The new four-part documentary Trans in Trumpland premieres today through Topic.com. The documentary follows how the transgender community fought to protect themselves, but also the varying factors of the communities around them. The documentary is directed by Tony Zosherfatain. Each episode focuses on a different trans person and the state where they live and face transphobia, unfair laws, discrimination and sometimes violence. The first story is that of Ash, a young trans man living in North Carolina. If you remember from the past few years, North Carolina was ground zero for the bathroom ban. Ash’s story covers early home movies, discussions with his family, and what he feels like growing up in such a strange time. The second episode follows Rebecca, a trans woman in Texas who is not only fighting for her right as transgender but also fighting immigration fears. Episode three follows Evonne, a Black trans woman who runs the only transgender non-profit for care in Mississippi. The final episode follows Shane Ortega, the first openly trans soldier and the fight to be able to continue serving his country during the age of transgender military bans. Along the way, Tony Zoshafatain tells his own story, and spends time with each of the featured figures.
Maybe it’s just the mom in me, but I wanted to hug every single one of these wonderful people. Ash is incredible, but so is his supportive mom. This documentary can be hard to watch at times because we hear stories of cruelty and misunderstanding, but it is important and gives the perspective of trans people in their own words. This documentary most certainly will not be for everyone, but I encourage people who are interested to explore the world through the eyes of others to check this out.
Trans in Trumpland is available to watch today on Topic.com.
Meet the Characters
Episode One, North Carolina – Ash
As we uncover Tony’s personal story, we meet Ash, a young transgender boy living in rural North Carolina. Ash brings us behind the national news headlines to show us what it is really like to be a trans youth in North Carolina — a state that is notorious for its anti-trans bathroom laws and school policies.
Episode Two, Texas – Rebecca
In Texas, Rebecca, a trans Latinx immigrant from Mexico, battles a deeply transphobic immigration system to gain asylum in the U.S. Detained three times by ICE, Rebecca is resilient and maintains a close relationship with her family.
Episode Three, Mississippi – Evonne
In Mississippi, we meet Evonne, a Black trans woman who runs the state’s only transgender non-profit, which provides vital care to Mississippi’s violently neglected LGBTQ community.
Episode Four, Idaho – Shane
In Idaho we meet Shane Ortega, America’s first openly transgender soldier, who uses his Native American heritage to point us toward a brighter future.
