Producer: SRG SSR
Release Year: 2022
"Elle et Moi, Mon Histoire" is a documentary that captures the extraordinary life of Nicole, Switzerland's first transgender judo world champion. The film not only focuses on her remarkable achievements but also provides an intimate look into her personal journey, struggles, and the path to self-acceptance.
For 40 years, Nicole lived as Nicola, a man, before embarking on her transition. Now, in her early 50s, Nicole is living the life she always longed for, pursuing her passions and embracing her identity as a woman. She drives a bus for the Swiss postal service, proudly faces the world as a transgender woman, and has a strong desire to live a normal life - free from prejudice and accepted for who she is.
The film, produced by the Swiss broadcasting company SRG SSR, was part of the European Collection, a joint initiative between several European public media organizations (ARD, ARTE, France Télévisions, RTBF, SRG SSR, and ZDF). The series explores the stories of individuals navigating their personal journeys and striving for equality, providing a platform for voices that may otherwise be overlooked.
In one of the key scenes, Nicole reflects on the importance of love, freedom, and self-expression. "Love is freedom, above all else. It’s a challenge worth fighting for," she says. This thought resonates throughout her story as she navigates the complexities of gender identity and societal acceptance.
Nicole’s journey to becoming the person she is today was neither easy nor quick. Raised in Switzerland, she was initially abandoned by her mother, only to be adopted by another family at a young age. As a child, she experienced the trauma of being separated from the woman who had raised her and forced into an unfamiliar relationship with her biological mother. Despite these early challenges, Nicole managed to find success in her professional life and even started a family. Yet, deep down, she was unhappy. The life she was leading didn’t align with who she truly was.
It wasn't until she met another transgender woman that Nicole began to understand her own identity. She realized that the yearning to dress and live as a woman had been there all along. In 2008, she began her transition, and by 2011, her physical transition was complete. She speaks candidly about the challenges she faced, from the invasive surgeries to the emotional struggles of facing the world as a woman after living as a man for decades.
The documentary also explores Nicole’s relationship with her family. While her brother supported her during the transition, her broader family struggled to accept her new identity. Despite the challenges, Nicole finds solace in her current relationships, especially with her partner, Débora. The two have been together since 2018, and their love story is one of mutual respect and understanding.
One of the poignant moments in the film is when Nicole shares her experience of working as a bus driver for CarPostal. Despite her impressive qualifications and work experience, she found it difficult to secure a job due to her age and the prejudices that transgender individuals often face in the job market. In 2020, she received the opportunity to train as a bus driver. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdown created additional obstacles. Yet, Nicole remained determined to succeed, even finding strength in unexpected moments.
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The documentary also captures some of the lighter moments of Nicole's life. For instance, a humorous encounter with an older woman who initially mistook her for a man highlights the casual yet deeply ingrained assumptions people often have about gender identity. Such moments also emphasize the importance of being seen for who you are, beyond appearances and assumptions.
The relationship between Nicole and Débora is an integral part of the film. Despite their almost 30-year age difference, their bond is one of deep affection and understanding. Both women work as bus drivers, often on different routes, which means they don’t always get to see each other. Their limited free time together is precious, and they cherish simple moments like shopping or preparing a meal together. For Nicole, the love and respect she receives from Débora and her family represent the kind of acceptance she’s always longed for, and it’s this love that sustains her through the ups and downs of life.
Nicole’s story is not just about personal transformation but also about the broader themes of love, identity, and societal acceptance.
The documentary underscores the importance of being true to oneself, and it also challenges the stereotypes and prejudices that many transgender individuals face. As Nicole herself says, the ultimate goal is to be seen as who you are, without judgment or preconceived notions.
Throughout "Elle et Moi, Mon Histoire," Nicole’s journey serves as a testament to the strength, resilience, and courage it takes to live authentically in a world that often resists change. It’s a story that speaks to anyone who has ever faced adversity in pursuit of their true self, offering a powerful message of hope, acceptance, and love.
Image credits: arte.tv
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