The death of Matthew Shepard was the first moment I saw a straight man on television. Needless to say, when I was growing up, there wasn’t much representation of gay, trans, or nonbinary people in the media. It was difficult for me and other LGBTQ+ people to imagine life outside of the gender binary because we didn’t see it anywhere on our screens when I came out in the early 2000s. Fortunately, we have seen significant cultural shifts in the gay and gender expansive people’s media representation in recent years.
On March 31st, test out some of the best movies and TV shows on Netflix that feature transgender and nonbinary individuals because Transgender Day of Visibility is taking place. If you’re looking for some fun, feel-good, and/or educational gender expansive* programming this month, these are my beloved finds already on Netflix.
For this summary, I’m taking a really wide view of sex, so I am including pull-related programming as well.
Gender Agenda
In their newest funny unique, Hannah Gadsby is bringing along other transgender and nonbinary cartoons from around the globe including Jes Tom, Asha Ward, Alok, Chloe Petts, Mx Dahlia Belle, DeAnne Smith, and Krishna Istha. “The next day Netflix brought this many people up was for a protest…Progress”! is how Gadsby opens the comic unique. They state that this particular was created as a result of a protest against Netflix’s feature featuring a transphobic comedian. Trans comedians have a chance to speak for themselves on Netflix thanks to Gender Agenda.
Disclosure
This thought-provoking video explores the ways that trans characters have traditionally been portrayed in Hollywood in a thoughtful manner, making it ideal for Trans Day of Visibility. In order to examine the history of transgender people and internet, the video features leading trans scholars and artists like Laverne Cox, Chaz Bono, and Susan Stryker. The documentary’s aim is to start dialogue between the Hollywood industry and the community to encourage better and more traditional representations going forward.
Dancing Queen
If you enjoy a tender reality TV show, you won’t want to miss Dancing Queen. Produced by RuPaul, this truth show follows a little-area competition dance studio run by drag queen, Alyssa Edwards. By day, the show follows the kids’ competition dance teams, and by night, professional drag performances organized by Edwards. The show also explores the dynamics and feelings of what it means to be queer in a small town.
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Nonbinary actor Lachlan Watson plays an out-trans man in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina if you’re looking for a fun and whimsical show. His gender exploration, which he uses to strengthen his self-awareness and confidence, is a significant component of his story arc, along with the encouragement and support of his magical community. This is a fun, quirky, and feel-good series.
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson
Respecting Trans Day of Visibility involves acknowledging the fact that transgender people are statistically more likely to commit violent acts. This potent documentary film examines Marsha P. Johnson’s life, who is frequently regarded as the mother of the contemporary queer and transgender community. The Violence Against Transgender Women is examined in Marsha P. Johnson’s Death and Life, as well as the egregious circumstances surrounding Johnson’s 1992 death.
Orange Is the New Black
Set in a minimum-security women’s prison, this Netflix Original centers around cisgender Piper Chapman, but the standout character, in my opinion, is Sophia Burset, a transgender woman character played by Laverne Cox. I appreciate that this show features a transgender character whose entire plot is unrelated to her gender. Instead, she gets to be a fully realized character.
A Queen Is Born
If you enjoy drag, gender expansiveness, and makeovers, this show is for you. Drag artists transform aspiring drag queens and kings in this feel-good show. Calling themselves the Godmothers, the hosts don’t just give makeovers, they help newbie drag artists gain and build their confidence as performers. This show is full of self-exploration, queer joy, and, of course, a lot of camp.
