Reflections on Trans-Cinema Night

Finally! All of Emily's and my work paid off on Wednesday night at the "Trans-Cinema Night" event we threw in Charters auditorium. If you need a reminder of what this event entailed (or gave up on reading my EXTREMELY long 'play by play' plan) here's what happened.

We all gathered in cheer to watch the film TransAmeria and then proceeded to have a casual Q&A with special guests Hannah Swopes- Queer Straight Alliance Founder, Sarah- a transwoman, Luke- a transman, Scout- a transman, Christie- a transwoman, and Emily and I facilitated.

The film seemed to effect the audience greatly. We heard many giggles and gasps from the audience. Why did we choose to screen TransAmerica? Emily and I chose this film not only because it had a trans character or because we actually had the movie, we chose this film because it is one of the most widely known films that depict someone who is trans. This wide distribution of a depiction effects the trans-society greatly in the fact that it creates pre-concieved notions that may or may not be true.

The discussion: All of our panelists were WONDERFUL! I felt like all the guests were proud to be there and tell their stories. Even though we had a small audience of 10-15 people I felt that the quality was far greater than any quantity I could hope for. I wanted the Q&A to be comfortable and casual, mainly because this subject is still pretty sensitive. I wanted the environment to feel safe, without fear of asking or responding to any questions.

I have a pretty good memory, alas I cannot remember every detail of the topics discussed. Instead, however, I will create a bullet list of all the fascinating subjects we conversed.

• The stereotypes or pre-concieved notions created when films attempt to have a trans character.
• The p's involved with trans characters in cinema: pathetic, psychotic, prostitute.
• How trans were depicted in earlier films (serial killers and prostitutes) and the slight broadening of their roles now.
• There was a trans character in Two and a Half Men?
• The experience of growing up feeling as one gender and being forced to be another.
• Family/society reactions to their behaviors when growing up.
• Family/society reactions to their 'transitions.'
• Support groups.
• Living as a trans.
• The abundance of medical bills due to hormones, counseling, and surgery.
• It is required to have various letters written by counselors in order to receive hormones or surgery.
• Being a trans-parent.
• Being a gay trans.
• Relationships with previous spouses (parents of the children) after transitioning.
• Pronouns.

I hope everyone learned a lot. I personally was enraptured by every moment and felt inspired by every individual on the panel:)