Just Gender 2013
Distributed by Kino Lorber Edu, 333 West 39 St, Suite 503, New York, NY 10018; 212-629-6880
Produced by George Zuber
Directed by George Zuber
DVD, color, 97 min.
Sr. High - General Adult
Gender
Date Entered: 05/21/2014
Reviewed by Monique Threatt, Indiana University, Herman B Wells Library, Bloomington, INThis engaging, and borderline clinical, feature-length documentary focuses on the many facets facing transgender individuals. As narrator Bebe Neuwirth points out, “the transgender umbrella is wide and diverse.” Most transgenders identify as being one or more of the following: stone butch, gender queer, MTF, she-male, no-ho, androgynous, cross-dresser, transgenderist, bi-gender, trannyboy, FTM, transsexual, femme, two-spirit, transvestite, non-op trans, pre-op trans, and tom boy.
An overview of understanding the misconceptions and stereotypes associated with gender identity and gender assignment, especially as it relates to individuals who are transitioning, is the meat of this film. Transgenders are enormously misunderstood and contemplate suicide at a higher rate than the general population. Negative stereotypes associated with being a transgender (although this is a 20th century term), dates back to the late 1880s when psychiatrists, scientists and sexologists did little to understand or feel compassion for people who were unable to fully communicate or express their instinctual sexual identity. These individuals were labeled sexual deviants, delusional, and mentally ill.
Still, what is good about this film is that it is a learning tool in which to dissect and dispute the misconceptions and preconceived stereotypes in an easy and comprehensible way. The film tackles issues such as perspective, awareness, resistance, expression, difficulties forming a community, employment and healthcare discrimination among other issues. As discussed throughout the film, being a transgender is more complex than trying to conform and fit into an one-size-fits-all mold. Interviewees all express one common desire and that is what everyone wants – to be free of judgment. Who cares what lies between a person’s legs? Who cares what clothes people wear? Isn’t it a human right to be who you are?
Select interviews include: Mariette Pathy Allen (Photographer & Author), Masen Davis (Executive Director, Transgender Law Center), M. Dru Levassuer (Transgender Rights Attorney, Lambda Legal), Dr. Maureen Osborne (Clinical Psychologist), Laura Arrowsmith (Former Director of Transgender Programming, Oklahomans for Equality), Jamison Green (Author & Educator, President-Elect, WPATH), Miggi Alicia (aka Michael A.) Gilbert (Professor of Philosophy, York University, Toronto, Canada), Jillian T. Weiss (Professor Law and Society, Ramapo College of New Jersey), Earline Budd (Treatment Adherence Specialist, Transgender Health Empowerment).
The technical aspects of the film are good, and the use of music is almost non-existent. However, as the final credits roll, Angelica’s Ross’ “Spotlight” aptly applies to all people who are constantly under public scrutiny for being “different.” Society’s misguided perception of what is normal does not lessen the importance of all people. At 97 minutes, this is a film that should be viewed in advance of class discussion. I highly recommend this film for public and academic libraries.