Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hi Everyone

Here is a a fairly extensive list of movies listed in chronological order with a very brief description of each.  If you find any other transgender themed movie please mention it in a post.

• 1953 Glen or Glenda (68 min) (United States, Dir. Ed Wood) - Docudrama exploring cross-gender identity and public misunderstanding.
• 1968 The Queen (68 min) (United States, Dir. Frank Simon) - Documentary of the 1967 Miss All-America Camp Beauty Contest highlighting early ballroom legends plus trans voices.
• 1969 Funeral Parade of Roses (105 min) (Japan, Dir. Toshio Matsumoto) - Avant-garde portrait of club performers living outside rigid gender norms in late-sixties Tokyo.
• 1970 Myra Breckinridge (94 min) (United States, Dir. Michael Sarne) - Satire following Myron who undergoes surgery then lives openly as Myra.
• 1972 I Want What I Want (91 min) (United Kingdom, Dir. John Dexter) - An unhappy young man escapes his strict father assumes the identity Wendy Miller then searches for work romance and self acceptance while living as a woman.
• 1975 The Rocky Horror Picture Show (100 min) (United Kingdom/United States, Dir. Jim Sharman) - Cult musical comedy that celebrates gender bending camp style and playful satire of sexual norms.
• 1975 Dog Day Afternoon (125 min) (United States, Dir. Sidney Lumet) - Crime drama motivated by the protagonist's devotion to partner Leon a trans woman.
• 1978 La Cage aux Folles (97 min) (France/Italy, Dir. Édouard Molinaro) - Comedy about aging drag artists balancing family expectations and self expression.
• 1982 Victor/Victoria (134 min) (United States/United Kingdom, Dir. Blake Edwards) - Jazz singer pretends to be a male female impersonator to survive Paris nightlife.
• 1990 Paris Is Burning (78 min) (United States, Dir. Jennie Livingston) - Landmark documentary on New York ballroom culture featuring Black Latina queer and trans women.
• 1992 The Crying Game (112 min) (United Kingdom/Ireland, Dir. Neil Jordan) - Thriller centred on Dil a trans woman whose past collides with political intrigue.
• 1993 M. Butterfly (101 min) (United States, Dir. David Cronenberg) - Diplomat's long affair with an opera performer who conceals both national and gender secrets.
• 1994 The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert (104 min) (Australia, Dir. Stephan Elliott) - Outback road trip with two drag queens and a trans woman performer.
• 1996 Different for Girls (98 min) (United Kingdom, Dir. Richard Spence) - Two school friends reconnect years after one has changed gender and now lives stealth.
• 1997 Ma Vie en Rose (88 min) (Belgium/France, Dir. Alain Berliner) - Family drama seen through Ludovic a child who insists she is a girl.
• 1999 Boys Don't Cry (118 min) (United States, Dir. Kimberly Peirce) - True story account of Brandon Teena's life and murder in rural Nebraska.
• 2001 Hedwig and the Angry Inch (95 min) (United States, Dir. John Cameron Mitchell) - Rock musical following singer Hedwig and her search for wholeness after a botched operation.
• 2003 Normal (110 min) (United States, Dir. Jane Anderson) - Midwestern factory worker Roy comes out as Ruth and navigates family upheaval.
• 2003 Soldier's Girl (112 min) (United States, Dir. Frank Pierson) - Romance of Army private Barry Winchell and showgirl Calpernia Addams ends in tragedy.
• 2004 Beautiful Boxer (118 min) (Thailand, Dir. Ekachai Uekrongtham) - Biopic of Muay Thai champion Parinya Charoenphol.
• 2005 Transamerica (103 min) (United States, Dir. Duncan Tucker) - Road story of Bree a soon to be post op woman travelling cross country with the son she never knew.
• 2005 Breakfast on Pluto (129 min) (Ireland/United Kingdom, Dir. Neil Jordan) - Kitten Brady pursues glamour love and safety in 1970s Ireland and London.
• 2006 A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Story (88 min) (United States, Dir. Agnieszka Holland) - True story of Gwen Araujo who lives openly as a teenage girl until violence ends her life then her mother fights for justice and acceptance.
• 2007 Red Without Blue (74 min) (United States, Dir. Brooke Sebold Benita Sampath Todd Sopher) - Documentary on identical twins as one begins living openly as female.
• 2007 XXY (87 min) (Argentina, Dir. Lucía Puenzo) - Intersex teenager Alex faces medical and social pressure in coastal Uruguay.
• 2011 Carla (95 min) (United States, Dir. Eli Hersko) - Independent drama following a transgender woman's search for love and family acceptance while confronting social prejudice.
