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Positive Trans Representation in TV and Movies

Now in 2018, we have more trans characters being created than ever.  But as I’m always pointing out to people, more is not necessarily better.  Sure, popular media like Silence of the Lambs and The Rocky Horror Picture Show did bring trans characters into the mainstream, but I would argue that representation that paints trans people as serial killers and rapists is representation we’d probably be better off without.  So to combat this sort of demonization, I’m compiling a list of shows and movies that give us positive trans representation. The way that I define positive will definitely be different from the way that others define it, but here are my criteria:

The character must not be “evil”.  To elaborate on this, the character in question cannot be a murderer, a sociopath, or one of those trans characters who “tricks” innocent cis people into having relationships with them.  

The character must not be murdered.  This is a trope I see far too much, and frankly while perhaps realistic in some ways considering the rate of violence against trans people, it still doesn’t feel positive to me to further a culture of violence against us by killing our characters in disturbing and gruesome ways.

The character must have a personality/plotline outside of being trans.  In other words, trans characters should be presented as people with thoughts and feelings and lives that are influenced by their trans identity, rather than their trans identity being the thing mentioned about them.

They must be respected by other characters and, if not the main character in a movie or show, be respected by the main character.  Having a protagonist who mocks or misgenders trans characters is not positive representation.

Must not be created as a joke or a character to be mocked (the “man in a dress” trope is tired, offensive, and needs to be retired.)

Trans characters should be portrayed by people of their gender: cis women can play trans women; cis men should not play trans women.  This one does get a little tricky because there are portrayals I have found to be very compelling in which people of a different gender are playing trans characters.  In cases where representation is otherwise positive I will make a note.

Character is fictional.  Documentaries and dramatic retellings can definitely be good representation, but I’m currently interested in the ways in which storytellers incorporate us into their writing.

  And now, onto the titles!

  Sense8: This incredibly diverse series is notable for its portrayal of Nomi (Jamie Clayton), a trans woman, who is one of the main characters.  Nomi is strong, intelligent, caring, and highly respected by the other members of the sensate. Furthermore, her relationship with Amanita is one of endless, dedicated love, something not often given to trans characters in media.  The show is also written by the Wachowski sisters, who are both trans.

Grey’s Anatomy: In season 14, Casey Parker is introduced as a trans intern, and is played by Alex Blue Davis, who is trans.  There is also buzz about Candis Cayne, a trans woman, playing a trans character in the upcoming season. (She’s confirmed, edit)

Little Evil: This Netflix original movie presents Al, one of the main characters, who is presented as trans or perhaps gender nonbinary.  Al is played by a cis woman, Bridget Everett, but his portrayal is important in that his identity is accepted by all other characters and dealt with casually and respectfully.  Al uses he/him pronouns and calls himself a “stepdad” but that’s all that is stated specifically about his gender.

Tangerine: Tangerine premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.  Shot entirely on iphones, this movie follows two trans sex workers, both played by trans women (Mya Taylor and Kitana Kiki Rodriguez).  The film is marketed as a comedy/drama.

Transparent: While there have been many criticisms of this show revolving around a cis man playing a trans woman, this show is still notable for its trans characters portrayed by trans women and its production, which heavily involved members of the community.  While I personally am unwilling to support this show following accusations of harassment and transphobia against Jeffrey Tambor, I think trans actresses Alexandra Billings and Trace Lysette deserve credit for their portrayals. The show is also created by Jill Soloway, who is nonbinary.

All My Children: This deserves a mention for its character Zoe, one of the first trans characters on daytime television.  While Zoe is portrayed by a cis male actor which is obviously not ideal, she is given a full story arc which involves discovering her identity, surviving an attack from a killer (it is a soap opera after all), coming out to and reconnecting with her parents, making thought out and informed medical decisions that are right for her, and having a positive romantic relationship with a female character on the show.

The Fosters: This show featured a recurring trans character (Aaron Baker), played by trans actor Elliot Fletcher, who has a positive romantic relationship with one of the show’s main characters, Callie.  Aaron’s character is an important one for a number of reasons. He is more than just a romantic interest; he also helps to prove the innnocence of another recurring character who is falsely accused of murder.  He was introduced in season 4 and is expected to continue into the upcoming season six.

Elementary: Candis Cayne, trans actress, portrays Miss. Hudson in a twist on the original character in the Sherlock Holmes stories.  While her character is seen relatively infrequently, her transness is only really mentioned once and then accepted by all of the characters on the show.  She is an expert in Ancient Greek and Latin and is revealed to have helped Holmes in solving a cases before. While only in a few episodes so far, I have hope that we will see more of Miss Hudson as the show progresses.

One Day at a Time: Last but definitely not least, this list would not be complete without mentioning the groundbreaking sitcom that introduced a nonbinary character named Syd who uses they/them pronouns and has a positive romantic relationship with Elena, a main character on the show.  Syd is not played by a nonbinary person as far as I know; but for me that didn’t take away from this portrayal too much. I can count on my fingers how many nonbinary characters I’ve EVER encountered in any type of media, and seeing my own gender represented in a positive and respectful way by such a popular show is enough for me right now.

