While Covid has never quite been eradicated, it has certainly been contained, allowing society to look to the future with a degree of positivity. This has been reflected in so many ways, not least the rise in movie attendance. The road to recovery has been long and painstaking, but moviegoing is back in vogue, with viewings increasing by over 60% last year, a trend likely to continue. Another reason for this growing popularity is the way movies are reflecting trends such as inclusivity. More and more LGBT-oriented films are being released, especially titles focusing on trans characters. Let’s take a closer look at these societal shifts, with the bonus of six movie suggestions where trans storylines are captivating audiences.
Why Inclusivity is Important
Minority groups have always had good reason to feel excluded from mainstream society, with fewer social opportunities, and sometimes facing outright prejudice and discrimination. The equality of LGBT people is increasingly enshrined in Human Rights legislation, both from the United Nations and within the laws of individual countries. Individuals who identify with a gender different from the one assigned to them at birth are now free to express themselves in many ways. If you’re someone who has ever asked the question, ‘Where would be the best place to search for transsexual hookups near me?’ the answer lies at your fingertips. The rise in inclusive attitudes in society has been reflected in the diverse range of digital matching platforms now catering to trans dating. By signing up to one of these hookup sites, any person interested in forming a relationship with a trans single can gain access to a treasure trove of talent. With discreet chat rooms and channels for exchanging DMs, the moment you register you could be interacting with a cross-section of delectable transsexuals just as eager to get into a relationship as you are.
Cinema is Holding a Mirror to the World
These open-minded viewpoints are being reflected in so many ways, not least in cinema. Everyone has a favorite genre of movie, whether you love wallowing in the fantastical alternative dimensions of the DC universe, or you prefer grittier, down-to-earth storylines. Going to the movies has always been a popular dating activity, so the moment you’ve connected with a prospective partner who is trans, a common destination for a romantic get-together might be your local multiplex. Or if you’d prefer relishing romcoms or thrillers in more comfortable surroundings, you could always search for trans-friendly titles on Netflix. Trans dating sites are social hubs where kindred spirits gather and plan dates with our top six trans-friendly films.
Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
This is a hard-hitting US drama, starring an actor more typically associated with heartthrobs in romcoms! Matthew McConaughey and co-star Jared Leto received Academy Awards for their portrayals of AIDS sufferers in the US in the 1980s. At this time, people suffering from this affliction were stigmatized – the characters in the film relied on testimony from transgender AIDS patients and activists. This film was a box office success, earning 10 times its production costs.
The Danish Girl (2015)
Tom Hooper’s acclaimed 2015 drama is a biography of the Danish painter, Lili Elbe, who was one of the world’s first-ever patients to go through gender-affirming surgery in the 1920s. This is a brilliantly acted and emotional film covering what were regarded as serious taboo subjects in less-enlightened times.
Transamerica (2005)
Premiering at the 2005 Berlin International Film Festival, this movie stars Felicity Huffman and Kevin Zegers as Bree and her son, Toby. A week before she is due to undergo gender reconstructive surgery, Bree gets a mysterious phone call from a prisoner asking to speak to Stanley Schupak (her birth name). Wishing to renounce her previous life as a man, Bree ignores this contact. But when her therapist demands he won’t sign off the op unless she does confront who she once was, she is cajoled into a difficult reconciliation.
Boys Don’t Cry (1999)
Nominated for numerous awards, this critically lauded film earned its star, Hilary Swank, a Best Actress Oscar in 2000, and her co-star Chloe Sevigny, a Supporting Actress Oscar. Based on a documentary, The Brandon Teena Story, this tells the story of a trans man in the USA who falls victim to a terrible hate crime. Much of the dialogue was lifted from the real-life version of events, so this is a highly engaging film.
Ma Vie en Rose (1997)
Part Belgian and French, this drama focuses on Ludovic, a trans girl, and her struggles to come to terms with who she is, and the community often hostile to her decision to change her identity. Despite the absence of top star actors and actresses, this movie was warmly received by critics and viewers and played a major part in making trans topics more common on the big screens in the 90s.
Breakfast on Pluto (2005)
Directed by prolific Irish director, Neil Jordan, Cillian Murphy stars as Patricia, a trans woman foundling. Set in the 1970s, it follows the life of Patrick “Kitten” Braden, a transgender woman and a foundling, on her journey to find love and acceptance. The movie beautifully portrays Kitten’s navigation through a tumultuous period of self-discovery and gender identity, highlighting the challenges faced by the transgender community. Through a blend of humor and poignancy, the film offers a heartfelt exploration of Kitten’s resilience and the quest for personal happiness amidst societal prejudices and adversities.