Absorbing and accepting change, even in the queer community, has never been tougher than at present under an out-of-control, unbalanced would-be authoritarian in the White House. With a handful of right-wing billionaires controlling all the mass media, it is more important than ever that we rely on trusted independent news sources and filmmakers.

Trans filmmaker Chase Joynt is one such observer whose work does an invaluable service in helping us understand the ‘T’ part of the LGBTQ acronym, which is currently being singled out for such extreme rejection and sheer hatred. People’s views on this are usually exploited by sheer ignorance: an age-old practice that has littered history with such disastrous consequences.  So much of that could/can be avoided if the Chase Joynts of the world have their way. 

In his latest film STATE OF FIRSTS, Joynt covers Sarah McBride’s successful bid for a seat in Congress, and she scores an historic first at a moment when simply existing as a visible transperson is more of a political act than ever in the U.S.A. She’s the first transwoman elected to Congress, but as she emphasizes repeatedly on the campaign trail, she doesn’t aim to put her identity on the ballot. However, as he follows McBride over several fateful months, her identity and her existence become increasingly politicized as the Republican Party weaponizes the culture wars by putting transgender rights in the spotlight to stir the pot and polarise voters.

As a journalist, unlike most queer men, I spend a great deal of time thinking about the part ‘T; plays in our community today.  But after watching the film I realised I had been kidding myself about the depth of my knowledge.  Thanks to Joynt, I learnt so much more. And I also became so much in awe of McBride.  If she is the future of our politics, there is real hope.  For all of us.

We caught up with Chase Joynt just before the movie is about to open in Boston and other major US cities.  We wanted to talk about the film, but also to both congratulate and thank him: he made me aware that as a queer man I needed  to open my eyes and heart that much more