Two American trans men (Syrus and Nik) are interviewed about their relationship and family, and Syrus's experience pausing testosterone in order to carry their baby. Hershel, an English trans man, is interviewed alongside his adult son about his transition and family. There are also several other trans interviewees. I highly recommend watching this documentary. Transgender Parents Documentary 2013 United States of America, England Two American trans men (Syrus and Nik) are interviewed about their relationship and family, and Syrus's experience pausing testosterone in order to carry their baby. Hershel, an English trans man, is interviewed alongside his adult son about his transition and family. There are also several other trans interviewees. I highly recommend watching this documentary. Watch. Available Summary: This is a film about love, life and kids after a gender transition. It shares the struggles and strengths of several trans women and trans men navigating different stages of parenting: from pregnancy, through raising infants, toddlers and teenagers. -Vimeo. Jack's Summary: This is a really good documentary that I highly recommend watching. There are three trans male interviewees, two of whom are men of colour (Syrus and Nik) who both transitioned before having a child together. In fact, Syrus stopped using testosterone in order to carry the couple's baby. The third trans man in this film is Hershel, who is not a man of colour, and who transitioned after already raising a son. Because of these men's differing circumstances, their experiences are naturally very different, and this documentary does a great job of letting these men tell their own stories. The complexities of navigating the world as trans parents are properly and sensitively explored. Nik tears up as he describes the struggle of being invalidated because he isn't his daughter's biological parent. Syrus expresses frustration at being read as a mother, whereas Nik is often read as a father when they're out in public together. Syrus discusses the dysphoria and loss involved with ceasing hormone replacement therapy in order to have a child, all the while emphasising how important it was for him to carry their pregnancy. Beyond gender-related issues, Syrus discusses the assumptions which are projected onto him and his husband, because they are men of colour raising a child who is lighter-skinned. He compares these assumptions with comments which were directed at his mother (a lighter-skinned woman raising a darker-skinned child) and points out the resulting double standards which betray racist worldviews; namely, that he must be a nanny looking after someone else's child. Hershel, who transitioned when he was older, is interviewed alongside an adult son who still calls his father "mother" and switches between she/her/hers and he/him/his, depending on whether he's referencing the past or the present. This is something that Hershel does not seem to mind, despite repeatedly saying that he doesn't feel like a mother at all. Their interviews are very gentle, sweet, and mature. The interviews with Aiyyana (a Native American trans woman) and her adult son are similarly lovely, and perhaps even more so, with her son Jaret intelligently reflecting on his past ignorance and showing great acceptance. "I thought about it, and there's no change other than the physical change, which is immaterial, really," he says, "Nothing has changed. My parent is still my parent, she's my mom... I raised my kids to know their grandma." The documentary ranges from heartwarming to pretty damn sad. Stefonknee, a White American trans woman, talks about completely losing her family and community because she came out at age 46, leading to homelessness and suicide and exclusion from her own father's funeral. Meanwhile, Jenna (a young White American trans woman) and Eby (who is pregnant with Jenna's baby) discuss their relationship and lives together, all with the support of Jenna's father. This documentary absolutely shows that no two trans stories are the same. The only downside to purchasing and watching this documentary on Vimeo is that, while the trailer is 720p, the documentary plays at 360p and includes several extra minutes of blank/grey screen. It almost seems like the filmmakers uploaded the wrong file. But the whole film is accessible, the interviews are still incredibly touching, and I don't regret my purchase. Entry last updated: 27 Feb 2026

Kei, a trans man played by Japanese trans male actor Chihaya Kadota, finds that he has different goals to his non-binary partner Erin, played by Australian non-binary actor Mariella Kai (alternatively referred to as Kai Pacey). Kei wishes to live in rural Japan, whereas Erin wants to live in Tokyo city. Between Us Short Film 2021 Japan, Australia Kei, a trans man played by Japanese trans male actor Chihaya Kadota, finds that he has different goals to his non-binary partner Erin, played by Australian non-binary actor Mariella Kai (alternatively referred to as Kai Pacey). Kei wishes to live in rural Japan, whereas Erin wants to live in Tokyo city. Trailer. Accompanying Thesis. Webpage. Available Summary: Kei, a transgender man, longs for a quiet, “normal” life in rural Japan, but his partner prefers the freedom and openness of life in Tokyo. Their opposing wishes and identities are revealed in the heat of the local hot springs, a place Kei loved as a child. -MUBI. Entry last updated: 8 Feb 2026

