In 2010, Israeli filmmaker Alon Weinstock released That’s Gila, That’s Me, a poignant and captivating documentary that chronicles the remarkable life of Gila Goldstein, one of Israel's first openly transgender women and a prominent LGBTQIA+ icon.
Born Avraham Goldstein in 1947, Gila's journey from a Maccabi Haifa soccer player to a Tel Aviv legend and transgender rights activist encapsulates decades of personal struggle, courage, and triumph in the face of societal prejudice. Through Weinstock's lens, the film provides an intimate look at Gila's life, her indomitable spirit, and her unwavering pursuit of happiness, dignity, and justice, making it a landmark in the history of Israeli LGBTQIA+ representation. Gila Goldstein was born in Turin, Italy, and immigrated to Israel with her family at a young age, eventually settling in Haifa. As a child, Gila experienced a profound disconnect with the gender she was assigned at birth, which led her to the realization, even as early as the 1960s, that she was a woman. Her story is a testament to the idea that gender identity is not determined by societal expectations but is a deeply personal and intrinsic part of one's sense of self. In the 1960s, when transgender people were largely invisible in Israeli society, Gila underwent one of the earliest documented gender-affirming surgeries for an Israeli. She traveled to Belgium to undergo the procedure, a brave and life-altering decision that marked the beginning of her physical and emotional journey as a woman. This pioneering moment in Gila's life is a critical part of her legacy, as she was among the first Israelis to openly transition, despite the absence of widespread public awareness or acceptance of transgender individuals at the time.
In her 20s, Gila moved to Tel Aviv, where she found work as an exotic dancer and later as a prostitute. This period of her life, marked by survival sex work, was shaped by the harsh realities of being a transgender woman in a society that offered little support or understanding. Nevertheless, Gila’s charisma, confidence, and sense of self-worth allowed her to flourish in these challenging environments. It was during this time that she became a fixture in Tel Aviv’s nightlife scene, working in clubs and bars, including the famed Bar 51, where she performed and became a well-known figure in the city's LGBTQIA+ community. Despite the adversity she faced as a transgender woman working in the sex industry, Gila remained resilient and optimistic. Her life was marked by a series of transformative moments, including her involvement in the Aguda, Israel's oldest and largest LGBTQIA+ organization. Through her activism, Gila became an advocate for transgender rights, fighting for social justice, equality, and the recognition of transgender individuals' rights within Israeli society.
Gila Goldstein's story is not only one of personal survival but also one of profound cultural contribution. In addition to her work as a performer and activist, she made her mark as a singer and entertainer. In the 1990s, Gila recorded several songs and performed them at Allenby 58, one of Tel Aviv's most iconic nightclubs. She also co-hosted a music program on local radio with Nino Orsiano in 1998, further cementing her status as a beloved figure in Israeli pop culture. Throughout her life, Gila was recognized for her advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQIA+ community. In 2003, she was awarded the Israeli LGBT Community Prize for her tireless efforts in advancing the rights of sexual and gender minorities in Israel. That same year, she became a celebrated figure within the community, earning admiration for her role in challenging both social norms and the Israeli legal system’s treatment of transgender individuals. Her visibility and activism helped pave the way for future generations of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Israel.
One of the most significant elements of That’s Gila, That’s Me is its portrayal of Gila as a living legend, an unapologetic and joyful woman who, despite the hardships she endured, never lost her optimism or sense of wonder. The film, shot between 1997 and 2010, offers a portrait of a woman who, as she says in the film, remains "forever young" in spirit, regardless of the challenges or the passage of time. In 2005, Gila's contribution to the LGBTQIA+ community was recognized internationally when she won the Miami LGBT Film Festival Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film Good Boys. This recognition highlighted Gila's ongoing influence in the arts and her role as a trailblazer in the LGBTQIA+ movement. Her work on-screen, in clubs, and as a public figure helped challenge stereotypes about transgender people and contributed to the growing visibility of transgender voices in Israeli culture. In 2011, an organization providing support and assistance to transgender individuals in Israel was named after Gila Goldstein, further cementing her legacy as a champion for transgender rights. In 2015, she had the honor of leading the Tel Aviv Pride Parade, a testament to her status as one of the city's most beloved and iconic figures. Gila’s legacy as an activist and cultural icon was fully recognized, as she stood at the head of the parade, embodying both the struggles and the victories of the transgender community.
Gila Goldstein passed away on February 5, 2017, at the age of 69 from a stroke. Her death marked the loss of one of Israel’s most influential and pioneering figures in the LGBTQIA+ community. Following her death, Gila's story continued to resonate, both in Israel and internationally. However, her passing was marked by a controversy regarding her legal documents. Although her ID card listed the name "Ilan Ronen," Gila’s family and friends consistently referred to her as Gila Goldstein, asserting that no bureaucratic label could erase the reality of her identity as a woman. The funeral, attended by actors, politicians, and representatives of the LGBTQIA+ community, was a fitting tribute to Gila's lifelong contributions to the fight for transgender rights. It served as a reminder of the importance of visibility, dignity, and respect for transgender people, as well as the ongoing battle for social acceptance and equality.
That’s Gila, That’s Me is not only a documentary about a transgender woman's life; it is a powerful celebration of resilience, joy, and the relentless pursuit of self-expression. Through Gila Goldstein’s story, the film offers a glimpse into the life of a woman who defied expectations and broke boundaries at a time when transgender individuals were often silenced or marginalized. Her journey from the soccer fields of Maccabi Haifa to the clubs of Tel Aviv, from survival sex work to becoming an activist and icon, reflects the complexities of living as a transgender person in Israel and the broader world. In her own words, Gila declared, “That’s Gila, That’s Me,” a statement of self-affirmation and radical pride that encapsulated her life’s work and philosophy. Gila Goldstein's legacy lives on in the hearts of those she inspired and in the ongoing fight for transgender rights and visibility. She will forever be remembered as one of Israel's first openly transgender individuals, a true pioneer who lived her truth boldly and unapologetically.
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