It’s been nearly four years since I shared 5 Trans Films for Transgender Awareness Week. So I felt it’s high time that I revist this specific part of the LGBTQ spectrum. Especially because current events and politics have brought the topic into everyday conversation – although not always in the most positive light. So let’s try to change that!
As I noted before, I do not consider myself an expert on transgender films. BUT I am an ally and my goal here is to improve my understanding and to share it with you so we can grow and better accept our trans brothers and sisters.
Now, I’m fully aware that there are some earlier films that depict transgender characters or storylines that are no longer as accepted as they were when they were first released. I’ve actually included a film this month that sits in this awkward place. It is a cult classic and has it’s roots in the trans and gender identity arena, including a recent production starring the amazing Laverne Cox! But it has also stirred some harsh conversations and often is excluded by some as a trans film, especially in light of the current trans movement and some comments that were made by it’s creator.
Thankfully, things have improved since that story was first staged and put on the screen. And as we learn more about transgender and how they have been portrayed in film previously, people are now standing up to oppose the casting of cis actors and actresses in trans roles. Some cis actors who have even starred in some of the well received trans films have noted that they wouldn’t accept the role today. So I’m highlighting this forward movement as well. One of the trans films I feature this month not only stars a trans man in the lead role, but includes other trans men and women to tell their story!
However, we cannot ignore our queer history and how trans characters and our real-life trans brothers and sisters were treated. In fact, two of the films below focus on true trans stories. One highlights a tragedy that unfolded due to a blossoming romance with a trans woman. The other is one I recently discovered, and documents a trans activism moment that has nearly been erased from our history. So I’ve included this trans film to ensure that their story is not further lost or covered up.
And to wrap up this month’s list, I’ve included a film that focuses on a two-spirit person. This concept is actually help across many different cultures, especially our indigenous cultures. This trans short film not only highlights this unique two-spirit person, but beautifully captures a unique cultural element that is worth exploring.
All together, these 5 MORE Trans Films are definitely worth checking out! But don’t forget to share your thoughts and comments below. However, please keep things civil and respectful.
5 MORE Trans Films
“After skipping town a decade ago, transgender activist Caz Davis returns to the remote, politically divided dairy community of Rurangi, hoping to reconnect with his estranged father, who hasn’t heard from him since before Caz transitioned.” – IMDb
“Rūrangi” is a queer series about being trans that actually gets it right. Elz Carrad, a trans man, stars in this New Zealand series co-created and written by Oliver Page and trans activist, Cole Myers. Set in rural New Zealand, this slow paced series not only highlights what it’s like dealing with being trans but how one’s transgender identity affects a small, rural community. Now, I might be a tad biased as I currently call New Zealand home myself – and I absolutely love that a queer kiwi series has gained the world’s attention. But once you start to watch this trans series, you’ll understand why it’s worth watching!
Watch Rūrangi on Amazon, Hulu, and Peccadillo Pictures.
“Sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite scientist. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named ‘Rocky’.” – IMDb
“I can see you shiver with antici… pation!” For my full review of this cult-classic queer musical film, of course! There is something about “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” that is so wrong… and yet is perfectly right. Despite the initial stage musical being quite the indie hit, the film version actually flopped! Thankfully, late-night screenings kept it from being forgotten and those very quickly turned into participatory events that catapulted this queer film into cult classic territory. And if you haven’t seen this queer film yet – find a local screening today. Just make sure you watch it with fellow Transylvanians, because it wouldn’t be the full experience without them!
Watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Amazon, Prime Video, Apple TV+, and YouTube.
“This true story, which takes place in Fort Campbell, KY, tells the heart-wrenching story of the life and tragic death of soldier Barry Winchell. His love for Calpernia Addams, a transgender nightclub performer, was misunderstood by his fellow soldiers and eventually led to his murder.” – IMDb
Of all the films on this list, “Soldier’s Girl” is my favourite queer crime film. Unfortunately, it’s not an easy film to watch more than one or twice due to the harsh subject matter: the actual murder of Barry Winchell at the hands of his fellow soldiers. Brilliant editing doesn’t help ease this difficulty, although it is superbly done in a way that balances the ups and downs of the story as it unfolds. Calpernia’s performances are equally enthralling yet also heighten the dramatic irony as she’s performing in a competition the same time the gut-wrenching murder occurs. Lee Pace is absolutely phenomenal as Calpernia in every sense (his first film role!) and balances perfectly with Troy Garity’s portrayal of Barry. Again, I must warn you that this is a very difficult film to watch – but if you’re game, “Soldier’s Girl” is utterly worth watching!
Watch Soldier’s Girl on Amazon, Prime Video, Peacock TV, and Tubi.
“Long ago, four extraordinary individuals of dual male and female spirit brought the healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii. Beloved by the people for their gentle ways and miraculous cures, they imbued four giant boulders with their powers. The stones still stand on what is now Waikiki Beach, but the true story behind them has been hidden – until now. Narrated in an ancient Hawaiian dialect, Kapaemahu brings this powerful legend back to life in vivid animation, seen through the eyes of a curious child.” – IMDb
Thoughts?
Watch Kapaemahu on Vimeo, YouTube, and the film’s Official Website.
“On an unknown date in August 1966, trans women in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district rioted against police violence at Gene Compton’s Cafeteria. There was no news coverage, and the arrest records no longer exist. Decades later, historians Susan Stryker and Victor Silverman unearthed the history of the riot and interviewed the surviving “Compton’s queens.” – IMDb
Thoughts?
Watch Compton’s 22 on YouTube.
So what did you think about these 5 MORE Trans Films that I’ve chosen? Hopefully they are ones you haven’t seen before – and that you want to watch now. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
(Remember that you can Pin your favorite trans film to your Pinterest boards for later!)
But remember that are MANY more trans films out there. I haven’t been able to add them all to my Queer Film, Short, & Series Database – let alone review many of them.
And if I still haven’t include your favorite trans film anywhere on the site, let me know HERE. I will certainly add it to my Database – and perhaps give it a full review.
