More Than T

Director: Silas Howard
Release Year: 2017

In a society where defining one's path in life can be an immensely complex undertaking, the experience of transgender individuals is often reduced to a singular aspect of their journey: their gender identity. For many trans people, this narrow focus oversimplifies the vastness of their stories, reducing their multifaceted lives to a single, defining feature.

 

However, "More Than T", a powerful 2017 documentary directed by Silas Howard, seeks to counteract this reductive approach, offering an enriching narrative that highlights the diversity, resilience, and self-determination of trans and non-binary individuals, particularly those who are people of color. Created in collaboration with Jen Richards, an accomplished actress and writer known for her roles in "Her Story" and "Frameline40", "More Than T" presents a series of textured vignettes that extend beyond the conventional confines of gender identity, providing an intimate look at the lives of its subjects. By focusing on themes such as family, survival, self-empowerment, and finding one’s calling, the film goes beyond offering visibility to the trans community, instead giving the audience a deeper understanding of the personal and collective journeys of its participants. 

 

The documentary introduces us to a diverse group of seven trans and non-binary individuals, each with their own unique life stories and struggles. The subjects of "More Than T" represent a broad range of experiences, and through their personal narratives, we see the strength and resilience that defines each of them. Mia Yamamoto, a defense attorney who spent her childhood in a Japanese American internment camp, shares her perspective on the fight for human dignity - a battle that spans from her experiences with racial injustice to her later gender transition. Mia’s story not only sheds light on the complexities of navigating systemic oppression but also illustrates the transformative power of resilience. Reverend Louis Mitchell, a minister who survived the devastating early years of the AIDS epidemic, now leads a congregation of white, straight, cisgender seniors who accept him wholly for who he is. Louis's narrative explores themes of faith, survival, and the ability to foster acceptance and love across generations and societal divides. Joanna Cifredo, an advocate for trans women, challenges the widespread notion that survival is an exception, not a norm, for transgender people. Her story is a call for empowerment, aiming to shift the narrative and make trans stories of survival the standard rather than the exception. 

 

Gizelle Messina, a makeup artist at M·A·C Cosmetics, teaches others the importance of self-beauty and self-acceptance. Through her work at M·A·C, she creates a space where trans individuals find both family and empowerment, using makeup as a tool not just for aesthetic enhancement but for self-expression and internal healing. Octavia Lewis, a mentor to Ti’aira Chanel, demonstrates the value of chosen family and collaboration. Drawing from her own experiences, Octavia provides support to Ti’aira, a woman recently diagnosed with HIV, and in doing so, emphasizes the importance of community-building within marginalized groups. Charles Whitewolf, an artist involved in the Theatre of the Oppressed NYC, uses his creativity to find his voice and inspire others. Through his work, he explores the power of art to amplify marginalized voices, focusing on the shared human experience of oppression and resilience. Each of these individuals, through their unique contributions to society, challenges the perception of what it means to be trans, offering a more nuanced and holistic portrayal of their lives. In doing so, "More Than T" transcends the typical "trans documentary" by celebrating its subjects' multi-dimensional lives. 

 

"More Than T" benefits from being directed by a trans creator, Silas Howard, who brings a unique understanding of the lived experience of trans individuals to the project. Known for his work on the groundbreaking television series "Transparent", Howard is well-versed in the complexities of gender identity and the importance of trans voices in the media. For Howard, the involvement of trans creators in such projects is crucial to capturing the authentic experiences of the community. In an interview, Howard shared, “Perhaps there's an intimacy that leads to more detailed storytelling that I think is humanizing. When trans people are involved, it lets humor in a little bit more, as well as a trust to discuss the harder truths they're struggling with. Humor is inherent in survival - it’s part of being fully human.” Alongside Howard, Jen Richards, who served as the project’s creative consultant, played an integral role in shaping the narrative of the film. Richards emphasizes the importance of presenting trans individuals as full, complex human beings, beyond just their gender identity. The duo’s collaborative effort in casting and storytelling ensured that the documentary remained true to the diverse experiences of its subjects, highlighting them not as singular figures defined by their transness but as multifaceted people with rich lives and histories. 

 

Another key element that sets "More Than T" apart from other trans documentaries is its partnership with M·A·C Cosmetics, which provided not only funding but also a platform for the trans community to share their stories. M·A·C’s long-standing relationship with the trans community made the company an ideal partner for the project, as it has consistently supported and employed trans individuals, particularly in the beauty industry. For Howard, the opportunity to work with M·A·C was a significant one. He appreciated their commitment to inclusivity and their understanding of the importance of telling stories from within the community. The film also highlighted the role that beauty products, particularly makeup, play in many trans individuals' journeys, not only as a form of self-expression but as a tool for empowerment and transformation. 

 

One of the most striking aspects of "More Than T" is its refusal to dwell solely on the trauma and hardship often associated with trans lives in the media. While the film does not shy away from the struggles faced by its subjects - such as racism, sexism, transphobia, and economic marginalization - it also celebrates the strength, joy, and resilience that define their lives. This approach challenges the common narrative that trans lives are solely defined by suffering and victimhood, instead offering a more holistic and empowering portrayal. As Howard explains, “We wanted to focus on people who were so much more than just a singular label. Their trans experience was an important part of their story, but we wanted to move beyond this single identifier and showcase the complexity and multidimensional lives each individual led.” This emphasis on the full, vibrant lives of trans individuals is part of what makes "More Than T" such an essential and refreshing addition to the growing body of trans-centered media. The film provides a space for trans individuals to be seen for who they truly are - complicated, beautiful, strong, and deserving of love and acceptance. 

 

Ultimately, "More Than T" is about more than just visibility. It is a call for true equity, where trans individuals are not only seen but also respected, loved, and supported. As Howard notes, “Visibility does not equal safety,” and true support for the trans community goes beyond simply acknowledging their existence. It requires active advocacy, consistent support, and a willingness to listen and learn. The film highlights the importance of building connections within the community and extending that support to the broader society. By showcasing the stories of its seven subjects, "More Than T" offers a powerful reminder that the trans experience is not monolithic and that each individual’s journey is as unique and complex as the next. As the film’s trailer states, “When my story can be the norm for trans people, that’s when we can really celebrate.” "More Than T" does not just celebrate trans lives; it presents them as they are - complete, multi-faceted, and deserving of love, respect, and understanding. 

 

"More Than T" as a Model for Future Trans-Centered Media In an era where the narratives surrounding transgender individuals are often shaped by those outside the community, "More Than T" stands as a shining example of the power of trans voices in storytelling. By providing a platform for trans and non-binary individuals to share their stories on their own terms, the documentary not only fosters empathy and understanding but also challenges the prevailing stereotypes that limit our collective understanding of gender identity. Through its intimate, nuanced portraits of everyday trans people living their lives with pride, strength, and authenticity, "More Than T" paves the way for more inclusive and accurate representations of the trans experience in the media. It’s a film that reminds us that while gender identity is an important part of who we are, it does not define us entirely. There is so much more to each of us, and "More Than T" invites the world to see that.

 

via: Vimeo

 frameline.org and huffpost.com and out.com

Image credits: Vimeo