Becoming More Visible

Gr 9 Up—Ranging from ages 17 to 22, four young transgender New Yorkers relate a wide range of experiences of coming out and transitioning. Kathryn is a Bangladeshi teen whose traditional family does not accept her transition. Sean, an aspiring comedian, has a supportive mother and has undergone successful hormone therapy. Olivia is transitioning while living in the shelter system, and Morgin is a transgender woman from Puerto Rico who has undergone surgery. Using extensive interviews and footage of day-to-day life, with a few expert interviews mixed in, the documentary presents a realistic but overall optimistic view of current trans issues in America. Difficult details such as mental illness, medical procedures, and family rejection are not avoided but are discussed in terms appropriate for a wide audience. There are a few occurrences of swearing, mainly from the older subjects. The diversity of trans people followed in this film is better than in many others. However, their experiences are specific to a large city, where the four have access to multiple support options outside traditional medical and family structures.