Ahmad, a trans man played by Iranian-American trans man Aden Hakimi, begins exploring his attraction to men alongside other trans actors, including Theo Germaine and Em Modaff. Desire Lines Experimental Film, Film, Documentary 2024 United States of America, Iran Ahmad, a trans man played by Iranian-American trans man Aden Hakimi, begins exploring his attraction to men alongside other trans actors, including Theo Germaine and Em Modaff. Watch. Available Summary: Past and present collide when an Iranian American transman portals through the LGBTQ+ archive on a dizzying and erotic quest to unravel his own sexual desires. - Official website. Entry last updated: 8 Feb 2026

An American trans man named Jacob is interviewed alongside his family, discussing his transition and their reactions. Footage from his childhood and early-transition years is also shown. He is in a committed relationship with a woman. Coby Documentary 2017 United States of America An American trans man named Jacob is interviewed alongside his family, discussing his transition and their reactions. Footage from his childhood and early-transition years is also shown. He is in a committed relationship with a woman. Trailer. Available Summary: In a small town deep in the American Midwest, Suzanna begins a gender transition and becomes a boy: Coby. Coby’s transformation deeply impacts the lives the lives of all who love him, and each member of this tight-knit family must confront their own preconceived notions of gender and sexuality. Combining excerpts from Coby’s video dairy with candid, heartfelt interviews from his closet friends and family, Christian Sonderegger’s debut feature is an intimate and sensitive look at timely subject. Ultimately, Coby’s journey morphs into the transformation of a whole family compelled by love to modify their own perspectives. -Film Movement. Jack's Summary: Coby is about trans manhood, and features extensive interviews with the late Jacob Hunt, as well as his partner and family. The film alternates between modern, feature film-quality footage of himself in his daily life, and archives of video diaries that he took throughout his transition. Viewers get to see him in his youth, with a higher voice and a smaller body, and his subsequent boyhood as he began to grow facial hair and change into a man. I’d definitely recommend this documentary to other trans men, and to families who are trying to adjust. His mother's transphobia was difficult to watch, but naturally very realistic to what many of us face from our own parents. My hope would be that parents might pause before rejecting or attacking their own trans sons, if they see the impact Jacob's mother had on him. Christian Sonderegger, Jacob's brother, directed this documentary and would later co-write the film A Good Man , with characters inspired by Jacob's own transition and journey. Having watched A Good Man and absolutely hated it, that does cast this documentary in a slightly odd light, but it's still really good in isolation. Entry last updated: 8 Feb 2026

Tachibana Kanesho, a trans male photographer, reflects on his life during his wedding to a woman, remembering his struggles and appreciating how far he has come. 拝啓, 世間様 (Dear Society) Manga 2022 Japan Tachibana Kanesho, a trans male photographer, reflects on his life during his wedding to a woman, remembering his struggles and appreciating how far he has come. Read (English). Read (Japanese). Available Summary: A hidden youth depicted by an LGBT creator. Some 10 years or so ago, a high school student from a regional town named Rino Tachi went to an all-girls school, studied here and there, and enjoyed talking with his female friends. He was an "ordinary" girl, except for his pervasive feeling of unease within his body. A story of "love" set in a time that demanded even more conformity than now, about living one's fullest life while hiding the discontent. A story about searching for oneself. - MangaDex . Jack's Summary: This story begins with a trans man named Tachibana Kanesho at his wedding, about to get married to the woman he loves. He thinks about how, in previous years, he never imagined this being possible. We then flash back to his life as a teenager, living as a girl and going by the name Rino Tachi. He is incredibly dysphoric and unhappy, unable to explain his feelings or describe what he is going through. He faces abuse and harassment from classmates and family, and has to endure lesbophobic abuse when a rumour spreads that he likes girls. A cis gay classmate, seeing his struggle, invites him into the school's unofficial LGBT+ club, which mainly consists of a sympathetic nurse who lets LGBT+ students hang out in the sick bay. The nurse introduces him to the term Gender Identity Disorder, and he finally realises who he is, and that he truly is a boy. He realises that a medical transition is possible, and is overwhelmed with happiness. He comes out to his mother, prompting her to become violent and angry. His teen years are very difficult, but he continues on, and after graduation he begins his transition. He moves to Tokyo and works in an Onabe bar at night, in the daytime working as a photographer. After winning a photography prize, he is able to afford top surgery, and he begins testosterone replacement therapy. The story then moves forward sixteen years; Tachibana has facial hair and a lower voice, and is living as a man completely. This story was published in 2022, prior to the Japanese Supreme Court's 2023 ruling that trans people should not be required to sterilise themselves before legally changing their gender marker. So, Tachibana has to have a hysterectomy performed before he can be legally male, and he faces some difficulties while he is legally female. He eventually has the mandatory surgery, reunites with his childhood crush, and (as we saw at the beginning of the story) gets married. I'm really glad to have read this story! Thank you to glamquor for recommending this manga via Reddit! WARNINGS: Domestic abuse, bullying, minor physical violence, references to suicidal ideation, sexual harassment, sexual assault, parental rejection, anti-LGBT attitudes. Entry last updated: 16 Mar 2026

