Exploring the Fight for Trans Civil Rights: An Impactful Documentary Reveals the Human Story

Trans director Sam Feder's newest film "Increased Examination" presents a compelling dual viewpoint – simultaneously an personal portrait of a key transgender activist and a sharp analysis of journalistic reporting about trans existence.

Legal Battle at the Supreme Court

This documentary follows ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gets ready for oral arguments in the important highest court case the Skirmetti case. These proceedings happened in December 2024, with the judiciary ultimately ruling in favor of the state's argument, essentially allowing restrictions on medical transition for trans minors to stay in effect across over twenty US states.

We created Heightened Scrutiny in only 16 months, shared Feder during a discussion. In comparison, my previous film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was a real push. Our goal was to stimulate dialogue so people would know more about the case.

Human Narrative Amid Political Struggle

While Feder provides a comprehensive analysis of how mainstream media outlets have promoted transphobic rhetoric, the film's primary contribution may be its compelling depiction of Strangio. Normally a cautious lawyer in media settings, Strangio displays his humanity throughout the production.

This represented a major challenge, to reveal aspects of my life to a filmmaker that I had worked hard to keep confidential, stated Strangio. Sam told me he wanted future generations to know that we tried, to see what was done in service of these fights for our fundamental rights.

Varied Perspectives in the Struggle

To strengthen Strangio's story, Feder incorporates multiple trans voices, including well-known individuals from activism and entertainment. This film also features viewpoints from non-trans advocates who critique how mainstream media outlets have added to damaging reporting of trans individuals.

The experience of trans minors central to the court battle is shown through a impressive young student named Mila. Audiences observe her advocating for her community at a school board meeting, with subsequent footage showing her protesting for transgender rights outside the Supreme Court.

Intimate Scenes Beyond the Courtroom

This film also includes touching moments where Feder steps outside the constant political struggle, including scenes of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a tattoo featuring verses from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

This ink scene is among my favorites in the movie, stated Strangio. Being tattooed is practically like a contemplative experience for me, to be totally engaged in my body and to view it as a vehicle for things that are significant to me.

Physical Autonomy and Portrayal

Feder's dedication to lovingly capturing Strangio adding to his tattoo collection emphasizes that this documentary is fundamentally about transgender bodies – not only those of youth who face prohibition of their right to live truly in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the various interviewees who are featured in the film.

I create films with a message, and part of that is selecting people who are brilliant and eloquent enough to hold the camera, explained Feder. When people ask me what they should wear for an filming, my answer is whatever makes you feel attractive. This is essential to me – as trans people, we face challenges so much with our appearance.

Impact and Hope

One factor that causes Feder's documentaries stand out is his evident ability for making his trans participants feel at ease, acknowledged and valued. This approach develops real rapport between Feder and Strangio, allowing the director to achieve his aim of portraying Strangio as a whole individual and leaving a testament for coming generations of how resiliently he and others have fought for trans rights.

I hope not people to end up in a place of constant despair because of what the law is not giving us, stated Strangio. I want to be in a process of using the law to lessen harm, but not to transform it into some kind of pathway for our freedom potential. State bodies is not going to be the mirror through which we perceive ourselves. Trans people are that mirror, and it's very vital that we keep having that dialogue together with dialogues about pushing against these policies and approaches.

This important documentary is now available for online viewing during Transgender Awareness Week and will receive a wider release at a future date.