of sports. 'Changing the Game' cuts through the misinformation and shows that trans kids in sport are no different than anyone else, and they deserve to play. It's a must-watch for everyone.'
Co-executive director of the Trans Journalists Association (they/them)
'At a time when certain political forces are aiming to pit historically excluded communities against each other, a film like 'Kokomo City' — bold and uncompromising in its focus on the relationships between Black trans women and the broader Black community — stands firmly at the intersection. Director D. Smith's propulsive interrogation is at once entertaining and informative, raw and inspiring, and I'm sure you've likely never seen a film like this, especially not from this vantage. You'll be craving more authentic Black trans narratives after watching.'
Filmmaker and founder of the Transgender Film Center (he/him)
'While 'Heightened Scrutiny' doesn't have traditional distribution yet, it's a documentary well worth your time to seek out as it travels through the film festival circuit. Sam Feder's follow-up to 'Disclosure' follows [American Civil Liberties Union] attorney Chase Strangio as he prepares to argue a landmark trans rights case, United States v. Skrmetti, before the Supreme Court. The case, which is still pending, will determine whether bans on trans healthcare for minors violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.
'The most powerful aspect of this timely documentary draws a direct link between irresponsible, prejudiced reporting at major media institutions like the New York Times and how quickly these half-baked op-eds become cited as 'evidence' in anti-trans legislation around the country. Despite how bleak the world is, this film presents a case for hope: hope that we will endure, that people are fighting for us and that we can continue to fight for each other.'
DEI consultant and activist (she/her/Beyoncé)
'This is a queer love story that I know isn't beautiful, but is honest and a depiction of the way that a lot of AMAB folks experience what we think is love for the first time. A film that's hard to watch at times, but so beautiful to see happens so that you don't feel alone.'
Host of the Gender Reveal Podcast and editor of '2 Trans 2 Furious' (he/him)
'In a society where transness is continually misrepresented as some kind of hot new trend for predominantly White youth, it's an incredible gift to watch this quartet of (broadly) transmasculine queers of color grow and evolve over a quarter century. While the documentaries don't shy away from the obstacles faced by their subjects — including everything from relationship conflict and (lack of) health care access to incarceration and [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] detention — they nevertheless capture the freedom and relief of living in the world as exactly yourself.'
Co-executive director of the Trans Journalists Association and Data & graphics reporter for Civic News Company (they/ze/hir)
'After a divine gender transformation, a lost runaway joins forces with an escaped miner who's mourning the death of his brother. Together they become beacons of hope and resistance, forming an anticolonialist hacking collective in the mountains of Burundi. The collective takes on The Authority, a totalitarian regime that ravages the workers and the environment with a violent military and aggressive drone attacks. Despite the dark subject, an unshakeable optimism and hope thread through the Afrofuturist parable. Also, it's technically a musical. It has everything: worker solidarity, gender magic, meddling gods, romance and song breaks. And it feels particularly resonant now, even though its U.S. release came several years ago.'
The post Watchlist: Elliot Page, Peppermint and other trans icons share the movies that shaped them appeared first on The 19th.
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