Trans Awareness Month kicks off this week, and what better way to ring it in than with stories that not only explore trans identity but also celebrate it. After all, now is really the time to reflect and uplift the trans community. While remembrance of trans struggles is certainly important, it’s equally crucial to lean into trans joy, as there’s no greater feeling than to embrace — and be embraced for — living your most authentic life.
Film is an excellent medium for reflecting positive trans narratives, and there are some great ones out there. From comedies to love stories — both of falling in love with others, and learning to love yourself — to a few awesomely campy trans horror films, these streamable movies are a great way to kick off the week. Take a look.
All film descriptions are courtesy of their respective studios and networks.
‘Anything’s Possible’ (2022)
Synopsis: Anything’s Possible is a delightfully modern Gen Z coming-of-age story that follows Kelsa, a confident high school girl who is trans, as she navigates through senior year. When her classmate Khal gets a crush on her, he musters up the courage to ask her out, despite the drama he knows it could cause. What transpires is a romance that showcases the joy, tenderness, and pain of young love.
Why we love it: This sweet love story truly has it all: It’s funny, romantic, uplifting, and real.
Where to watch: Prime Video‘Transfinite’ (2019)
Synopsis: Transfinite is a sci-fi omnibus feature film composed of seven standalone short stories where supernatural trans and queer people from various cultures use their powers to protect, love, teach, fight, and thrive.
Why we love it: The trans-POC representation alone makes this collection a must-watch, but it’s also a fascinating sci-fi exploration of identity.
Where to watch: Rent on Prime Video
‘Bit’ (2019)
Synopsis: A transgender teenage girl on summer vacation in Los Angeles fights to survive after she falls in with four queer feminist vampires who try to rid the city’s streets of predatory men.
Why we love it: Trans, feminist vampires using their creature of the night powers to take out predators? What’s not to love?
Where to watch: Prime Video
‘The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert’ (1994)
Synopsis: Two drag performers and a transgender woman travel across the desert to perform their unique style of cabaret.
Why we love it: This film is a classic for a good reason: It’s still a joy to behold in all its sumptuous glory.
Where to watch: Tubi
‘So Vam’ (2021)
Synopsis: Kurt is an outcast in a conservative town who dreams of moving to the city to be a famous drag queen. Kidnapped by a predatory old vampire, Kurt is rescued and resurrected by a gang of rebellious vamps who feed on bigots and abusers. As a vampire, he finally knows empowerment and belonging, but until Kurt faces the monster, he will never truly be free. The exciting debut from Australian trans teen filmmaker Alice Maio Mackay, So Vam is a low-budget, high-energy tribute to teen vampire classics, from a distinctly Gen Z, genderqueer POV.
Why we love it: Directed by trans teen Alice Maio Mackay, this movie about a queer kid discovering his found (undead) family with a trans vampire is just so very cool.
‘Boy Meets Girl’ (2014)
Synopsis: Boy Meets Girl is a poignant, sexy, romantic coming-of-age comedy about three 20-year-olds living in Kentucky. Robby (Michael Welch, Twilight) and his best friend since childhood, Ricky (Michelle Hendley), a gorgeous transgender girl, have never dated. Lamenting the lack of eligible bachelors, Ricky considers dating a girl. In walks Francesca (Alex Turshen), a beautiful young debutante waiting for her Marine fiancé to return from the war. Ricky and Francesca strike up a friendship, and maybe a little more, which forces Robby to face his true feelings for Ricky.
Why we love it: Fun and quirky, this romantic comedy is just the kind of easy breezy watch you may be craving.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Tubi
‘Laurence Anyways’ (2012)
Synopsis: In the ‘90s, Laurence tells his girlfriend, Fred, that he wants to become a woman; they confront the prejudices of their friends, ignore the counsel of their families, and brave the phobias of the society they offend.
Why we love it: Honestly, it’s just so achingly romantic.
Where to watch: Kanopy
Nimona
Synopsis: A knight framed for a tragic crime teams with a scrappy, shape-shifting teen to prove his innocence. But what if she's the monster he's sworn to destroy?
Why we love it: A shapeshifting punkrock ENBY monster girl helping her bestie reunite with his prince charming. Period.
Where to watch: Netflix
Monica
Synopsis: A woman returns home to care for her ailing mother, whom she hasn't seen in years, in this tender portrait of family, forgiveness, and acceptance.
Why we love it: My god, for the performances alone! While this film definitely skews bittersweet, it's the hope we feel at the end that lands it on this list.
Alice Júnior
Synopsis: When teenage YouTube sensation Alice Júnior moves from big city Brazil to the conservative countryside, she learns to harness the power of her trans identity and fulfill her dream: landing her long overdue first kiss.
Why we love it: Because it's the coming-of-age story we've always wanted to see but SO rarely (if ever) get to see on the screen.
Where to watch: Kanopy, Rent on Prime Video
The People’s Joker
Synopsis: Taking copyrighted characters for a joyride, Vera Drew’s hilariously inventive take on Gotham City and the superhero film is a daring expression of the trans experience through the lens of pop culture.
Why we love it: Not only is this movie brilliant, hilarious, and features Vera Drew's utterly unique point of view, but it's a visual masterpiece. This is not just entertainment (though it's highly entertaining), it's art.
Where to watch: MUBI
National Anthem
Synopsis: A 21-year-old construction worker in New Mexico joins a community of queer rodeo performers in search of their own version of the American dream.
Why we love it: Chosen family, but make it country? Yes, please. Not only is this a beautiful story of outcasts finding their people, it also features some of our fave trans actors, Eve Lindley and Mason Alexander Park.
Where to watch: Hulu
Fanfic
Synopsis: Two high school students form an intense connection as they navigate the challenges of discovering and expressing their truest selves.
Why we love it: When it was released, Fanfic made history as the first Polish film to feature a transgender lead (Tosiek), played by a trans actor (Alin Szewczyk). But it’s also incredibly sweet, affirming, and just the right amount of quirky.
Where to watch: Netflix
