Educational Media Reviews Online

Odd Ones Out is an intimate and at times heart wrenching documentary about transgendered teens facing harassment and violence in the community, as well as intolerance and abuse from their own families that may drive them into homelessness and sex work. Odd Ones Out tells the stories of three transgendered teens who are just trying to be who they are, but have to fight for their identity within the rigid boundaries of society.

Meet Tot and Naomi, who were born as male and self-identify as female; and David, who was born female and self-identifies as male. At 16, Tot is the youngest, and Naomi and David are 18 and 19, respectively. Like most teens, they are at a difficult stage of life involving self-discovery and the transition to adulthood. As transgendered teens, they face unique challenges that include not only the scorn of their families and the larger society, but also health issues such as hormone therapy and sexual reassignment surgery.

The title of the film refers to the fact that transgendered individuals are generally excluded in society and are not fully embraced within the gay and lesbian community, although inclusion in the recent “LGBT” movement has been very positive. Odd Ones Out is an exploration of gender, identity, acceptance and rejection, which takes place in the context of teenage turmoil, change, and search for self. Odd Ones Out doesn’t delve into the controversies involved with politics and religion but focuses on documenting the human aspect of transgendered individuals. This film is suitable for a high school audience, and is recommended for public and academic libraries, especially those with LGBT collections.

Awards Bronze Telly Award Winner