Watch Little Miss Westie

Little Miss Westie is a heartwarming and emotional documentary from 2018 that chronicles the lives of a family grappling with their youngest child's gender identity. The film explores the intimate and deeply personal journey of a transgender child named Ren, who was assigned male at birth but identifies as a female. The documentary is brought to life through the experiences of Ren's family in the small town of Milford, Connecticut. We meet her mother, Francine, her father, Joe, and her two older brothers, Chris and Luca. The family is close-knit and loving, yet they struggle to understand how to support Ren as she transitions.

Tony Ferraiolo, a prominent transgender activist, serves as Ren's mentor and guide throughout her journey. Tony is a charismatic and passionate speaker, and he uses his own experiences as a trans man to help Ren navigate the challenges of being a transgender child. He becomes a valuable resource for the family, offering support, guidance, and advice as they learn how to advocate for their daughter's needs.

The film follows Ren as she prepares for the Little Miss Westie pageant, a local competition for girls aged 6-12. Ren dreams of competing as her true self, but she faces a number of obstacles along the way. She must confront her own anxieties and fears, as well as the judgments and prejudices of others. The pageant itself poses a significant challenge, as Ren must learn how to navigate the world of beauty and fashion as a transgender girl.

Despite these challenges, Ren never loses sight of her goal. She is determined to be true to herself and to show the world who she really is. And that determination inspires her family and the community around her to support her unconditionally.

One of the most powerful elements of the film is its depiction of the complexity of family dynamics. Francine and Joe struggle to reconcile their own feelings about Ren's gender identity with their desire to support her. They must confront their own biases and prejudices, and they must learn how to communicate openly and honestly with each other and with their daughter. Chris and Luca, meanwhile, grapple with their own fears and anxieties about how Ren's transition will affect their lives. The film is a poignant and honest portrayal of a family's journey towards acceptance and understanding.

The filmmakers use interviews, home movies, and footage from the Little Miss Westie pageant to tell Ren's story. The pageant scenes are particularly compelling, as we watch Ren and the other contestants prepare for the event, complete with a talent competition and a formal wear competition. The filmmakers do an excellent job of capturing the emotions of the contestants and their families, and we get a real sense of how important the pageant is for these young girls.

Throughout the film, we also see glimpses of the broader context in which Ren's story takes place. The film touches on issues such as bullying, discrimination, and the lack of resources for transgender individuals. For example, we learn that there are only a handful of doctors in Connecticut who specialize in treating transgender children, and that many families must travel long distances to access medical care. The film is a powerful reminder of the challenges that transgender individuals and their families face on a daily basis, and it highlights the importance of advocacy and education in creating a more inclusive society.

Overall, Little Miss Westie is an inspiring and touching film that offers a window into the lives of a family grappling with the challenges of raising a transgender child. It is a testament to the power of unconditional love, acceptance, and determination, and it reminds us that every individual deserves the right to live their life authentically and on their own terms.

Little Miss Westie is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes.