Yahoo Lifestyle15 Transgender Movies and Documentaries to Watch Right Now
- 1/16
15 Transgender Movies and Documentaries to Watch Right Now
The transgender community has been historically underrepresented in media, including film and television. Over the past few years, the popularity of shows like Pose and Euphoria has begun to inch toward more equality onscreen. Movies and documentaries that accurately portray the trans and LGBTQ experience are not only valuable, they're essential. Especially for young people and those who are early in their transition journey, seeing their own lived experience or the success of other trans people onscreen can be life-affirming. But it's also important for all people to see the diversity of our society in media, to appreciate the richness of our world.
"We’re inspired by the trans people we see on screen," Laverne Cox told Deadline, when discussing her film Disclosure. "We’re very much interested in bettering the lives of trans people in real life. This is also the deadliest year on record for trans people. The relationship between the representations of trans people and violence against us — we have to change those narratives."
Of course, the trans experience, like all communities, isn't a monolith. And many films, even beloved ones, sometimes use cisgender characters to portray trans people, or fall short of depicting the whole story. But these movies are a good start.
- 2/16
1) Disclosure
In this revelatory documentary, Hollywood insiders like Sam Feder, Amy Scholder and Laverne Cox take a hard look at how trans people have been depicted (and often misrepresented) in media and how that impacts real people, too. It's an important film that holds the industry accountable.
- 3/16
2) Paris Is Burning
If you love Pose, you've got to watch the film that started it all. This classic takes us into the iconic New York ballroom culture of the 80's, in all its glitz, glamour and drama. But it also reveals the homophobia, transphobia and racism the community experienced, creating a well-rounded picture of the scene.
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- 4/16
3) Ma Vie en Rose
Some of the best films don't attempt to tackle an entire culture, but focus on one personal journey. This French film is one of those, telling the story of a little boy named Ludovic who's certain he's really a girl. It's a sweet portrayal of a young person transitioning, despite disapproval from his family and community.
- 5/16
4) Tangerine
Two trans women, one revenge plot and a zany hunt for a man who's wronged them: What could go wrong? This odyssey through Los Angeles is both a chaotic romp and a refreshingly funny look at queer lives.
- 6/16
5) The Danish Girl
Loosely based on the story of the Danish painter Lili Elbe as she transitions to female in the 1930s, as well as her love for fellow artist Gerda Wegener, this film is a beautiful exploration of unconditional love.
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- 7/16
6) The Trans List
Featuring 11 trans and nonbinary celebrities and public figures, this documentary gets their life stories and experiences right from the source.
- 8/16
7) Drunktown's Finest
Meet three interconnected people living on a remote Navajo reservation including a sex worker and a beautiful trans woman. It's an authentic portrayal of a trans woman of color, played by a trans woman of color, in a film also written and directed by one.
- 9/16
8) Transfinite
In seven shorts, this Indie sci-fi flick follows supernatural LGBTQ+ characters as they use their powers to protect, love, teach, fight and thrive.
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- 10/16
9) Boys Don't Cry
This gut-wrenching film is based on the true story of Brandon Teena, a trans teen who was sexually assaulted and murdered in 1993. He begins a romance with a cis woman in their close-minded Nebraska town before violence finds him, in a heartbreaking story that will stay with you.
- 11/16
10) Passing
Following three trans men of color, this short documentary explores the intersectionality between race, gender and identity and the struggles that can come with living authentically as a multiply marginalized person.
- 12/16
11) Gun Hill Road
When Enrique returns from three years in prison, he finds his wife is having an emotional affair and his daughter in the midst of figuring out who she is. Featuring the first trans actress to be nominated for an acting award in the U.S., her powerful performance tackles difficult subjects with strength.
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- 13/16
12) Growing Up Coy
A Colorado family finds themselves in the national spotlight as they fight for their six-year-old trans daughter's rights. Parents of trans kids, or parents of kids in general, give this one a watch.
RELATED: How to support your LGBTQ+ kid when he, she, or they comes out
- 14/16
13) All About My Mother
A film by the legendary Pedro Almodóvar, this one involves a pregnant nun, an aspiring writer, and a bereaved mother. It's a moving portrait of motherhood, family and enduring love.
- 15/16
14) Princesa
Fernanda, a Brazilian sex worker, travels to Italy to earn enough money to pay for her gender-affirming surgery. While there, she meets Gianni, who might just be the man of her dreams. It's raw, real and deeply touching.
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- 16/16
15) Better Than Chocolate
You know those movies that are so bad, they're great? This one definitely fits that description. It's campy, cute, and a little over-the-top, so call a few pals and watch it with friends so you can laugh about all the loose ends.
