Growing Up Coy

Director: Eric Juhola
Release Year: 2016

"Growing Up Coy" (2016), directed by Eric Juhola, is a poignant documentary that tells the compelling story of the Mathis family’s battle for their transgender daughter, Coy, to use the girls' bathroom at her Colorado public school. At the heart of the film is a legal and social struggle for Coy’s right to be recognized and treated as a girl, despite being born a boy.

 

This film delves into the emotional and personal toll of standing up for transgender rights in an environment fraught with controversy. The Mathis family’s case gained significant attention in 2013 when Coy, then six years old, was denied access to the girls' restroom at her elementary school. This decision led Coy’s parents, Jeremy and Kathryn Mathis, to file a formal complaint with the school district, accusing them of violating Colorado’s anti-discrimination law. In doing so, the Mathises became some of the earliest public advocates for transgender children’s rights, drawing both praise and heavy criticism.

 

The documentary begins in early 2013, just weeks before the Mathises decided to go public with their case. The filmmakers provide a candid portrayal of the couple, capturing the moments before they embark on their journey to take their legal fight to the media. The Mathises, intelligent and articulate parents of five children, appear initially unsure about what the media frenzy that would follow would mean for their family. Their decision to go public was driven by a belief that it was necessary to sway public opinion in favor of their daughter and to secure her right to use the bathroom that aligned with her gender identity. As the documentary unfolds, it becomes clear that the Mathis family’s lives were transformed by the media circus that ensued. The intense public scrutiny, coupled with the deeply personal nature of the case, took a toll on the family.

 

The film showcases the emotional strain on Coy and her siblings, as well as the stress placed on Jeremy and Kathryn’s relationship. The parents found themselves under attack from all sides, including accusations of child abuse for allowing their daughter to identify as female. These accusations and the constant media attention led to a deep sense of exhaustion, as well as moments of self-doubt and tension within the family. While the Mathis family faced harsh criticism, the documentary also highlights their unwavering commitment to Coy’s well-being. Kathryn, in particular, was thrust into the public eye, participating in interviews and television appearances, often appearing uncomfortable with the fame and attention that her advocacy attracted. However, her determination to protect and support her daughter is evident in every interaction, as she articulates her belief that denying Coy’s gender identity could be harmful. Throughout the documentary, there are intimate glimpses into the Mathis family's daily life, offering a sense of normalcy amidst the controversy. We see Coy, a young girl who simply wants to be herself, surrounded by her siblings who accept her without question. The support from her family, particularly her parents, serves as a poignant counterpoint to the hate and misunderstandings that Coy faces from outsiders. It is clear that the Mathises are an ordinary family navigating an extraordinary situation, making the personal cost of their fight all the more profound. 

 

The documentary’s timing is particularly relevant, coming at a time when transgender issues were beginning to dominate the national conversation. The film explores the broader cultural context in which the Mathis family’s fight took place, highlighting the challenges faced by transgender individuals and their families. It is a deeply personal story, but it also touches on the wider societal and political implications of transgender rights, particularly when it comes to children. One of the most striking aspects of "Growing Up Coy" is its humanizing portrayal of the Mathis family. The filmmakers did not merely capture the events surrounding the legal battle, but also the everyday moments that make the family’s story relatable. From mundane household chores to tender moments between Coy and her parents, the documentary offers an unvarnished look at the toll this public battle takes on a family. There are moments of humor and sweetness, as well as moments of sadness and frustration, as the Mathises try to navigate their way through an increasingly hostile public landscape. An emotional turning point in the film occurs when Coy’s case is brought before Colorado’s civil rights board. The legal proceedings and media attention culminate in a ruling that favors the Mathis family, declaring that the school had created a hostile and discriminatory environment for Coy. This legal victory was a landmark moment in the fight for transgender rights, but it came at great personal cost to the Mathis family. 

 

The documentary shows the strain that the case put on Coy, who was already weary of the media attention and the pressure of being in the public eye. Despite this, the Mathises’ fight for Coy’s rights was not in vain, as it set an important legal precedent for transgender children across the country. By the end of the film, the Mathis family has relocated to a new community, and Coy is living happily as a girl, free from the public scrutiny that once dominated her life. However, "Growing Up Coy" ends on a reflective note, as Kathryn Mathis muses about the long-term effects of their public fight and the choices they made along the way. “Where should we draw the line?” she asks, acknowledging the complexities of raising a transgender child in a world that is still grappling with issues of gender identity. In the larger context of the ongoing struggle for transgender rights in America, "Growing Up Coy" serves as both a personal narrative and a call to action. It captures the personal sacrifices made by the Mathis family in their fight for justice, but it also highlights the importance of family support in the lives of transgender children. 

 

The documentary portrays the Mathis family as ordinary people who were simply doing what they believed was right for their child. In doing so, it challenges viewers to reconsider their own perspectives on transgender issues and the rights of transgender individuals, particularly children. Ultimately, "Growing Up Coy" is a powerful and timely film that offers a rare and intimate look at the lives of a family fighting for their child’s right to exist as who she truly is. It’s a documentary that will resonate deeply with anyone who cares about human rights, social justice, and the importance of acceptance and love.

 

via: youtube

nytimes.com and imdb

Image credits: YouTube