• 2011 Tomboy (82 min) (France, Dir. Céline Sciamma) - Ten year old Laure presents as Mikaël during a summer in a new neighbourhood.
• 2011 Gun Hill Road (86 min) (United States, Dir. Rashaad Ernesto Green) - Recently paroled father returns home to find daughter Vanessa living her truth.
• 2012 Laurence Anyways (168 min) (Canada, Dir. Xavier Dolan) - Epic romance following writer Laurence who begins life as a woman and the partner who loves her.
• 2013 Dallas Buyers Club (117 min) (United States, Dir. Jean-Marc Vallée) - Drama includes Rayon a trans woman battling AIDS alongside hustler Ron Woodroof.
• 2014 Boy Meets Girl (95 min) (United States, Dir. Eric Schaeffer) - Kentucky barista Ricky finds unexpected love and career purpose.
• 2014 Predestination (97 min) (Australia, Dir. Michael and Peter Spierig) - Time travel agent recruits an intersex orphan linking their identities to a looping mission through time.
• 2015 Tangerine (88 min) (United States, Dir. Sean Baker) - Christmas Eve odyssey of two Los Angeles sex workers hunting down a cheating boyfriend.
• 2015 The Danish Girl (119 min) (United Kingdom/United States, Dir. Tom Hooper) - Loose dramatization of painter Lili Elbe an early surgical pioneer.
• 2016 3 Generations (92 min) (United States, Dir. Gaby Dellal) - Teen Ray seeks medical care while mother and grandmother confront family dynamics.
• 2016 The Pearl of Africa (74 min) (Uganda/Sweden, Dir. Jonny von Wallström) - Documentary following activist Cleopatra Kambugu's fight for autonomy.
• 2017 The Real Thing (7 min) (United States, Dir. Brandon Kelly) - Short film portraying a military father's unconditional acceptance of his transgender daughter after returning from deployment.
• 2017 A Fantastic Woman (104 min) (Chile, Dir. Sebastián Lelio) - Singer Marina defends her dignity after her partner's sudden death.
• 2018 Girl (105 min) (Belgium, Dir. Lukas Dhont) - Teenage ballet student Lara trains for a professional career while seeking bodily alignment.
• 2019 Lingua Franca (89 min) (United States/Philippines, Dir. Isabel Sandoval) - Undocumented caregiver Olivia balances love immigration risk and safety.
• 2019 Port Authority (101 min) (United States/France, Dir. Danielle Lessovitz) - Young drifter Paul falls for ballroom dancer Wye in New York.
• 2020 Disclosure (100 min) (United States, Dir. Sam Feder) - Documentary tracing Hollywood portrayals of gender diverse people across a century.
• 2020 Cowboys (83 min) (United States, Dir. Anna Kerrigan) - Father helps his trans son explore life beyond Montana's restrictive environment.
• 2021 Dawn Her Dad & the Tractor (90 min) (Canada, Dir. Shelley Thompson) - After her mother dies transgender woman Dawn returns to rural Nova Scotia to rebuild trust with her estranged father while restoring a farm tractor.
• 2021 Everybody's Talking About Jamie (115 min) (United Kingdom, Dir. Jonathan Butterell) - Musical adaptation of stage hit about Sheffield teen chasing drag dreams.
• 2021 No Ordinary Man (83 min) (Canada, Dir. Aisling Chin-Yee Chase Joynt) - Bio doc re examines the life of jazz musician Billy Tipton.
• 2022 The Dreamlife of Georgie Stone (29 min) (Australia, Dir. Maya Newell) – Short documentary following transgender girl Georgie Stone's years long fight for legal recognition and her emergence as a confident young advocate.
• 2022 Joyland (127 min) (Pakistan, Dir. Saim Sadiq) - Lahore family drama involving dancer Biba and the man who joins her troupe.
• 2022 Anything's Possible (96 min) (United States, Dir. Billy Porter) - Modern teen romance where confident Kelsa navigates first love and viral fame.
• 2023 Monica (113 min) (United States/Italy, Dir. Andrea Pallaoro) - Estranged daughter returns home to care for her dying mother and reclaim belonging.
• 2023 Kokomo City (73 min) (United States, Dir. D. Smith) - Documentary capturing the candid lives of four Black trans sex workers.
• 2023 Close to You (98 min) (Canada/United Kingdom, Dir. Dominic Savage) - Sam returns home for the first time in years and confronts history family and self.
• 2024 Emilia Pérez (130 min) (France/Mexico, Dir. Jacques Audiard) - Musical crime story about a cartel boss who seeks a new life as a woman.
• 2024 I Saw the TV Glow (100 min) (United States, Dir. Jane Schoenbrun) - Surreal coming of age tale using cult television to mirror emerging identity struggles.
• 2024 T Blockers (78 min) (Australia, Dir. Alice Maio Mackay) - Camp horror where Sophie and friends battle parasitic hatred in their small town.
• 2024 Ponyboi (93 min) (United States, Dir. Esteban Arango River Gallo) - Thriller following intersex hustler Ponyboi through one perilous New Jersey night.

