Work in Progress

Trailer.

Available Summary:

"Abby is a 45-year-old self-identified fat, queer dyke whose misfortune and despair unexpectedly lead her to a vibrantly transformative relationship." -DVD blurb.

Jack's Summary:

This show is incredibly sweet and authentic, right down to the casting of main and side characters. A 45-year-old, self-identified "fat, queer dyke" (who also identifies as "not a lesbian") falls in love with a 22-year-old trans man after meeting him at the restaurant where he works.

The series tackles issues including family conflict, suicide, death, STI stigma, bathroom safety, OCD, and dysphoria, but it's not depressing to watch. It's a pretty big deal for me to say that, because I am diagnosed with OCD, and one of the sub-types I experience is Self-Harm/Suicidal OCD. For this series to so prominently feature suicidal ideation and disordered compulsions, and still be a feel-good experience for me, is very significant.

Work in Progress is one of the most unique shows I've ever seen, and it's very funny! I would not trust many shows or films to portray a romance between a "dyke" and a trans man, without delegitimising and invalidating the manhood of the trans guy involved. As it is, Work in Progress is very respectful and emphasises that Chris is happy to enter into the relationship. Abby sees Chris as a man, and refers to him as such. I really enjoyed Abby and Chris's discussions about sexual preferences and dysphoria. I highly, highly recommend this show.

I have seen some people having knee-jerk negative reactions to this show, without even seeing it, based on the fact that a trans male character is in a relationship with a self-identified dyke. While I understand that negative reaction, I would like to gently remind people that, yes, some trans men do happily and knowingly have sexual relationships with dyke-identifying women, and even lesbians. (I have also known trans women that have sexual relationships with gay men.) While some trans men, myself included, have sexual identities closer to that of binary cis males, it is more complex for some in our community. We need to make space for that complexity and accept it. That being said, this show is an exception in portraying such a relationship gracefully and respectfully, and I can easily imagine other shows/films doing a very poor job.

This is a semi-autobiographical series, based on the lived experiences of Abby McEnany. In this interview, she discusses her identity and life history; "I don't identify as a lesbian anymore. I identify as a queer dyke or a queer woman... I never felt like a lesbian-lesbian because I still was attracted to some men. Also, I think the word dyke is very powerful, and I feel like dykes can do whatever the fuck they want. Then I started dating a young trans man. If I was still referred to as a lesbian, I'd be totally negating his gender. Alex isn't a woman. Alex is a man. So, then I was like, "Okay, I'm queer. I'm dyke-identified." I made up "queer dyke" for myself. It makes sense to me."

We all feel differently about language and labels, and certainly, this show may not be your cup of tea... or you may adore it.