"Some Women" (2021) is a powerful and intimate documentary directed by Quen Wong, a Singaporean transgender filmmaker and activist. The film serves as Wong’s autobiographical exploration, marking a pivotal moment in her life at the age of 46, just before her marriage. It is an act of coming out of “stealth,” as she takes a reflective journey into her experiences as a transgender woman in a deeply conservative society.
Through the lens of her personal story, Wong confronts the stigma that has shaped her life and seeks to reveal the hidden narratives of Singapore's transgender community, particularly the transfemme community that once flourished on Bugis Street. This film is part of the "Unseen Series", a collection of Singaporean documentaries that amplify the voices of marginalized communities in Southeast Asia, particularly those within the transgender and queer populations. "Some Women" is the second feature in this series, following the debut of "I Dream of Singapore", a documentary on migrant workers. Wong’s documentary opens up a dialogue about the complexities of gender identity, visibility, and the societal structures that silence and oppress those who do not fit the conventional molds of gender.
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The film’s storytelling is both graceful and technically precise, showcasing not only the history of the transgender community but also the resilience and strength of its members. Using archival footage and photographs, Wong’s documentary sheds light on the transfemme community in Singapore, particularly those who once gathered in the Bugis Street district. This area, known for its vibrant red-light scene by night and bustling trade by day, was also a refuge for trans women and LGBTQ+ individuals, offering a space for them to live authentically despite the dangers they faced. One of the film’s most poignant aspects is its exploration of the lives of older transfemme women, who, through interviews and memories, provide insight into a history that has often been overlooked or erased. In a powerful moment, Wong speaks with Sanisa, an elder transfemme from Bugis Street, whose testimony provides an emotional and moving glimpse into the challenges faced by trans women in Singapore. These conversations are a vital part of the film, illustrating the glamour, resilience, and struggles of a generation that had to carve out spaces for themselves in a society that offered little support.
As the documentary moves between past and present, it emphasizes how gender identities that fall outside societal norms have always existed, though often suppressed or erased. Wong's personal narrative is juxtaposed with those of younger trans activists in Singapore, including Lune Loh, a more outspoken and confrontational figure. The younger generation expresses frustration with the slow pace of progress regarding LGBTQ+ rights in Singapore, questioning whether the societal repression they face can be considered a form of violence. These younger voices add a layer of urgency to the film, highlighting the evolving nature of activism and resistance within the queer community. The documentary is deeply personal, with Wong courageously confronting the shame and challenges that have defined her life. As she reflects on her early experiences of love and rejection, particularly during a time when she did not feel able to reveal her transgender identity, Wong grapples with the question of why, despite her love, family, and career, she remained hidden for so long. The film's use of voiceover narration, confessional in tone, adds a raw and intimate quality to her reflections, allowing viewers to witness her vulnerability and the pain of self-doubt that comes with living a life in stealth.
At the heart of "Some Women" is the exploration of visibility. In a society where queer and trans identities are marginalized, the desire to be seen becomes a radical act. Wong’s decision to turn the camera on herself and share her journey with the world is both an act of resistance and empowerment. The film confronts the tension between the desire to be visible and the fear of rejection, violence, and loss that comes with it. By revealing her own story, Wong not only claims her own agency but also creates space for others to do the same. The film's cinematography, by Wan Ping Looi, is both poetic and immersive. Through deliberate technical choices, such as the use of shallow depth of field and still, locked-down shots, the film creates a contemplative atmosphere that invites the viewer into Wong’s world. The archival footage, paired with personal iPhone videos and voiceover narration, offers a balance of public and private moments, giving viewers an intimate glimpse into the filmmaker’s personal life and the broader history of trans women in Singapore. As the film progresses, Wong’s journey becomes symbolic of the larger struggle for trans visibility and acceptance.
The film’s final scenes, which mirror the opening sequence, offer a visual metaphor of womanhood as a journey through the jungle, a place where the trans women of Singapore can reclaim and redefine their identities. The closing moments evoke a sense of empowerment, as Wong takes ownership of her womanhood and invites others to follow in her footsteps. "Some Women" is more than just a documentary about a marginalized community. It is a celebration of resilience, identity, and the power of visibility. The film serves as a love letter to Singapore, a place that has both shaped and stifled the lives of its LGBTQ+ citizens. Despite the pervasive conservatism and patriarchy, the documentary asserts that trans women - and queer people in general - deserve to be seen, heard, and respected. Wong's decision to share her life story and those of others within the transgender community is an act of profound courage.
The film forces viewers to confront the harsh realities of living in a society that often refuses to acknowledge non-normative identities. In doing so, "Some Women" challenges the erasure of queer histories and offers a space for the trans community to claim their rightful place in the story of Singapore. It is a powerful reminder that, despite the stigma and discrimination they face, trans people have always been - and will continue to be - a vital part of the fabric of society. The film’s success, as evidenced by its Audience Choice Award at the 2021 Singapore International Film Festival, speaks to its emotional resonance and its importance as a landmark work in both Singaporean cinema and the global LGBTQ+ documentary landscape. Through Wong’s courage and artistry, "Some Women" opens a much-needed conversation about identity, belonging, and the transformative power of visibility.
Image credits: YouTube
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