Enjoy!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator

Predestination
2014 ‧ Sci-fi/Thriller (Australia, written and directed by Michael and Peter Spierig)

A time-travelling agent (Ethan Hawke) is working undercover as a bartender. A customer tells his life story of how he was assigned female at birth and grew up in an orphanage. During childbirth, doctors discovered he was intersex. Complications during the birth led to gender reassignment surgery, and his baby was mysteriously kidnapped.

I love this movie. Lots of plot twists.

This had a strong effect on me:

I Want What I Want (1972)

Not sure if I can post links. It can be seen for free on YouTube.

- Karen

Hi Lori

You mentioned

Quote from: Lori Dee on June 29, 2025, 08:48:04 PMPredestination
2014 ‧ Sci-fi/Thriller (Australia, written and directed by Michael and Peter Spierig)

A time-travelling agent (Ethan Hawke) is working undercover as a bartender. A customer tells his life story of how he was assigned female at birth and grew up in an orphanage. During childbirth, doctors discovered he was intersex. Complications during the birth led to gender reassignment surgery, and his baby was mysteriously kidnapped.

I love this movie. Lots of plot twists.

Sounds interesting!  I have added it to the list and thank you for mentioning it.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator

Hi Karen

You mentioned

Quote from: Karen_A on June 29, 2025, 09:26:24 PMThis had a strong effect on me:

I Want What I Want (1972)

Not sure if I can post links. It can be seen for free on YouTube.

- Karen

I have added it to the list and thank you for mentioning it.  The more the merrier.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Karen_A

If you can find it on streaming services, Dawn, Her Dad, and the Tractor is a story of a young trans girl who had to leave home to transition, but has to come home for her mothers funeral. It covers the issues of family rejection, small town attitudes, and being true to yourself.

Hugs,

Allie

Hi Allie

You mentioned

Quote from: Allie Jayne on June 30, 2025, 01:46:09 AMIf you can find it on streaming services, Dawn, Her Dad, and the Tractor is a story of a young trans girl who had to leave home to transition, but has to come home for her mothers funeral. It covers the issues of family rejection, small town attitudes, and being true to yourself.

Hugs,

Allie

I have added it to the list and thank you for mentioning it.  Sounds interesting.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Allie Jayne

Forgot the name of the film but it's a true story. JD Pardo (EZ from Mayans MC!)  does a terrific  and convincing portrayal  of a young trans teenage girl. TW it's incredibly  sad

Hi Kim

You mentioned the following:

Quote from: big kim on June 30, 2025, 07:27:21 AMForgot the name of the film but it's a true story. JD Pardo (EZ from Mayans MC!)  does a terrific  and convincing portrayal  of a young trans teenage girl. TW it's incredibly  sad

The film you are referring to is called "A Girl Like Me": The Gwen Araujo Story (United States, Dir. Agnieszka Holland) - True story of Gwen Araujo who lives openly as a teenage girl until violence ends her life then her mother fights for justice and acceptance.

I have added the details to the ever growing list of films about us.  Thank you for your contribution.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator

How is The Rocky Horror Picture Show not on the list?  :)

Hugs, Devlyn

2011 Movie Carla Starring: Gregg Bello , Laverne Cox , Joslyn DeFreece and Mark Margolis
Directed by: Eli Hersko

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1954320/
Carla is a trans woman who faces opposition from her family as she finishes her transition. At the same time, she falls in love with Sam, a man who seems to love her for who she is. However, when Carla finally obtains the means to complete her transition, Sam begins to question their relationship. Now, Carla must choose between being herself and living a lie for the man she loves.