A Fantastic Woman: Since this film just won the Oscar for best foreign language film, I think it’s absolutely necessary to include it here.  A Fantastic Woman tells the story of a transgender woman as she deals with life, love, family, self acceptance, and grief.  Trans actress Daniela Vega gives an unforgettable and three dimensional performance that on its own makes this Chilean film deserving of its award.

  For me, the takeaway from this project has been, perhaps unsurprisingly, that we still have a long way to go.  I look forward to a day where I can write a list and not settle for mentioning cis people who play trans people because trans people are being cast in roles by and for them.  I look forward to the day when I can update this article to 10, 15, maybe 100 entries of well written, positive, and nonbinary inclusive representation. But for now, this is a good start and I was happy to watch shows and movies that made me feel positive about a future that includes accurate portrayals and acceptance.

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have some respect.

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[Image description - Image of the trans pride flag with the text: MY ASSIGNED GENDER IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. End description.]

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Facebook Adds New Gender Option for Users: Fill in the Blank

Facebook users who don’t fit any of the 58 gender identity options offered by the social media giant are now being given a rather big 59th option: fill in the blank.

“Now, if you do not identify with the pre-populated list of gender identities, you are able to add your own,” said a Facebook announcement published online Thursday morning and shared in advance with The Associated Press.

Facebook software engineer Ari Chivukula, who identifies as transgender and was part of the team that made the free-form option, thinks the change will lead to more widespread acceptance of people who don’t identify themselves as a man or woman.

“We’re hoping this will open up the dialogue,” Chivukula said.

Alison C.K. Fogarty, a gender identity researcher at Stanford University, said giving users control over the words describing their gender is a significant step in social recognition of a growing trans community, especially coming from the world’s largest social media company.

“People are still fighting to make room for gender identity within the socially constructed binary of male and female,” Fogarty said. “Labels and identities are powerful in that they give a sense of community, a way of articulating one’s experience.”

In February 2014, Facebook expanded gender identity from male and female to a list of dozens of options, including Androgyne, Gender Fluid, Intersex, Neither and Transgender. Those choices will all still be available.

People who choose a custom gender can also choose the pronoun they would like to be referred to publicly: he/his, she/her or they/their.

Facebook has a setting for users to control the audience who sees their gender.

The Williams Institute, a think tank based at the University of California, Los Angeles, estimates there are at least 700,000 people in the U.S. who identify as transgender, an umbrella term that includes people who live as a gender different from the one assigned to them at birth.

Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO and president of the advocacy group GLAAD, said that the past few years have brought “real movement in trans visibility” and that Facebook has been a leader in making that happen.

“This helps to accelerate trans acceptance in our country,” Ellis said. “I’m excited about the future for gender identity.”

Read the full piece here

Nice work Facebook!

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YAY COLLEGE!!!!

in honor of pride month, mtv news talked with five young people about the labels they use to describe their gender and sexual identities, and how these words reflect — and sometimes fail to capture — the many elements of who they are. head here to learn more

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<3

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Laverne Cox is simply amazing!

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Androgyny is so often considered the standard for non binary people which can be harmful to those of us who reject gender stereotypes completely. Your gender is valid! Your gender isn’t compromised! You’re genuine as you are.

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This terrifying 10-year-old is called Rebekah and spoke at a rally in support of transgender students

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Spread love not hate ❤️💛💚💙💜

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The #LimitlessAfricans Kickstarter is now live! Please donate and share with your network to bring my work on LGBTQ African Immigrants to Europe

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mikaelowunna/limitless-lgbtq-african-immigrants

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THIS IS THE PUREST THING I’VE SEEN IN SO LONG

Disney. MAKE IT HAPPEN.

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I can’t believe a 4 minutes long movie made me feel like that

thank you, beth and esteban, for this wonderful movie

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Working hard here at TTO...

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In defense of women not shaving

We’re living in an age of heightened self-acceptance, self-love and self-appreciation. Your stretch marks are stunning. Your cellulite is cute. Your freckles are fantastic. 

These are not some weird affliction, they’re just natural. And because of that, they should be celebrated.Amid all this fanfare though, body hair remains less socially acceptable, whether it’s hair on a woman’s legs or armpits or even pubic area, areas that some women tame and some don’t. 

Although many body-positive activists want to champion everything that’s naturally occurring on women today, body hair remains an incredibly divisive issue for many.

Would you, for example, bat an eye if your female boss wore skirts and didn’t shave? 

What would be your reaction if your female coworker wore a short-sleeved shirt and her armpit hair peeked through? 

For some of you, it is entirely OK. And that’s great. But to others, maybe because of society’s constant reminders that women are best when hairless, a stigma remains. Read more. (7/18/2017 3:10 PM)

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Lesbian artwork 🌷🌹🌷🌹