Existing as Transgender in Texas

Director: American-Statesman journalists
Filmed and produced: Mikala Compton
Release Year: 2023

"Existing as Transgender in Texas" is a powerful documentary created by American-Statesman journalists that explores the lives of transgender and nonbinary children and their families in Texas, a state grappling with the potential removal of gender-affirming care for minors. Over a year in the making, the project delves deeply into the personal experiences of LGBTQ+ Texans, highlighting the profound impact that state policies and political rhetoric are having on their lives.

 

In February 2022, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued an opinion declaring that certain gender-affirming treatments for minors, such as puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and certain surgeries, could be considered child abuse. Subsequently, Governor Greg Abbott instructed the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to investigate parents who were facilitating these treatments for their children. This controversial directive sparked outrage and concern across the state, especially among LGBTQ+ families, who feared that their personal medical decisions could be criminalized. Since that time, LGBTQ+ Texans have staged protests at the Capitol, calling on lawmakers to allow healthcare providers and families, not the government, to determine the appropriate medical care for minors. These advocates point to the support of major medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and the American Psychiatric Association, all of which emphasize that gender-affirming care for minors is not only safe but can also be life-saving. In response to these concerns, several legislative proposals have been introduced in the 2023 session.

 

These bills aim to ban gender-affirming medical care for minors, regulate the participation of transgender athletes in college sports, and prohibit drag performances in front of children. The debate surrounding these bills has sparked intense discussions about the rights of transgender individuals and the broader fight for LGBTQ+ equality in Texas. For many families of transgender children, the situation has reached a tipping point. Some parents have expressed feeling unsafe in Texas, fearing that their children could be taken from them for receiving gender-affirming care. One family, featured in the documentary, made the difficult decision to relocate from Austin to Seattle, a city they felt would provide a safer environment for their transgender daughter to receive medical care with parental consent. The family spoke about the emotional toll of living under constant fear of state intervention and their desire to create a safe space where their daughter could live authentically. 

 

The documentary also shares the stories of many other LGBTQ+ Texans, including a drag performer and her child, an intersex advocate, a trans athlete, and parents of transgender children. Through interviews and personal accounts, these individuals reveal the resilience and strength they have had to summon in the face of discriminatory legislation. Their stories offer a poignant reflection on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a state that has become a battleground for trans rights. 

 

One of the most moving stories in the documentary involves a mother recounting the emotional journey of supporting her transgender son, who struggled with depression and anxiety before beginning hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The mother describes how the transition not only alleviated her son's gender dysphoria but also helped him overcome his suicidal tendencies. "The first time he attempted to take his life, he was nine," she recalls. "But once he started T, the self-harm behaviors he had completely stopped." 

 

Another powerful narrative comes from a trans athlete, Iris, who found acceptance and support from her fencing team after coming out as transgender. Iris shares her experience of competing as a trans woman in a sport she loves, despite the frequent challenges and discrimination faced by trans athletes. She emphasizes that the success of trans athletes is often downplayed or dismissed, but for her, fencing is not just about winning; it's about the joy and self-empowerment that comes from participating in a sport she deeply cares about. The documentary also highlights the personal toll that these political battles are taking on families. One mother describes how her family’s decision to leave Texas was driven by a desire to protect her children from the hostile environment created by state policies. "We didn't move because we decided that it was the best thing for us," she reflects. "We moved because we felt it was no longer safe for our kids." The stories shared in "Existing as Transgender in Texas" are a powerful testament to the resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. The documentary emphasizes the need for compassionate, informed, and affirming care for transgender youth. It also sheds light on the harmful impact of policies that seek to restrict access to gender-affirming care, highlighting the emotional, psychological, and physical toll such legislation can have on vulnerable communities. 

 

Throughout the documentary, there is a clear message: the fight for transgender rights is not just about politics; it's about the lives of real people. The struggles faced by transgender children, their families, and their allies are not theoretical - they are lived experiences, and the documentary aims to give a voice to those who are often silenced or misunderstood in the broader political debate. Ultimately, "Existing as Transgender in Texas" is a call for empathy, understanding, and support for transgender individuals. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of protecting the rights of all people, regardless of their gender identity. As the legislative battles continue, the documentary makes it clear that the fight for transgender rights is not over, and that the lives of transgender Texans depend on the outcome. The personal stories shared throughout this project offer a window into the reality of being transgender in a state where legal and political forces are increasingly hostile, and they stand as a powerful reminder of why these battles matter.

 

via: youtube and eu.statesman.com 

Image credits: YouTube