Boys Don't Cry
Film
1999
United States of America
Brandon Teena, an American trans man who was raped and murdered in 1993 at the age of 21, is portrayed by American cis female actress Hilary Swank in this fictional depiction of his final days, with events in the film deviating significantly from real events.
Available Summary:
"The film is a dramatization of the real-life story of Brandon Teena, an American trans man who attempts to find himself and love in Nebraska but falls victim to a brutal hate crime perpetrated by two male acquaintances." -Wikipedia.
Jack's Summary:
Though I related to this movie immensely, I would not advise that anybody watch it. Boys Don't Cry is an unforgiving, factually incorrect, whitewashed, graphic depiction of crimes committed against a member of the trans male community. In 1999, it was revolutionary. Nowadays, I would encourage trans men to connect with our history, and to deeply research what our people have been through, but the extreme nature of this movie will do nothing more than terrify you.
However, I related to this fictional depiction of Brandon Teena on a very deep level. I have rewatched the film's early scenes and enjoyed them. Hilary Swank, the actress who played Brandon Teena, did do an amazing job in the role. Ultimately, I'm glad this film was made, and it is a part of our history... even if we deserve better now.
If you really want to know about Brandon Teena and the bigotry which surrounded him, and you are prepared for incredibly distressing content, The Brandon Teena Story (1998) includes interviews with people who hated him, people who supported him, and people who raped and murdered him. Boys Don't Cry, as distressing as it is, is an easier watch than the real-life documentary produced after the young man's death.
A great deal has been said about this film, and many people have commented on it. There is plenty of discourse out there, should you wish to seek it out.
Black on Both Sides: A Racial History of Trans Identity, a book written by trans author C. Riley Snorton, is a recommended read if you would like to understand the erasure of Phillip DeVine (a man of colour) from Boys Don't Cry. It's a dense and difficult read if you're not used to academic language, and it discusses many heavy and confronting themes, but it is valuable.
Warning: Unsafe binding.
Brandon binds with bandages all day, every day, and performs intense physical activity while bound. Learn more about chest binding here.
Entry last updated:
8 Feb 2026