Watch Trinidad

Trinidad, a documentary film directed by P.J. Raval and Jay Hodges, explores the lives of three individuals in Trinidad, Colorado, who have each undergone gender reassignment surgery performed by Dr. Marci Bowers. The film offers viewers an intimate glimpse into the experiences of these individuals and the challenges they face navigating life in a conservative rural community.

The first individual we are introduced to is Dr. Stanley Biber, a retired surgeon who has performed over 6,000 gender reassignment surgeries. Biber is an important figure in the trans community and is known for his pioneering work in the field. The film takes us through his journey from being an outsider in the medical community to becoming a celebrated figure who has helped countless individuals realize their true selves.

The next individual we meet is Dr. Marci Bowers, one of Biber's protégés who has taken over his practice after he retired. Bowers is a transgender woman who underwent gender reassignment surgery herself and is now one of the most sought after surgeons in the field. The film takes us through some of her surgeries and shows the care and attention she gives to each patient.

The final individual we meet is Laura Ellis, a teenage boy who is transitioning to become a girl. Laura and her mother are interviewed throughout the film, and we get a sense of the struggles they have faced as Laura has undergone hormone therapy and surgery. The film shows us how Laura's family and community have struggled to come to terms with her transition, and how she has had to fight for her right to be accepted and respected.

Throughout the film, we see how the lives of these individuals intersect and how their experiences of gender identity and sexuality have shaped their lives. We also see the challenges they face living in a community that is often hostile to their existence, and the ways in which they find support and community within each other.

One of the strengths of the film is the way it humanizes the experiences of transgender individuals and offers a window into a world that is often misunderstood or marginalized. The directors eschew sensationalism and instead focus on the lived experiences of their subjects. This approach allows viewers to connect with the characters on a personal level and to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of gender and identity.

The film also offers a historical perspective on the evolution of gender reassignment surgery and the ways in which the medical establishment has dealt with transgender individuals. We learn about the challenges faced by Dr. Biber as he pioneered the surgery, and we also see how the acceptance of transgender individuals has changed over the years.

Overall, Trinidad is a moving and powerful documentary that offers an insightful look into the lives of transgender individuals and the challenges they face. The film is a celebration of the resilience and strength of the human spirit, and is a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in our shared humanity.

Trinidad is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.