Genderation

Director: Monika Treut
Release Year: 2021

Monika Treut’s Genderation (2021) marks a significant return to the world she first explored two decades earlier in her groundbreaking documentary Gendernauts: A Journey Through Shifting Identities (1999). In Genderation, Treut reconnects with many of the same transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals she originally interviewed in San Francisco, offering an opportunity to reflect on the profound transformations that have shaped both their personal journeys and the broader social landscape of gender identity.

 

The film serves as a powerful exploration of how these individuals have evolved, not only in terms of their identities but also in the context of the shifting cultural and political tides they have experienced over the years. Gendernauts was a pioneering documentary that brought visibility to the transgender and gender-diverse communities at a time when these voices were still marginalized and largely invisible in mainstream media. Treut's focus was not just on the individuals who identified as transgender, but also on the broader societal implications of gender, sexuality, and identity.

 

The title Gendernauts itself was inspired by the idea of "gender explorers" - those who continuously navigate and redefine the boundaries of gender and identity. Sandy Stone, a key figure in Gendernauts, described gendernauts as people who "never give up searching, never give up adventuring, or questioning." These individuals, often living on the margins of society, became the foundation for Treut's exploration of shifting identities and the ever-changing definitions of gender. In Genderation, Treut revisits these pioneers, now two decades older, to see how they have grown, how their lives and activism have evolved, and how their impact continues to resonate. The film is not simply a sequel but rather a revisiting of key themes that were introduced in Gendernauts, reflecting on the personal and societal changes that have unfolded since the original documentary was released. Genderation allows us to see how these early trailblazers have continued to push boundaries and challenge the norm, now in a world that, while still far from fully accepting, is more open and tolerant than it was at the time of Gendernauts. 

 

One of the most poignant aspects of Genderation is the way it functions as a kind of "family reunion." Many of the same individuals featured in Gendernauts appear again, giving the audience an update on their lives and the paths they have taken. The film is a mix of nostalgia and reflection, offering a glimpse into the lives of these individuals who have matured both in age and wisdom over the last twenty years. Their personal growth is mirrored in the broader cultural shifts that have taken place since the late 90s, from the increasing visibility of transgender individuals to the evolving language and understanding of gender. Treut’s style in Genderation is more accessible than in Gendernauts, with the themes of identity, community, and self-expression being revisited in a way that allows newcomers to easily engage with the material. 

 

While Gendernauts was groundbreaking in its time for its portrayal of diverse gender identities, Genderation takes those ideas further, exploring how language and terminology surrounding gender have evolved and how identity can be fluid and ever-changing. The film raises questions about the importance of language in shaping our understanding of gender, asking whether something can truly exist if we don’t have the words to describe it. The setting of San Francisco, a city long associated with progressive ideals and a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, plays a crucial role in Genderation. In Gendernauts, the city was portrayed as a haven for people who didn’t fit into traditional gender categories. It was a place where individuals could experiment with their identities and challenge societal norms. In Genderation, however, Treut returns to a San Francisco that has been transformed by the tech boom and rising real estate prices, making it increasingly inhospitable to the very communities that once thrived there. This shift in the city’s character is symbolic of broader societal changes, where the spaces that once allowed for radical expressions of identity are being replaced by corporate interests and gentrification. 

 

As one of Treut’s subjects points out, the city has gone from being a place where “the earth is moving” in terms of radical ideas to a place dominated by wealth and real estate, with tech companies and high-income residents driving out the artistic and LGBTQ+ communities. This change provides a poignant backdrop for the film, as it underscores the challenges faced by these individuals not only in terms of their personal identities but also in their ability to find space in a world that is increasingly defined by financial power and consumer culture. The individuals featured in Genderation have all undergone significant transformations in the past two decades. While they continue to be deeply involved in the activism and struggles that shaped their earlier lives, their focus has shifted in response to the changing times. Many of the subjects in Genderation have grown into more settled lives, with families, homes, and even mortgages becoming key aspects of their identities. This shift is a reflection of the personal growth they have undergone - no longer just rebels challenging societal norms but individuals seeking stability and peace in their own lives. 

 

Annie Sprinkle, a former porn star and sex worker who has become an advocate for sex worker rights, now focuses much of her energy on her work as an artist and activist. In Genderation, she and her wife, Beth Stephens, explore the concept of "eco-sexuality," arguing that the earth itself is inherently trans and that sexual energy can be deeply connected to nature. Sprinkle’s unapologetic embrace of her past and her commitment to exploring sexuality in all its forms makes her one of the most fascinating figures in the film. Her contributions to the queer community, particularly through her art and activism, highlight the intersection of sexuality, the environment, and the power of personal expression. Max Wolf Valerio, author of The Testosterone Files, is another subject who offers a compelling perspective on the transgender experience. He views being trans as an act of “radical individualism,” focusing not on changing society’s perception of gender but on embracing his own identity and living authentically. 

 

Similarly, Sandy Stone, an academic and gender theorist, reflects on the ways in which transgender individuals have constructed new forms of family and community. Stone’s work challenges traditional notions of family and gender, showing that it is possible for trans people to have fulfilling, loving relationships and families that defy the conventional expectations placed on them by society. Genderation is a meditation on the ongoing struggle for gender freedom and self-expression. The film underscores that gender is not a static concept but one that is continuously evolving, shaped by individuals who are not afraid to push against the boundaries imposed by society. Through the stories of its subjects, Genderation demonstrates the resilience and creativity of the transgender and gender-diverse communities, who continue to challenge the norms that define gender and sexuality. At the same time, Genderation also reflects on the personal journeys of these individuals, who have faced immense challenges but have also found ways to thrive. The film is a celebration of their independence and their ability to carve out spaces for themselves in a world that often seeks to suppress their identities. It is a tribute to the power of self-expression and the importance of creating communities that embrace diversity and difference. 

 

Ultimately, Genderation is a beautiful and moving tribute to the pioneers of the transgender movement, individuals whose courage and determination have helped to shape the modern understanding of gender and identity. Monika Treut’s compassionate, curious, and candid approach allows these subjects to tell their stories in their own words, offering an intimate and personal look at their lives. The film is a reminder that the fight for gender equality and recognition is ongoing, but it also offers hope and optimism, showing that progress is possible, even in a world that often seems resistant to change. Through their stories, Genderation celebrates the extraordinary lives of ordinary people who have dared to defy the boundaries of gender, forging new paths and inspiring others to do the same.

 

via: youtube

 icsfilm.org and thequeerreview.com and intheseats.ca

Image credits: YouTube

Interview with the cast: