"Markie in Milwaukee" is a 2019 documentary directed by Matt Kliegman, which offers an intimate and multifaceted exploration of identity, faith, and self-acceptance through the story of Markie Wenzel, a transgender woman from Wisconsin. Assembled from more than a decade’s worth of footage, the film delves deeply into Markie's complex journey of self-discovery, capturing the struggles of a woman who, after transitioning at the age of 46, faces immense emotional and societal pressures. The narrative is driven by Markie’s journey as she balances the tensions between her transgender identity and the expectations of her deeply religious community, her family, and the conservative structures that surround her.
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Markie’s story begins in 2008, when we first meet her as she is trying to rebuild her life after her decision to come out as transgender. This decision, which marked a monumental shift, led to her separation from her wife after a 20-year marriage, the alienation from her three children, and being exiled from her church. As a 7-foot-tall, deeply religious Baptist minister, Markie’s decision to transition was fraught with both personal and spiritual conflicts. The film takes us through the years following her coming out, starting with Markie’s work as a TSA agent and her goal of undergoing gender reassignment surgery. As the years pass, however, Markie’s sense of certainty about her identity begins to waver, and she finds herself questioning her decision to transition. She struggles with the femininity that doesn’t feel natural to her, feels the pain of missing significant family events, and becomes disillusioned with her faith, ultimately reaching a point where she must decide whether to go through with her gender reassignment surgery or return to her male identity.
Throughout the course of the film, Kliegman employs an observational documentary style, using vérité footage and contemporaneous interviews to capture the raw emotions and conflicting thoughts that Markie experiences. His approach recalls the work of photographers like Diane Arbus, providing an intimate yet voyeuristic glimpse into Markie’s internal and external struggles. The documentary unfolds slowly, allowing viewers to witness Markie’s vulnerable moments, from her longing to be accepted by her family to her desire to reconcile with her faith. Her journey is both tragic and hopeful, reflecting the broader societal conversation surrounding issues of gender identity and the challenges of living authentically in a world that often demands conformity.
At the core of the film is Markie’s simple but profound aim: to be a good person, to live a simple and devout life. But as we watch her grappling with the intersections of her religious beliefs, her gender identity, and the expectations of her community, we are forced to confront the question of identity itself. Markie’s story becomes a poignant reflection on the tension between the need for personal authenticity and the fear of rejection by those who cannot accept who you truly are.
What makes "Markie in Milwaukee" a truly remarkable documentary is the way it handles the subject matter without judgment. Kliegman does not push a political or social agenda; instead, he lets the footage and the testimony of those around Markie speak for themselves, allowing the audience to come to their own conclusions. This is particularly evident in how the film portrays the reactions of different members of Markie’s religious and family communities. For instance, we hear from the pastor of Markie's church, a man who represents the traditional, conservative views that oppose Markie’s transition. We also see the contrasting perspective from a more liberal Baptist preacher who accepts Markie as she is.
In these moments, Kliegman does not seek to vilify or champion any particular viewpoint; instead, he presents the complexity of Markie’s situation, showing that everyone involved is dealing with their own set of beliefs and struggles. A particularly emotional part of the documentary focuses on Markie’s relationship with her family. The tension between her desire for acceptance and her family’s inability to fully understand her journey is heartbreaking. Markie’s children, who are initially angry and estranged from her, slowly begin to communicate with her as she works to rebuild her life. But despite some reconciliation, it becomes clear that the scars of the past remain, particularly for her ex-wife, who struggles to accept the changes Markie has undergone.
In contrast to these familial tensions, Kliegman’s film also explores the supportive community of transgender individuals and allies that Markie finds, which provides her with a sense of belonging that she has longed for. At the pivotal moment of the film, when Markie is on the verge of undergoing gender reassignment surgery, she experiences a profound spiritual revelation. Markie, a deeply religious woman, believes she hears the voice of God telling her that returning to her male identity is the right choice. This moment of divine intervention leads Markie to abandon her transition and revert to living as Mark, marking a significant turning point in the film. However, the resolution of Markie's journey is far from simple.
Despite returning to her male identity, Markie still feels the pull of her female self, and she continues to live with the duality of her identity, dressing as Markie in private while outwardly presenting as a man. The film concludes with a poignant and thought-provoking image: Markie sends out a Christmas card that features both her male and female identities, symbolizing the ongoing struggle to reconcile the two. It’s a powerful moment that underscores the complexity of Markie's journey and leaves the audience with lingering questions about the nature of identity, the role of faith in self-discovery, and the limits of societal acceptance.
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"Markie in Milwaukee" stands out not only because of its compelling subject matter but also because of Kliegman’s sensitive, unobtrusive filmmaking. It is a documentary that takes its time, allowing viewers to witness the full arc of Markie’s journey, from the initial moments of transition to the final moments of doubt and reconciliation. The film’s exploration of the intersections between religion, family, and personal identity offers a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of the transgender experience, one that is rarely seen in such an unvarnished and honest way. Markie’s story is ultimately one of resilience, not in the sense of overcoming obstacles in a traditional heroic way, but in the quieter, more complex sense of living with contradiction and uncertainty. Her journey asks important questions about the human need for connection, understanding, and acceptance, both from others and from ourselves. Through Markie’s struggles, the film highlights a broader societal conversation about the complexities of identity - whether it is political, spiritual, or personal - and the fear and resistance that can arise when individuals do not conform to the norms of their communities. The film is a poignant and powerful reminder that identity is not always clear-cut, and that the journey toward self-acceptance is often fraught with doubt and contradiction.
In conclusion, "Markie in Milwaukee" is a deeply moving and thought-provoking documentary that offers an unflinching look at one woman’s journey to understand and accept herself. It is a film that invites empathy and understanding, while also challenging viewers to confront their own assumptions about identity, faith, and the human experience. Through Kliegman’s patient and compassionate approach, the film serves as an important contribution to the ongoing conversation about transgender issues, while also telling a personal and universal story of struggle, transformation, and self-discovery.
Image credits: YouTube
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