Tommy Doesn't Exist Anymore

Director: Ian Munro
Release Year: 1985

“Tommy Doesn’t Exist Anymore”, a 1985 Australian documentary directed by Ian Munro, provides an intimate and often poignant glimpse into the lives of three transgender women - Bianca, Simone, and Evelyn - who are navigating the complexities of gender identity, transition, and acceptance in a society that was far less understanding of transgender issues than it is today. The documentary not only chronicles their personal journeys but also explores the societal pressures, family dynamics, and the deeply ingrained prejudices that transgender individuals often face. Through the experiences of these women, Munro creates a powerful narrative that is both specific and universally relatable to anyone who has faced the struggles of self-identity and societal rejection.

 

The title of the documentary, “Tommy Doesn’t Exist Anymore”, speaks volumes about the transformation and the deep personal shifts that the central figures undergo. For Bianca, one of the protagonists, the phrase encapsulates the painful process of shedding an old identity to embrace a new one. Bianca’s transition from being known as “Tommy” to becoming her authentic self represents a rejection of a past that no longer fits. As she states, “Tommy doesn’t exist anymore,” reflecting her decision to live as Bianca and leave behind the name that was tied to her male identity. This is a crucial moment in the documentary, as it marks a key part of her journey: the realignment of her life with her inner truth. Bianca’s story is at the forefront of “Tommy Doesn’t Exist Anymore”, and it is one that reflects the intense emotional and psychological turmoil experienced by many transgender individuals. From a young age, Bianca struggled with her gender identity. She reveals that, growing up, she did not “do what boys did” and was often “hassled” for being different. As a child, Bianca was not interested in the typical activities associated with boys, such as playing football. In fact, after her first attempt at playing football, she quit after breaking her arm in a tackle. Her experiences were compounded by the bullying she faced, with other children calling her derogatory names such as “poof,” a term for gay men, even though Bianca’s sense of self was far from fitting into the binary concepts of gender at the time. 

 

Evelyn’s journey, as depicted in the documentary, is no less complicated. She reveals that she had long been in denial about her gender identity, struggling to reconcile her feelings with the expectations placed upon her as a man. This internal conflict took a toll on Evelyn’s relationship with her wife, who reflects on the difficulty of their marriage, mentioning how Evelyn would often “psych himself up” before having sex. The documentary highlights Evelyn’s transformation into a woman, which she describes as a “new life” that she is excited about, though she acknowledges that it has been challenging for those around her, including her wife. The societal pressure to conform to traditional gender roles often leaves individuals like Evelyn grappling with a sense of isolation and confusion. 

 

Simone’s story offers a different perspective on gender identity. She shares that, for her, transitioning was about aligning her body with her identity as a woman. Simone's sense of herself as a woman, despite being born male, was clear from a young age. She states, “I feel I am a woman, I believe it,” though she also describes her discomfort with her male body. Despite this internal certainty, Simone still faces challenges in how others perceive her. She reveals that while she enjoys the freedom of being able to walk topless on the beach without facing judgment, she acknowledges that if she were “six foot two and built like a truck driver,” her experience might be very different. Simone’s narrative speaks to the way gender identity is often tied to societal expectations of physical appearance, and how those who don’t fit these expectations are subject to discrimination and rejection. 

 

One of the most poignant aspects of “Tommy Doesn’t Exist Anymore” is its exploration of the reactions of family members and friends to the transgender women’s transitions. The emotional strain on family relationships is highlighted throughout the film. Bianca’s brother, for example, finds it difficult to accept her as a woman. He is initially reluctant to acknowledge her transition, even though Bianca now looks entirely different from the boy he once knew. Bianca’s brother admits that “something has just completely changed in him,” referring to the transformation that he finds hard to comprehend. This resistance to acceptance from loved ones is not uncommon for transgender individuals, who often experience rejection or misunderstanding even from those closest to them. The reactions of Bianca’s friends also reflect the discomfort and confusion that many people experience when faced with someone who has transitioned. 

 

During a reunion with old schoolmates, Bianca introduces herself as “Bianca,” no longer the “Tommy” they once knew. Some of her friends express shock, saying they were “dumbfounded” by her appearance. One even mentions that their mother “really felt sorry” for Tommy when he was younger, hinting at the pity they once felt for him. Now, they are confronted with a completely transformed person, and their responses range from admiration to confusion. Bianca's mother, however, provides a stark contrast to the confusion and discomfort expressed by Bianca’s brother and friends. She acknowledges the harsh realities faced by transgender individuals, including the high suicide rates, which she attributes to societal rejection. She challenges the biases of those who do not accept transgender individuals, asserting that if society were more accepting, the suicide rates among transgender people would be significantly lower. This statement is a powerful reminder of the social stigma that continues to haunt many in the transgender community, especially in the 1980s, when “Tommy Doesn’t Exist Anymore” was made. 

 

Throughout the documentary, there is a recurring theme of how gender identity is shaped not only by internal feelings but also by the expectations imposed by society. In the case of Bianca, Simone, and Evelyn, their transitions are not just about changing their appearance or physical characteristics, but also about rejecting the roles that society assigned to them at birth. They are constantly confronted with the challenge of navigating a world that sees them through the lens of their original, male identities. For example, Bianca shares the difficulty of revealing her gender identity to men she may be interested in romantically. She worries that once they learn she has male genitalia, they will reject her, and she fears that they might even react violently. This fear is compounded by the societal tendency to view transgender people as either deviant or deceptive. Simone, too, faces the realities of how society perceives gender, even as she enjoys the freedoms that come with transitioning. She remarks that if she were built differently, her experiences might be more difficult. This speaks to the ongoing issue of gender policing - where individuals who do not conform to traditional gender norms face harsher scrutiny and discrimination. 

 

In the 1980s, Australia was not yet the progressive society it is today in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, and transgender individuals were particularly marginalized. The documentary sheds light on how these women had to fight for their right to be seen as they truly were, and the emotional toll it took on them to assert their identity in the face of societal opposition. Bianca’s story, in particular, illustrates the intersection of personal identity and societal rejection, as she faces bullying and misunderstanding from her peers, as well as resistance from family members. The challenges these women face are compounded by the societal norms of the time, which were not only uninformed but also hostile to transgender individuals. The film captures the heart-wrenching impact of these societal attitudes, particularly as it relates to family dynamics. For example, Bianca’s father admits the difficulty of accepting his child’s transition, which is compounded by the reactions of his friends, who often mock Bianca’s gender identity. This tension reflects the broader cultural climate of the time, where transgender people were often treated with scorn, disdain, or outright violence. 

 

“Tommy Doesn’t Exist Anymore” is more than just a documentary about transgender women - it is a profound exploration of self-identity, resilience, and the courage it takes to live authentically in a world that often rejects difference. Through the stories of Bianca, Simone, and Evelyn, the film captures the raw emotions and transformative experiences of individuals who defy societal norms and embrace their true selves. Despite the immense challenges they face, these women’s journeys are filled with moments of triumph, as they navigate the complexities of identity, family, and acceptance. The documentary serves as both a historical artifact and a timeless reminder of the struggles faced by transgender individuals. It speaks to the importance of acceptance, understanding, and love in the journey toward personal fulfillment, and it calls on society to do better in embracing the diversity of human experiences. In a world that continues to evolve, “Tommy Doesn’t Exist Anymore” remains a powerful testament to the strength of the transgender community and the transformative power of living authentically.

 

via: youtube

Image credits: YouTube