It is on Amazon video, though listed as a 2014 Movie.

A short film from 2017, The Real Thing by Brandon Kelly.

Seven minutes long... get your Kleenex ready.  :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMqoxdYmqmc

@Devlyn
Dear Devlyn:
Thank you for sharing that short film... "The Real Thing" ....
... yes indeed, I did require several Kleenex tissues.

Very powerful short 7 minute film.
HUGS, Danielle

Thanks, Devlyn. I need more Kleenex.

Hi Devlyn

You said:

Quote from: Devlyn on July 10, 2025, 08:07:18 AMHow is The Rocky Horror Picture Show not on the list?  :)

Hugs, Devlyn

Well I would tend to disagree because; The Rocky Horror Picture Show was released in 1975 years before today's language around gender became common. It features gender-bending costumes and playful drag that poke fun at rigid gender roles while celebrating sexual freedom; its plot leans on parody and rock-opera spectacle rather than telling a story about someone moving from one gender identity to another in the modern transgender sense.

However if you like, I will add it! ;D

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Devlyn

Hi Devlyn

I have acquiesced to your demands and I have added it to the growing list  ;D  ::)  :laugh:

1975 The Rocky Horror Picture Show (United Kingdom/United States, Dir. Jim Sharman) - Cult musical comedy that celebrates gender bending, camp style, and playful satire of sexual norms.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Devlyn

  --->It is now #6 on the list !!!!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Quote from: Sarah B on July 11, 2025, 11:21:30 PMHi Devlyn

I have acquiesced to your demands and I have added it to the growing list  ;D  ::)  :laugh:

1975 The Rocky Horror Picture Show (United Kingdom/United States, Dir. Jim Sharman) - Cult musical comedy that celebrates gender bending, camp style, and playful satire of sexual norms.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Devlyn

Hi Marion

Thank you for mentioning the following movie, it is really appreciated:

2011 Carla (United States, Dir. Eli Hersko) - Independent drama following a transgender woman's search for love and family acceptance while confronting social prejudice.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Maid Marion

Hi Danielle

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on July 11, 2025, 11:26:35 PM--->It is now #6 on the list !!!!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Groan!!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Northern Star Girl

Hi Devlyn

I have added the following short movie to the list and yes it was a heart warming story.

2017 The Real Thing (United States, Dir. Brandon Kelly) - Short film portraying a military father's unconditional acceptance of his transgender daughter after returning from deployment.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Devlyn

Hi Allie

I have watched the movie and it was a good one.  Thank you Allie for mentioning it.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Allie Jayne

Hi Everyone

I have added the following short documentary film about an Australian Georgie Stone:

2022 The Dreamlife of Georgie Stone (Australia, Dir. Maya Newell) – Short documentary following transgender girl Georgie Stone's years-long fight for legal recognition and her emergence as a confident young advocate.  It's on Netflix.

Keep them coming please!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator

Hi Everyone

I have added the running time for each 'film' in the master list.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator

@Karen_A 
Thank you Karen for your movie suggestion.
Definitely a good movie to put on the list.

I watched this movie several years ago and in many ways it full of sadness but
it also displays many truths regarding the joy of living in the "correct" body.
It is worth watching the entire movie, you don't want to miss the ending.

It is presently #5 on the list.  I Want What I Want (1972)
                          NOTE: the "LIST" is found on on the very first posting on
                          this thread/topic reply comment #1 authored by @Sarah B
click LINK ---> https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,251439.msg2308958.html#msg2308958

Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Quote from: Karen_A on June 29, 2025, 09:26:24 PMThis had a strong effect on me:

I Want What I Want (1972)

Not sure if I can post links. It can be seen for free on YouTube.

- Karen

The movie  I Want What I Want (1972)
is readily and easily viewable on YouTube

             https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5tWCffGlRc

Go re-watch the Matrix movies through the lens of being trans and they take on a whole different meaning. Especially since the Wachowskis knew what they wanted to make before they came out. You can't un-see that. The first three, anyway.

For more recent movies...

I saw the TV Glow (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Saw_the_TV_Glow) I am sure this is based on an identity thing. It's very indie, but very good.

How about It's Pat?