Becoming More Visible

Becoming More Visible is a socially significant, heartfelt documentary from 2015, which delves deep into the lives of four brave transgender teens in New York City who, despite experiencing an abundance of adversarial situations, forge new paths to create meaningful lives and increase the visibility and acceptance of the transgender community.

This 75-minute film, directed by the passionate Pamela French, provides an intimate exploration of the lives of Joshua, Rina, Olivia, and Sean, who belong to an oft-misunderstood and prejudiced niche of society. However, going beyond mere stereotype or sensationalism, Becoming More Visible genuinely portrays their lives, underscoring their human struggles and aspirations with compassionate storytelling.

In the film, the director takes viewers far beyond the typical concept of binary gender, breaking down stereotypes, and pervading bias related to gender identities. It captures the nuances of the reality that these individuals face, ranging from their daily struggles and discrimination, to their commitment to challenging the conventional perspectives of society regarding identity and gender. It underscores their resolve to live with dignity, confidence, and authenticity.

The title, "Becoming More Visible," embodies the spirit of the film well - a call for a greater acceptance of diversity, emphasizing that transgender individuals, like everyone else, are wanting to be seen and accepted for who they truly are. Throughout the documentary, it is evident that they are constantly struggling against uneven odds to be recognized as individuals and not to be defined solely based on their gender identity.

The documentary focuses on sensitive topics, including estrangement from family members, battles with homelessness, navigating the realms of healthcare and social services, and the difficulties of securing a safe and accepting school environment. It captures the reality of growing up transgender in today's society—the struggles and the victories alike. Yet with a remarkable human spirit and a spirited wit, the individuals strive to carve out a path of identity acceptance and affirmation.

Each of the four youths profiled in Becoming More Visible have diverse backgrounds—ranging from homelessness to escaping abusive environments to trying to secure healthcare and educational facilities. The film brings out their stories in a compelling narrative format, ensuring their voices are heard. These individuals introduce the viewers to their worlds, which can be harrowing and inspirational, distressing and hopeful, all at the same time.

Joshua, a spirited 22-year-old, works to create a safe haven for homeless LGBTQ youth. Rina, 18 years old, a ballerina undergoing transition, seeks to secure her place as an artist in a discriminating society. A 16-year-old of Puerto Rican descent, Olivia reconnects with her estranged family, while Sean, a promising photographer, struggles with homelessness and identity affirmation. Each one of them shines a light on a different aspect of what it means to be a transgender individual in modern-day society.

Through powerful images and compelling narratives, Becoming More Visible brings to light the adversarial circumstances that often surround the transgender experience. Importantly though, the film steps away from a one-dimensional victim portrayal and instead highlights the tremendous strength, resilience, and courage that these individuals exhibit in the face of such adversity.

Becoming More Visible brings to the screen stories of isolation and difference but also those of hope, resilience, self-actualization, and determination. Central to its narrative is the assertion that despite the prejudice and challenges they face, transgender individuals possess the strength to create fulfilling lives while bravely breaking down societal barricades.

By authentically chronicling their life experiences, encounters, dreams, and ambitions, French puts a magnifying glass to their extraordinary strength, making this film a touching, must-watch piece, which serves not only as a wake-up call to a society entangled in prejudice but also as a supportive arm extended to those experiencing a similar journey.

"Be who you want to be, and don't let the world tell you who you are," is the film's overarching message. Directed with a sense of purpose, sensitivity, and respect, Becoming More Visible reminds us that those who identify as transgender are as diverse and colorful in their experiences, aspirations, and identities, as any other cross-section of humanity.