Man Made
Documentary
2018
United States of America
Four American trans men are extensively interviewed as they prepare for a bodybuilding competition, with their family members, partners, and other trans men interviewed as well. Topics addressed in this documentary include romance, sex, gender dysphoria, pride, domestic abuse, family and adoption, ethnicity, and more.
Official Website.
Available Summary:
"Man Made is a feature-length documentary tracing the varied lives of four transgender men as they prepare to step onstage at the only all-trans bodybuilding competition in the world. Now available to buy/rent worldwide." -Official website.
Jack's Summary:
In this film, trans men of many different backgrounds, ethnicities, sexualities, and experiences gather for a bodybuilding competition.
Man Made doesn't shy away from the realities of being trans, doesn't sugarcoat what it's like to be assigned a gender that you innately can't manifest, but ultimately offers a message of love and acceptance. Everything is discussed: Transitioning, sex, romance, employment, fitness, family, ethnicity, suicide, depression, euphoria, homelessness, domestic abuse, and so much more. Plenty of content warnings apply to this film, but only because the trans director wished to give his interviewees ample chances to share their stories. There is so much wisdom, pride, and complexity in this documentary. I absolutely recommend watching it.
WARNING: Unsafe binding and graphic, uncensored footage of surgery being performed.
Entry last updated:
8 Feb 2026