This Is Everything: Gigi Gorgeous

Director: Barbara Kopple
Release Year: 2017

 

In 2017, acclaimed filmmaker Barbara Kopple released "This Is Everything: Gigi Gorgeous", a compelling documentary that follows the emotional journey of Gigi Loren Lazzarato, known online as Gigi Gorgeous. Through a deeply personal lens, the film explores Gigi's transition from male to female, while highlighting the profound support she receives from her family and the impact of her YouTube fame. 

 

The documentary provides a raw, intimate view into the struggles and triumphs of Gigi's transformation, offering a powerful message of self-acceptance, unconditional love, and courage. At the heart of the documentary is a question that resonates universally: How far will love for your family go? Gigi's transition from being Gregory, a promising diver, to Gigi, a renowned transgender woman and YouTube star, challenges her family’s understanding and tests their bonds. The film captures these moments of transformation, including candid conversations with Gigi’s parents, particularly her father, as they navigate the difficult terrain of gender identity and family dynamics. "This Is Everything" emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and the strength of family love, as Gigi's journey becomes one of personal growth and shared discovery.

 

In an era marked by heated debates surrounding transgender issues and what many refer to as the "culture wars," the making and release of "This Is Everything: Gigi Gorgeous" came with its own set of challenges. Transgender topics are often polarizing, and media portrayals of the transgender community can be fraught with misconceptions and misrepresentations. Director Barbara Kopple was acutely aware of these divisive issues and the potential for controversy, yet she was unwavering in her commitment to telling an authentic, empathetic story. Kopple, a two-time Academy Award-winning director, has a long history of tackling complex human stories, and in this case, she leaned on her philosophy that documentary filmmaking is about creating empathy. 

 

Citing the late film critic Roger Ebert, Kopple explained that films have the power to serve as "empathy machines," allowing audiences to step into the lives of others and better understand their hopes, fears, and dreams. This approach was essential in crafting a narrative that transcended the political and social debates surrounding transgender identity. Kopple’s goal was not to offer a political statement but to present Gigi’s personal story in such a way that viewers, regardless of their background or prior understanding, could empathize with her experience. The documentary’s focus on Gigi’s openness in sharing her journey with her followers through YouTube also played a critical role in how the story was communicated. Gigi's transparent documentation of her gender transition allowed her to connect with millions of people around the world, fostering a sense of community and support. Kopple followed Gigi’s lead, understanding that the key to communicating Gigi’s story was to be just as open and real with the audience. 

 

Gigi Lazzarato’s story began in Canada, where she was born as Gregory Lazzarato. An accomplished diver, she was on track for Olympic potential before a series of personal realizations led her to embrace a new path. While her early YouTube career as Gregory Gorgeous saw her posting makeup tutorials and sharing her experiences as a gay man, it was the untimely death of her mother in 2012 that catalyzed Gigi’s decision to transition. Gigi’s transition, which she openly documented through YouTube videos and social media, was a deeply transformative and vulnerable process that played out before her millions of followers. Her transition not only encompassed physical changes but also marked a significant personal evolution. 

 

The film captures pivotal moments of Gigi’s journey, including her initial revelation to her family about her gender identity, the reactions of her loved ones, and the subsequent steps she took in transitioning. Gigi's relationship with her father, in particular, is a central focus of the documentary, as their evolving dynamic provides a moving portrait of love, acceptance, and familial bonds. The film offers an unfiltered look at the challenges and joys of Gigi’s transformation, presenting both the empowering and difficult moments that accompanied her decision to live authentically. Throughout the film, Gigi's resilience and unwavering self-awareness are palpable. Whether navigating the complexities of her family relationships or facing public scrutiny, she remains grounded in a sense of self-acceptance that has resonated with millions. Gigi's journey also illustrates her ability to balance humor and vulnerability, showing the world that self-empowerment and authenticity are key to living a fulfilled life. 

 

One of the most significant aspects of Gigi’s rise to fame was her YouTube channel, which became a platform for her to document every aspect of her life. What began as makeup tutorials and lifestyle vlogs turned into a powerful tool for self-expression and advocacy. As Gigi shared her experiences as a transgender woman, her channel became a source of inspiration for many, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community. Her story is one of not just self-acceptance but also of empowering others to embrace their own identities, despite societal pressures. In the documentary, Gigi’s communication with her audience is a central theme. Through her online presence, she opens up her life to millions of followers, inviting them into her journey with full transparency. She becomes not just a YouTube personality, but a role model and voice for transgender visibility. The film showcases how social media can foster understanding and build communities, as Gigi's platform allowed her to share her struggles and victories with a dedicated following, many of whom felt personally connected to her journey. 

 

Beyond the personal narrative of Gigi’s life, "This Is Everything" touches on the broader importance of representation in the media. By documenting Gigi’s story, Kopple amplifies the voices of transgender individuals and brings much-needed visibility to the transgender community. The film is a crucial step in the ongoing fight for greater acceptance and understanding of gender diversity in mainstream media. Transgender representation, especially when it comes to the lived experiences of trans women, is still limited and often plagued by stereotypes. Gigi’s story challenges these limitations, offering a more nuanced and complex portrayal of a transgender individual’s life. The documentary sheds light on the emotional toll that the transgender community faces, from societal rejection to personal struggles with identity, while also celebrating the beauty of living authentically. 

 

Since the release of "This Is Everything: Gigi Gorgeous", Gigi has continued to be a prominent figure in both the entertainment and advocacy worlds. She remains an influential voice in the fight for transgender rights, using her platform to speak out about issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. In 2019, she published a memoir, "He Said, She Said: Lessons, Stories, and Mistakes From My Transgender Journey", which further expands on her personal experiences and the lessons she has learned along the way. Gigi’s ability to navigate both the entertainment industry and the social media landscape while remaining true to herself has made her a trailblazer for transgender visibility. She has modeled, acted, and collaborated with major brands, continuing to break barriers for transgender people in the public eye. As an advocate for gender equality, she remains a shining example of the power of being unapologetically yourself. 

 

"This Is Everything: Gigi Gorgeous" is more than just a documentary about one person’s transition - it is a poignant exploration of family, identity, and the courage it takes to live authentically. Through Barbara Kopple’s empathetic direction, the film offers an intimate and heartwarming portrait of a young woman’s transformation and the love that surrounds her. By sharing her story with the world, Gigi has not only contributed to the conversation around transgender rights but has also become an inspiration to countless individuals who are learning to embrace who they truly are. In a time when the conversation around transgender issues remains contentious, "This Is Everything" serves as a powerful reminder that at the core of every story, regardless of its complexity, is a human being deserving of love, acceptance, and respect. Through Gigi’s journey, we are invited to not only empathize with her but also reflect on our own relationships, our understanding of identity, and the limits of love.

 

via: youtube

 filmmakermagazine.com and wikipedia

Image credits: YouTube