In today’s digital age, words have evolved into more than just a means of communication. They shape our identities, influence our perceptions, and serve as tools for self-expression in both subtle and overt ways. The 2018 documentary Words, directed by A.J. Mattioli, delves deep into the power of language and the complex terrain of gender and identity in modern society. Through a series of powerful interviews and real-world explorations, Words sheds light on how people navigate the fluid and ever-changing landscape of identity, using New York City’s dynamic environment as a vibrant backdrop.
Words delves into how individuals navigate identity in the dynamic and ever-changing environment of New York City. Set against the backdrop of some of the city’s most fluid and diverse scenes, the film examines the tension between self-perception and socially constructed identities, exploring how these identities shift across various contexts - from the arts to law enforcement. In a world dominated by texts, tweets, memes, and irony, what has happened to the significance of our words? How does communication function as a means of self-expression, and how does self-expression, in turn, serve as a form of communication? Hence the documentary explores how people define gender and identity within the evolving landscape of New York City. Drawing from the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry, it investigates how concepts of masculinity, femininity, and everything in between are expressed and shaped in environments ranging from the theater world to early childhood education. Featuring exclusive interviews with a diverse group of artists, activists, icons, and innovators, the film promises to be a profound and thought-provoking exploration of the language we use to shape our identities.
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Among the key figures featured in the documentary is Carmen Carrera, a transgender activist and performer whose journey reflects the struggle for authenticity in a world that often tries to define us with limiting labels. Carmen Carrera’s life story is emblematic of the themes explored in Words, especially the concept of language as a tool for self-expression and self-definition. Carrera, who first gained national attention as a contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race, is a trans woman who has used her platform not only to express herself through performance art but also to advocate for the rights and recognition of transgender people. Her experience offers insight into the intersections of identity, gender, and the social constructs that shape how we perceive one another. Born in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, Carrera initially entered the public eye through the world of drag, participating in the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Her time on the show brought her into the limelight, but it was also a complex chapter in her life - one that she would later reconcile with her transition and her commitment to advocating for transgender visibility.
Carmen was an integral part of the "Heathers" clique on the show, a group known for its glamorous style and fierce personalities. Despite her elimination from the competition, she rejoined the show in a twist that would later define her in the hearts of fans. However, Carrera’s journey in RuPaul’s Drag Race was not without controversy. Her struggles with the way language was used around her, particularly in reference to her gender identity, are a critical part of her story. In one of the most poignant moments of the documentary, Words captures her reflections on how terminology like "she-male" and "tranny" have impacted her personal and public life.
Carrera was one of the first to publicly challenge RuPaul on the use of these terms, sparking a larger conversation about transphobia within the drag community and the importance of using respectful language when discussing transgender individuals. Beyond her time in the spotlight, Carrera has become a prominent voice in the transgender rights movement. She has used her platform to advocate for greater understanding and compassion, especially around the issues that transgender people face in everyday life. This includes raising awareness about the need for better representation of trans women in media, as well as addressing the pervasive violence and discrimination that many transgender individuals endure. Her activism, much like her appearance in Words, emphasizes the transformative power of language and its ability to shape both personal identity and societal acceptance.
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Throughout the documentary, Carrera’s narrative stands out as an example of the complicated relationship between gender and language. She demonstrates how words can either empower or harm, depending on how they are used and who uses them. The documentary captures the essence of her journey as she moves from a place of vulnerability to one of strength, and how this evolution is inextricably tied to the words she chooses to define herself. Carmen Carrera’s experience also highlights the significance of media representation in shaping societal perceptions. As a transgender woman of Puerto Rican and Peruvian descent, her presence in the media has challenged long-standing stereotypes about gender and identity, offering a more nuanced and authentic portrayal of what it means to be trans. In doing so, she has opened doors for other transgender individuals, showing them that there is room for diverse identities in the mainstream. Her participation in high-profile campaigns, such as her appearance in the Advocate’s annual "40 Under 40" list and her feature on the cover of C☆NDY magazine, which highlighted 14 influential transgender women, has played a crucial role in shifting cultural attitudes.
Carmen’s voice is not just a symbol of resistance but also of possibility - a reminder that language, when wielded with intention, has the power to redefine reality. The way we use words, the ways in which we are labeled, and the way we choose to label ourselves, all intersect in profound ways. Words explores these intersections in the context of gender, identity, and the social constructs that define our world. Carmen Carrera's narrative serves as a powerful testament to the transformative role that language plays in the journey of self-discovery and societal acceptance. Through her experiences, both as a performer and an activist, she continues to challenge the boundaries of language and identity, encouraging others to find their own voice in a world that often seeks to silence them. In a generation dominated by texts, tweets, memes, and online discourse, the weight of our words has never been more apparent. Words reminds us that how we communicate, the words we choose, and the labels we apply can either uplift or suppress the voices of those who are too often marginalized.
For figures like Carmen Carrera, words are more than just tools - they are instruments of change, empowerment, and self-expression that transcend the limitations imposed by society. Through her activism, her media presence, and her unwavering commitment to being true to herself, Carmen Carrera continues to redefine the narrative around transgender identity, showing us all the importance of speaking our truths and supporting others in doing the same. Ultimately, Words is more than just a documentary about language - it is a celebration of the transformative power of self-expression. Through the lens of Carmen Carrera’s life, we are reminded of the importance of choosing words that respect, honor, and validate each individual’s identity. As we move forward in a world that is constantly evolving, it is clear that the weight of our words has never been more critical in shaping the future of inclusivity, acceptance, and human dignity.
Image credits: YouTube
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