Ep 20. Real Boy

Real Boy is an emotional and heartwarming documentary featured in the 18th season of the Emmy Award-winning PBS series Independent Lens. This particular episode, named after the film itself, delves into the life of a transgender teenager named Bennett Wallace and his struggles with identity, family, and acceptance.

The documentary follows Bennett's journey as he navigates the tricky terrain of adolescence, trying to understand his gender identity and find his place in the world. Raised in the conservative midwest by a single mother, Bennett spends most of his childhood feeling like an outsider. His growing discomfort with the body he was born into leads him to discover the online community of transgender teens, forming new friendships and support networks around the country.

Throughout the film, viewers witness Bennett’s close relationships with his mom Suzy, his best friend Dylan, and his musical mentor Joe Stevens. Together, these people provide a sense of safety, love, and belonging as Bennett begins the physical process of transitioning and faces the emotional challenges that come with it. For many viewers, watching the interactions between Bennett and these important people in his life will be a powerful reminder of the importance of unconditional support and understanding.

The film is an honest and thoughtful look at the challenges that come with being a transgender person in the United States. It humanizes the struggle and shows how love and acceptance can make an enormous difference in a young person's life. It also highlights the difficulties that many transgender people still face in a world that can be hostile and unaccepting.

Real Boy serves as not only a compelling film narrative but also as an important discussion piece in schools and communities. It’s a film that asks important questions like, what does it mean to be a boy? What does it mean to be a girl? How do we support and care for one another? These are critical inquiries that will help expand conversations around gender, sexuality, and identity.

Overall, Real Boy is a wonderfully crafted and moving documentary that offers a rare and intimate look at the human experience. It is a must-see for anyone interested in coming-of-age stories, documentaries about identity, or for anyone who wants to be inspired by the strength and determination of transgender youth. While this episode of Independent Lens is definitely not the first documentary to explore the struggles and triumphs of the transgender community, it is one of the most honest and authentic portrayals of what it means to be a transgender teenager today.

Real Boy has been successful in finding empowering ways of representing and supporting many communities through Bennett's story. Whether you are from the LGBT+ community or an ally, this documentary reminds us that being true to oneself is essential, and that family and chosen family support is vital. It also brings awareness and gives empathy to those that were not familiar with issues that may arise during transition. This film is insightful, enlightening, and thought-provoking. It is a testimony of the resilience of the human spirit and the affirmation of the importance of supporting people in their journeys of self-discovery.