Watch Growing Up Coy

Growing Up Coy is a documentary movie directed by Eric Juhola and released in 2016. The movie follows the story of a young transgender girl named Coy Mathis and her family's battle for her right to use the girls' bathroom at school in the state of Colorado. The Mathis family takes their fight to the media and the courts, confronting the challenges and prejudice surrounding the transgender community in America.

The movie begins with a quiet and happy family life led by Coy's parents, Kathryn and Jeremy Mathis. They have three young boys, Max, Miah, and Caiden, and two-year-old Coy. From a young age, Coy expresses her gender identity, insisting on being referred to as a girl and wearing dresses and other feminine clothing. Her parents, who are supportive of her, do not try to change her, and they provide her with every opportunity to express herself.

When Coy starts attending school, however, she is not allowed to use the girls' bathroom, despite identifying as a girl. The school suggests that Coy use a gender-neutral bathroom, but her parents do not feel that it is right for her to be made to feel like an outsider or that she should have to use a different bathroom than her peers. Kathryn and Jeremy hire a lawyer and take the case to the Colorado Civil Rights Division, fighting for their daughter's right to use the bathroom that matches her gender and identity.

The film highlights the family's struggles as they face opposition and hatred from those that surround them. They receive both support and criticism from the public and media. As they share their story with the world, the Mathis family worries about how their actions may affect Coy and their other children.

Throughout the movie, the family members reveal their deepest thoughts, insecurities, and fears about raising a transgender child in today's society. Kathryn fears for Coy's safety and well-being, while Jeremy is worried about Coy's future, particularly when it comes to dating and relationships. They both express their love and admiration for their daughter, who they view as strong and brave.

Coy is shown as a smart and confident child who understands her situation but is affected by the negativity surrounding her. She is always positive, but there are times when the pressure takes its toll on her. Coy's siblings, particularly her older brother Max, are incredibly supportive of their sister, leading to some touching moments throughout the movie.

The film covers the legal battle and how the Mathis family becomes a symbol for the transgender community's struggle. While they are fighting for their child's right to use the bathroom that matches her gender identity, they are also fighting for the rights of every transgender individual out there. The family's case has become a milestone victory for LGBTQ rights and is considered a significant victory in the fight against discrimination and prejudice.

In conclusion, Growing Up Coy is an inspiring documentary that shares the story of a family's fight for the rights of their transgender child. It is an intimate portrait of a young girl who knows who she is and of the family that loves and supports her unconditionally. The film highlights the struggles of living in a society that is not always accepting, but also shows the strength and resilience of a family that knew they had to fight for what they knew was right. It is a beautiful and emotional story of a family's journey, resulting in a documentary that is both powerful and moving.

Growing Up Coy is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.