Celebrating Trans Visibility and Storytelling Through Film
March 31st is Trans Day of Visibility, a moment that’s as much about honoring those who have come before us as it is about celebrating the bold, beautiful, and brilliant trans people of today. It's not just a day—it's an invitation to step into the spotlight, to cast off the shadows where we’ve been hiding for far too long, and to finally let our stories take center stage. It’s about showing the world that we exist, not as marginalized figures or tragic symbols, but as whole people with our own histories, dreams, struggles, and triumphs. We are not a monolith, but a symphony of voices, each one telling a unique, deeply human story that deserves to be heard.
And what better way to celebrate our visibility than through the art of film? Cinema has always been a reflection of the world around us—sometimes comforting, sometimes brutal, but always a place where humanity is laid bare. But for far too long, trans stories were told through a distorted lens, crafted by those who didn’t understand us or worse, didn’t care to. We were reduced to one-dimensional characters—tragic figures or laughable punchlines. But that’s changing. Slowly but surely, trans filmmakers, actors, and creators have stepped up to tell our own stories, and the world is finally listening. These films are not just about us—they are for us. They are full of heart, complexity, and depth. They are a celebration of love, of survival, of the beauty in our scars, and the strength in our vulnerabilities.
So grab your favorite cozy blanket, pour yourself a cup of something sweet, and settle in. Because these films? They’re not just stories—they’re love letters to the trans community, to the power of visibility, and to the unapologetic beauty of being yourself, in all your glory. Whether you laugh, cry, or sit back in awe, these films are here to remind you of one simple, life-altering truth: We deserve to be seen.
Monica (2022)
A breathtakingly intimate portrait of self-discovery, Monica is a film that lingers in your soul like a soft melody. Trace Lysette gives a career-defining performance as Monica, a woman who returns home to care for her dying mother after years of estrangement. The film weaves a tapestry of pain, longing, and healing, showing that sometimes the hardest road is the one that leads back to yourself. It’s a must-watch for anyone who’s ever felt like they had to fight for their place in the world.
Paris is Burning (1990)
An absolute classic and one of the most important queer documentaries of all time, Paris is Burning is a vibrant, heartbreaking, and utterly fabulous look at the ballroom scene of 1980s New York. Featuring iconic trans women like Venus Xtravaganza and Octavia St. Laurent, this film is an essential watch for understanding the roots of trans and queer culture, from voguing to chosen family. It’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the sheer will to exist in a world that often tries to erase us.
The People's Joker (2023)
A rebellious, satirical, and completely one-of-a-kind film, The People's Joker is an unapologetically trans reinterpretation of the iconic Batman villain. Directed by and starring Vera Drew, this film takes on gender dysphoria, comedy, and superhero mythos in a way that has never been done before. It’s chaotic, bold, and totally unforgettable—a love letter to trans artists reclaiming their own stories in the wildest way possible.
Tangerine (2015)
If you want a film that is electric, look no further than Tangerine. Directed by Sean Baker, this sun-drenched, neon-lit ride through the streets of L.A. follows best friends Sin-Dee and Alexandra, played by the iconic Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor, as they embark on a wild Christmas Eve adventure. Shot entirely on an iPhone, the film captures the raw, unfiltered energy of trans sisterhood, the struggle for survival, and the pursuit of love, revenge, and a damn good time.
T Blockers (2023)
T Blockers blends sharp political commentary with a celebration of queer resilience. Directed by Alice Maio Mackay, this film offers a fresh take on horror, using tension and humor to highlight the strength and unity within the trans and queer communities. With its witty Australian flair, T Blockers is a thrilling reminder of the power of authenticity and the importance of resisting a world that seeks to silence it.
A Fantastic Woman (2017)
Daniela Vega’s mesmerizing performance in A Fantastic Woman is the heartbeat of this stunning Chilean drama. When her partner suddenly dies, Marina, a trans woman, is thrust into a nightmare of grief, suspicion, and societal cruelty. But through it all, she refuses to be erased. The film is a poetic, visually rich masterpiece that won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, and it’s easy to see why. Marina’s resilience is a testament to the power of existing unapologetically.
Cowboys (2020)
A heartwarming, deeply human film, Cowboys follows a father (Steve Zahn) and his trans son (Sasha Knight) as they navigate the complexities of love, acceptance, and a daring journey through the Montana wilderness. This film doesn’t rely on trauma or tragedy but instead focuses on the tender bond between a father and child, making it one of the most refreshing and heartfelt trans narratives in recent years.
Lingua Franca (2019)
Written, directed, and starring trans filmmaker Isabel Sandoval, Lingua Franca is a quiet, deeply affecting film about an undocumented Filipina trans woman navigating love and survival in Trump’s America. With a dreamy, melancholic atmosphere, it explores themes of identity, belonging, and the hope for a better future. Sandoval’s performance is mesmerizing, making this an essential watch for lovers of indie cinema.
Kokomo City (2023)
This groundbreaking documentary shines a raw and unfiltered light on the lives of Black trans sex workers. Directed by D. Smith, a Black trans woman herself, the film is bold, unapologetic, and deeply moving. It provides an authentic, firsthand perspective on the struggles and joys of Black trans womanhood, making it an essential piece of trans storytelling.
See You Then (2021)
Poetic and emotionally charged, See You Then follows Kris, a trans woman played by Pooya Mohseni, who reunites with her ex-girlfriend years after transitioning. The film is an intimate character study that delves into gender, regret, and the complexity of past relationships. With stunning performances and deeply personal storytelling, it’s a hidden gem in trans cinema.
Death and Bowling (2021)
A surreal, genre-bending film featuring a trans cast, Death and Bowling is a meditative exploration of grief, identity, and belonging. The film stars Will Krisanda and is directed by trans filmmaker Lyle Kash, ensuring that the story is told with authenticity and deep personal insight.
The Garden Left Behind (2019)
This emotional drama follows Tina, a young trans woman navigating life as an undocumented immigrant in New York City. Starring Carlie Guevara in a breakout performance, the film provides a touching and realistic look at the struggles of trans women of color, making it both heartbreaking and essential viewing.
Trans Stories Matter
Visibility is more than just being seen—it’s about being understood, celebrated, and given the space to tell our own stories. These films are a testament to the beauty, complexity, and resilience of trans lives. Whether they make you laugh, cry, or simply sit in awe, they all share one thing in common: they shine a light on the truth of who we are.
So this Trans Day of Visibility, let’s celebrate with cinema. Let’s uplift these stories. And most importantly, let’s keep making space for more trans voices, on screen and beyond. 🏳️⚧️🌸💖
Thank you for this ❤️