Pride 2023: A Q+ celebration
June 6
Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen
Disclosure: Trans Lives On Screen is a captivating documentary that delves into the depiction of transgender folks in mainstream cinema and television.
Directed by Sam Feder, this thought-provoking film explores the history and impact of trans portrayals on screen, shedding light on the challenges faced by transgender folks in the entertainment industry.
Through a combination of insightful interviews, powerful film clips, and personal anecdotes from notable transgender actors, activists, and filmmakers, Disclosure: Trans Lives On Screen unveils the complex and evolving narrative surrounding trans identities on screen. It analyzes how these portrayals have often perpetuated harmful stereotypes, further marginalizing the transgender community and reinforcing societal biases.
The documentary presents a comprehensive timeline of transgender representation in film and TV, from early silent films to modern blockbusters. It examines iconic moments and characters that have shaped public perception and ignited discussions around gender identity. The film also critically examines the ways in which cisgender actors have often been cast in trans roles, robbing transgender actors of opportunities and contributing to misrepresentation.
Disclosure: Trans Lives On Screen highlights the transformative power of authentic and inclusive storytelling, emphasizing the importance of trans people telling their own stories and reclaiming their narratives. It celebrates recent breakthroughs and the increasing presence of transgender voices both in front of and behind the camera, showcasing how these changes have paved the way for greater acceptance and understanding.
Disclosure: Trans Lives On Screen serves as a poignant and eye-opening exploration of transgender representation in media, challenging viewers to consider the impact of these portrayals on the lives of transgender individuals and the broader fight for equality and representation.
Where to watch? Netflix.
The Umbrella Academy
The Umbrella Academy is a thrilling and offbeat TV show based on the comic book series of the same name created by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá. Set in a world where 43 children with extraordinary abilities are born to seemingly random women who weren’t pregnant, the show follows the lives of 7 of these kids who were adopted by Sir Reginald Hargreeves, a billionaire industrialist.
The story begins with the estranged siblings reuniting after the death of their adoptive father.
Each member of the dysfunctional family possesses unique powers and distinct personalities. There’s Luther, a super-strong man with the body of a gorilla; Diego, who has exceptional knife-throwing skills; Allison, who can manipulate reality with her words; Klaus, a medium who can communicate with the dead; Number Five, a time-traveling boy trapped in his teenage body; Ben, who is deceased but can manifest monstrous tentacles; and Vanya (now Viktor), the only sibling with no apparent powers.
As they come together to unravel the mystery behind their father’s death, they become entangled in a web of conspiracies, secret organizations, and time-travel. Along the way, they must confront their past traumas, interpersonal conflicts, and battle powerful adversaries.
The Umbrella Academy is an intriguing blend of action, drama, and dark humor. It explores themes of identity, family, destiny, and the consequences of having extraordinary abilities. With its intricate storytelling, captivating characters, and stylish visuals, the show offers a fresh take on the superhero genre, combining complex character development with high-stakes adventures in a world on the brink of apocalypse.
Where to watch? Netflix.
Pageboy by Elliot Page
Pageboy is an inspiring and deeply personal memoir that chronicles the journey of acclaimed actor Elliot Page. Through a collection of intimate stories and experiences, Page explores the complexities of his identity and his quest for self-discovery.
The book captures a pivotal moment in Elliot’s life as he navigates the world premiere of Juno and grapples with his own burgeoning queerness and gender identity. The narrative delves into the challenges of embracing his true self, shedding societal expectations, and finding his place in a world that often tries to force individuals into a binary mold.
Despite the success and fame that followed the release of Juno, Elliot found himself suffocated by the pressure to conform and perform. The memoir vividly portrays the internal struggle between the glossy façade of stardom and the authentic desire to live truthfully. Elliot’s path is marked by moments of silence, navigating abuse and criticism, and dealing with a past that haunted him.
However, as the weight of societal expectations became too burdensome, Elliot reaches a breaking point. With courage and determination, he chooses to speak out and share his truth. The memoir becomes a testament to resilience and the power of embracing one’s authentic self, even in the face of adversity.
Pageboy is not just a book about being transgender, but an in-depth exploration of what it means to be human. Elliot Page’s evocative and lyrical debut offers a love letter to the journey of self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of being seen and finding connections. It serves as an inspiring guide for anyone on a path of self-discovery and acceptance, reminding readers of the strength, joy, and transformative power that comes with embracing who we truly are.
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