Little Miss Westie

Director: Dan Hunt and Joy E. Reed
Release Year: 2018

Little Miss Westie is a poignant and intimate documentary that follows the lives of two transgender siblings, Luca and Ren McCarthy, as they navigate the intricacies of puberty, transitioning, and gender identity. Directed by Dan Hunt and Joy E. Reed, the film provides an unflinching look at their journey, set against the backdrop of a small-town beauty pageant in West Haven, Connecticut, and the turbulent political climate of the Trump era. By delving into the family dynamics and the broader societal challenges faced by the McCarthy family, Little Miss Westie offers a nuanced portrayal of what it means to grow up transgender.

 

The McCarthy family consists of two transgender children: Luca, the older sibling, and Ren, the younger one. Their parents, Shelley Stoehr-McCarthy and Chris McCarthy, are supportive and open-minded, providing their children with the necessary love and resources to explore and express their gender identities. At the center of the documentary is Ren, a pre-teen trans girl, who is preparing to participate in the Little Miss Westie Pageant - one of the defining events in her community. Ren's participation is a significant milestone, not just for her but also for the larger transgender community, as she becomes the first openly trans girl to take part in the pageant. The film showcases the deep bond between Ren and her older brother, Luca, who had previously competed in the pageant while living as a girl. Luca, now a trans boy, takes on the role of coaching Ren through the process, guiding her with his own experience in navigating the pageant world. This dynamic between the two siblings is one of the most powerful aspects of the film, illustrating the complex and evolving nature of gender identity within the same family. As they move forward in their journeys, the McCarthy children’s experiences shed light on the fact that there is no singular path to understanding one's gender identity. 

 

Set against the backdrop of the Trump administration, Little Miss Westie also reflects the growing political and social challenges faced by transgender individuals. The election of Donald Trump marked a period of uncertainty and fear for many in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly regarding the potential rollback of protections for transgender people. For the McCarthy family, this political shift added another layer of complexity to their journey. The documentary highlights the anxiety felt by many trans families at the time, especially in relation to the security of federal documents and the potential erosion of legal recognition of transgender identities. The film is not just a family story; it is a reflection of the broader social context in which the McCarthys live. It touches on how the changing political climate affected their decisions, their fears, and their hopes for the future of their children. Their narrative is a microcosm of the experiences faced by many transgender families during this tumultuous period, emphasizing the significance of understanding and acceptance within both the family unit and the larger society. 

 

One of the most refreshing aspects of Little Miss Westie is how it avoids sensationalizing the experience of transitioning. Rather than focusing on the dramatic aspects often associated with transgender stories in the media, such as in the TV show I Am Jazz or the 2016 documentary Growing Up Coy, the film presents a more grounded and everyday exploration of what it’s like to grow up transgender. The narrative doesn’t dwell on the struggles that led Ren and Luca to identify as transgender, but instead focuses on their present lives and the complexities they face as they continue to develop their identities. This approach makes the film feel more like a profile piece than a traditional documentary. The filmmakers purposefully avoid forcing a dramatic arc onto the story, which might have heightened emotional stakes for the sake of viewer engagement. Instead, Little Miss Westie captures the ordinary yet deeply significant moments in the McCarthy family’s life. This subtlety and nuance are what make the film stand out, offering an honest portrayal of two children simply trying to live their truth. 

 

A central theme of the film is the relationship between Ren and Luca. The documentary gives ample space for each sibling to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in their own words. This is particularly important because some people outside of the transgender community may assume that Ren is merely imitating Luca’s transition or that Luca somehow influenced Ren’s gender identity. In addressing this misconception, the film emphasizes the individuality of each person’s journey. While Luca and Ren’s transitions may share certain similarities, the film makes it clear that each child is navigating their identity on their own terms. This focus on sibling dynamics also serves to challenge assumptions about gender. By exploring how Luca and Ren support one another, the film conveys the message that transgender children are not monolithic in their experiences. Their stories are unique, and each journey is worthy of validation and understanding. 

 

The documentary also highlights the critical role that family support plays in the lives of transgender children. For Luca and Ren, their parents’ open-mindedness and willingness to support them through their transitions have been crucial in their development. Shelley and Chris McCarthy’s unwavering commitment to their children is evident throughout the film. They seek out resources, attend support groups, and ensure that their children have access to medical care that aligns with their gender identities. The McCarthys’ involvement in their children's lives provides a heartening example of what it means to be good allies and advocates for the transgender community. In particular, the McCarthys’ journey is a reflection of how parents can learn and grow alongside their transgender children. Shelley talks about how, at one point, she was concerned that Ren might be “copying” Luca. This fear, which is common among parents of transgender children, stems from societal misconceptions about transgender identities. However, as the film reveals, Ren had come out to Luca long before he did, debunking the idea that she was simply following in his footsteps. The film’s exploration of this concern serves as an important conversation starter about the complexities of gender identity within families.

 

Little Miss Westie is not just about a beauty pageant; it is a powerful statement about the rights and dignity of transgender individuals. The documentary humanizes the transgender experience in a way that is both intimate and relatable, helping viewers to see beyond the stereotypes and misconceptions often associated with the transgender community. While the McCarthy family’s experience is unique, their story also speaks to the universal desire for acceptance, love, and understanding. The film’s national premiere in June 2020, during Pride Month, was a fitting moment for the story to reach a broader audience. Premiering on the PBS WORLD Channel as part of the America ReFramed series, Little Miss Westie was able to touch many viewers who may not have been exposed to transgender issues before. Its placement on PBS and its availability for streaming made it accessible to a wide audience, ensuring that the voices of Luca and Ren were heard and respected by people across the nation. 

 

Little Miss Westie is a remarkable documentary that offers a candid and insightful look at the lives of two transgender siblings and their family’s journey toward understanding and acceptance. Through its focus on the McCarthy family’s experience, the film highlights the importance of familial love, community support, and the courage it takes to live authentically in a world that often doesn’t understand or accept transgender people. By presenting their story without sensationalism or dramatic flair, the filmmakers allow Luca, Ren, and their parents to tell their own truth. In doing so, Little Miss Westie challenges preconceived notions about gender and reminds us all of the importance of empathy and education in fostering a more inclusive society.

 

via: Vimeo

 filmsnobreviews.com and nhregister.com

Image credits: Vimeo