Yahoo Lifestyle15 Transgender Movies and Documentaries to Watch Right Now
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15 Transgender Movies and Documentaries to Watch Right Now
The transgender community has been historically underrepresented in media, including in film and television. Over the past few years, popular shows starring trans actors, like Pose and Euphoria, have begun to correct that imbalance, but there's still a long way to go.
Movies and documentaries that accurately and sensitively portray the trans and LGBTQ+ experience are essential those who are early in their transition or self-discovery journey, since seeing your own lived experience and the success of other trans people can be life-affirming. But they're also valuable to our culture at large, so that we can all better understand the rich variety and diversity of people that make up our society — something that's more vital than ever before. "We’re inspired by the trans people we see on screen," Laverne Cox told Deadline while discussing her film Disclosure. "We’re very much interested in bettering the lives of trans people in real life ... The relationship between the representations of trans people and violence against us — we have to change those narratives."
Of course, the trans experience 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 if you're looking for a great film to watch during Pride month or to share with a friend, child or loved one who needs to see themselves reflected, these movies are a good start.
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1) Disclosure (2020)
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.
courtesy of Netflix - 3/16
2) Paris Is Burning (1990)
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 80s, 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.
courtesy of Prestige - 4/16
3) Ma Vie en Rose (1997)
Some of the best films don't attempt to tackle an entire culture, but focus on one personal journey instead. 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.
courtesy of Sony Pictures - 5/16
4) Tangerine (2015)
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 lived experience.
courtesy of Magnolia Pictures - 6/16
5) The Trans List (2016)
Featuring interviews with 11 trans and nonbinary celebrities and public figures, this documentary gets their life stories and experiences right from the source.
courtesy of HBO - 7/16
6) The Danish Girl (2015)
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 portrayal of unconditional love.
courtesy of Focus Features - 8/16
7) Drunktown's Finest (2015)
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.
courtesy of Indion Entertainment Group - 9/16
8) Transfinite (2020)
In seven shorts, this Indie sci-fi flick follows supernatural LGBTQ+ characters as they use their powers to protect, love, teach, fight and thrive.
courtesy of Moving Dreams Studios - 10/16
9) Boys Don't Cry (2000)
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.
courtesy of Searchlight Pictures - 11/16
10) Passing (2015)
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.
courtesy of Amazon - 12/16
11) Gun Hill Road (2011)
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.
courtesy of SimonSays Entertainment - 13/16
12) Growing Up Coy (2016)
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 in general, give this one a watch.
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13) All About My Mother (2000)
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.
courtesy of El Deseo - 15/16
14) Princesa (2001)
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.
courtesy of Bac Films - 16/16
15) Better Than Chocolate (1999)
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.
courtesy of Trimane
