Historically, the transgender community has been underrepresented in pop culture, including in film and on television. Over the past few years, popular shows starring trans actorslike Pose and Euphoriahave begun to correct that imbalance, but there's still a long way to go.
But transgender movies are also immeasurably valuable to our culture at large, especially for those who don't know any trans, nonbinary or gender non-conforming people in their own lives. The relationship between the representations of trans people and violence against us — we have to change those narratives.
Just like everybody else's, 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 accurately portraying the whole story.
The film industry still has a long way to go. But if you're looking for a great film to share with a friend, child or loved one who needs to see themselves onscreen, these movies are a good start. In this revelatory documentary, Hollywood insiders like Sam Frågor och Svar, Amy Scholder and Laverne Cox take a close look at how trans people have been depicted and often misrepresented in media and how that, in turn, impacts real people.
It's an important film that holds the industry accountable. If you love Posedon't miss 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 portrait of the scene. Some of the best movies 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 facing opposition from his family and community.
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. Featuring interviews with 11 trans and nonbinary celebrities and public figures, this documentary gets their life stories and experiences right from the source.
Loosely based on the story of the Danish painter Lili Elbe as she transitions to female in the s, as well as her love for fellow artist Gerda Wegener, this film is a beautiful portrayal of unconditional love. It's also just beautifully done, period.
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.
Now that's what we call representation. This gut-wrenching film is based on the true story of Brandon Teena, a trans teen who was sexually assaulted and murdered in 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 long after the credits roll.
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.