For his new documentary “The Trans List” filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, along with writer and transgender rights activist Janet Mock, has assembled a diverse group of fascinating trans men and women to talk about how their own journeys have resulted in such joy and peace of mind. In her introduction before the interviews Janet Mock noted ‘These stories of triumph do not outweigh those of tragedy facing many trans Americans who struggle with limited access to shelter, healthcare, education, and employment.’
Caroline ‘Tula’ Crossley is a British actress/model who worked undetected for years, recounted that her very successful modeling career led to a part in 1981 in the James Bond movie ‘For Your Eyes Only’ which resulted in headlines in the tabloid newspapers declaring ‘Bond Girl Was A Boy’. It caused Crossley to seriously consider suicide, but afterwards she went on to continue modeling and became an advocate campaigning to petition for changes in the British law concerning transsexuals. She did add however say that one of her detractors cruelly told her after she had gender-realignment surgery ‘whatever you do, you will always be a mutilated man.’
Like all the interviewees in this documentary, muscle-bound U.S. Army Sergeant Shane Ortega was brimming with confidence as he related of his pride serving in the armed services, even though army regulations still do not completely recognize his gender and at times insist he wears a female uniform.
Overtly masculine porn actor turned motivational speaker Buck Angel also has such a tenacious spirit and although he grins widely when he describes himself as ‘a man with no dick’, he also has a weepy moment on camera remembering what a tough time he had growing up as a girl.
No documentary on the trans community these days is considered complete without an appearance from the ubiquitous Caitlyn Jenner who has certainly not held back from spouting out her own views on transitioning. What was refreshing however was for Jenner this time to make a point that she wasn’t a spokesman for the community, and that she simply spoke just for herself.
The youngest talking-head was a very self-assured student Nicole Maines who’s very supportive parents helped her take a case to the Supreme Court after being refused access to female restrooms at her Maine high school. She made a point of stressing that starting her transitioning at such an early age caused her far less stress and gave her a great deal of happiness than if she had delayed it until she was an adult.
Latino activist Bamby Salcedo recounted how she was so incensed and horrified by the brutal 2002 murder of transgender teen Gwen Araujo. Salcedo’s past was one of the grimmest related, but it seems that she has put prison and drugs behind her as now acts as an unofficial mother to young people transforming.
Greenfield-Sanders and Mock leave the best to last. The actress and LGBT advocate Laverne Cox was such a joy as she tells how that just a couple of years ago she couldn’t find any work, and now she is the very first trans actor to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy. Cox radiates her happiness and recounts her joy at finding herself on the front cover of Time Magazine which helped liberate her so she could finally ‘own’ who she really is.
Anything that adds to the continuing dialogue about the trans community helps all of us to understand and appreciate its sheer diversity even more, and The Trans List by profiling these particular people makes a very important contribution to the discussion.
Labels: 2016, documentary, transgender
