🔗 Share this article

Trans director Sam Feder's recent feature "Heightened Scrutiny" provides a compelling two-part viewpoint – simultaneously an intimate portrait of a leading transgender advocate and a critical examination of journalistic reporting surrounding transgender issues.

Judicial Struggle at the Highest Court

This feature documents ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gears up for court proceedings in the important highest court case the Skirmetti case. These arguments took place in late 2024, with the judiciary finally deciding in support of Tennessee's position, essentially allowing limitations on healthcare for transgender youth to stay in effect across over twenty US states.

We created Heightened Scrutiny in just 16 months, explained Feder during a conversation. By contrast, my earlier film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was a real push. Our purpose was to raise conversation so people would know more about the case.

Human Narrative Amid Political Struggle

While Feder presents a comprehensive analysis of how major media outlets have promoted transphobic narratives, the film's primary contribution may be its captivating portrayal of Strangio. Usually a reserved attorney in media appearances, Strangio shows his humanity throughout the film.

That was a significant challenge, to reveal parts of my life to a documentary crew that I had made efforts to keep personal, stated Strangio. Sam told me he wanted future generations to know that we fought, to see what was done in service of these battles for our fundamental rights.

Varied Perspectives in the Movement

To strengthen Strangio's narrative, Feder includes multiple trans advocates, including prominent leaders from activism and the arts. The documentary also features perspectives from non-trans advocates who analyze how respected organizations have added to damaging coverage of trans individuals.

The perspective of transgender young people central to the legal case is shown through a remarkable young girl named Mila. Audiences first see her fighting for her community at a educational meeting, with subsequent scenes showing her demonstrating for transgender rights outside the highest court.

Personal Moments Beyond the Legal Battle

This film also features touching moments where Feder moves beyond the ongoing legal battle, such as scenes of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a tattoo featuring words from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

The tattoo sequence is among my preferred parts in the movie, explained Strangio. Receiving body art is practically like a contemplative experience for me, to be totally engaged in my body and to view it as a container for things that are meaningful to me.

Body Autonomy and Representation

The filmmaker's attention to lovingly capturing Strangio getting to his tattoo collection emphasizes that Heightened Scrutiny is primarily about trans bodies – not only those of young people who confront restriction of their ability to live genuinely in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the various participants who participate in the documentary.

I produce films with a message, and part of that is selecting people who are exceptional and eloquent enough to carry the camera, stated Feder. When people ask me what they should dress for an filming, my answer is whatever makes you feel hot. That is essential to me – as trans people, we face challenges so much with our appearance.

Legacy and Optimism

A key aspect that causes Feder's documentaries stand out is his obvious talent for making his trans interviewees feel at ease, seen and admired. This methodology fosters genuine rapport between Feder and Strangio, enabling the director to realize his aim of portraying Strangio as a complete person and leaving a document for posterity of how persistently he and fellow activists have campaigned for trans liberties.

I hope not people to find themselves in a situation of perpetual despair because of what the law is not giving us, explained Strangio. I aim to be in a practice of using the law to minimize harm, but not to turn it into some type of pathway for our freedom possibilities. The government is not going to be the mirror through which we see ourselves. Trans people are that reflection, and it's very crucial that we persist having that dialogue alongside conversations about pushing against these policies and practices.

This important documentary is now accessible for digital rental during Trans Visibility Week and will receive a broader launch at a future date.