Watch Transhood

Transhood is a documentary film that centers around the lives of four transgender children and their families living in the heart of America. The film sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of these young people living in a society that all too often resists and mistreats those who do not fit traditional gender norms. The film follows four kids from different backgrounds and socio-economic status, who span a range of ages from 4 to 15. Avery is a precocious 4-year-old who declared on the cusp of transitioning from male to female that she wanted to live as a girl. Leena is 12 years old and is navigating the transition process while dealing with a father who is not supportive of her gender identity. Phoenix, who is 14 years old, is pulled between two different households and is trying to figure out how to maintain relationships with both of her parents while also being true to herself. Lastly, Jay is a 15-year-old boy on the verge of adulthood while continuing to navigate bullying, exclusion, and self-doubt.

Throughout the film, viewers are given a glimpse into the challenges each child faces, the pain they endure, and the moments of joy they experience. The stories range from Avery’s simple innocence - like her parents editing photos of herself every time she wants to add a dress or more feminine accessories that usually are reserved for girls to Phoenix’s decision to go off to her school’s homecoming dance dressed in a violet gown facing the stares of her peers.

Transhood is a deeply moving piece of work that humanizes the lives of trans children and their families. It is emotionally charged, truthful, and heartwarming. It captures the strength and resilience of the children and their families, and provides a vital and much-needed perspective on the trans experience, one that is too often neglected and misunderstood.

The beauty of Transhood lies in its ability to provide the space for the children to be themselves, without the burden of judgment. The camera follows the kids in their everyday lives, capturing their dreams, hopes, and fears as they figure out how to navigate a world that is not always accepting of them.

The film also captures the difficulty of dealing with school systems that are not always inclusive and understanding, and how that can affect the mental health of the children. The documentary demonstrates the importance of parental support and advocacy from supportive adults in the children’s lives.

Additionally, Transhood provides a nuanced look at the ways that race and class intersect with trans identity, and how it can create additional obstacles for young people who are already facing significant challenges. By following families from different races and backgrounds, the film sheds light on the broader societal issues that trans people face.

Transhood is a must-watch for anyone seeking to learn more about the trans experience. It is an unflinching yet compassionate look into the lives of families struggling to find their way in a society that is not always open to those who do not conform to traditional gender roles.

Transhood is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7 and a MetaScore of 69.