Kotzebue, a male-presenting miner played by Canadian actress k.d. lang, annoys, harasses, and sexually assaults a woman named Roswitha. Salmonberries Film 1991 Deutschland (Germany), Canada, United States of America Kotzebue, a male-presenting miner played by Canadian actress k.d. lang, annoys, harasses, and sexually assaults a woman named Roswitha. Watch... But I Wouldn't Recommend It! Available Summary: A small-town Alaskan woman researching her roots becomes close with the librarian, an immigrant who lost her husband while fleeing East Germany. -Tubi. Jack's Summary: This film was highly recommended by multiple people, so I was surprised by how utterly creepy it ended up being, and how much I hated it. Kotzebue, whose gender identity is never labeled, presents as a man among her fellow miners and in her town. She describes herself as being an Eskimo ( read about that term here ). When the film begins, she is chiefly motivated by a desire to discover her parentage after growing up as an orphan, and unfortunately, she encounters a German woman named Roswitha while on this quest. I say "unfortunately" because Kotz treats Witha horribly. I was told that this is a trans male movie, but I personally disagree. To me, this seems like a butch lesbian movie, albeit one which (in my opinion) is butchphobic and portrays butch masculinity as being inherently predatory and dangerous. Of course, you may interpret Kotz as a trans man, a non-binary person, or whatever else. It's up to you. One of the first things that Kotz does, after Witha refers to her as "boy" and "young man," is undress and expose her nude body in a public place which children frequent. It's such a weird and inappropriate way to come out to someone you hardly even know. Her inappropriate behaviour is not limited to that one instance. When Kotz is annoyed, she throws books around in Witha's library. When she wants to make a point which could be communicated in one quick sentence, she instead cuts down and vandalises a public signpost. She stands in Witha's doorway, blocking Witha from entering her own home. She enters Witha's house without permission, causing her to tie up her robe in a frightened manner; Kotz then looks through her personal belongings (again, without permission) while she is getting dressed. When Witha refuses her offer of a snowmobile ride, Kotz persists until she gives in. After Witha discloses her life story, largely consisting of trauma and loss in Germany, Kotz buys two plane tickets to Berlin, pushing Witha to confront her pain and inserting herself into Witha's life with a shocking level of entitlement. Worst of all, in Berlin, Kotz sexually assaults Witha. Kotz starts kissing her, after which she says, "No," and abruptly moves away. Kotz continues to wax lyrical about how beautiful Witha is, moving closer and closer after being told to stop. Witha falls backward onto the bed, still unconsenting as Kotz climbs on top of her and begins kissing her cleavage and then kissing her mouth, until finally Witha yells, "Stop, stop! You need to stop now. Please." Straight up, this is sexual assault. No ifs or buts about it. Following this, there is a montage of scenes where Witha is seemingly apologising for not being attracted to Kotz... explaining why she's not attracted to her, why any love that she feels is platonic... feeling the need to provide excuses and justifications because she said no while someone was assaulting her. At the end of this awful montage, Kotz acts pitiable and pathetic, fainting from the overwhelming trauma of... being told no. Give me a break, mate! You're a creep! Why should I care how you feel? Why is Witha being framed as the person at fault? Get stuffed with the woe-is-me bullshit. Take your pity party and shove it up your arse. This isn't an unrequited love story, as I was previously told. It's an abusive relationship which, fortunately, didn't get properly started. A butch aggressively coming onto an unconsenting feminine woman is an incredibly lesbophobic trope, even seen in more recent media, such as Below Her Mouth . Butch masculinity, and the sexuality of masculine-of-centre females, should not be demonised like this... and sexual assault should not be romanticised. What is Kotzebue's gender identity? I dunno. Don't particularly care, either. What I do know is that this is a butch and/or trans movie, and it is lesbophobic, butchphobic, and/or transphobic. Between the creepy protagonist, indulgent and meandering writing, poor acting, and a half-arsed side story involving the sexual abuse of young girls, I really didn't enjoy this one. I encourage you to make up your own mind, and disagree if you see fit. Entry last updated: 22 Mar 2026

Sheldon Beiste, a trans man played by American actress Dot-Marie Jones, comes out and transitions while working as a school coach. Glee (S6) Show 2015 United States of America Sheldon Beiste, a trans man played by American actress Dot-Marie Jones, comes out and transitions while working as a school coach. Available Summary: A group of ambitious misfits try to escape the harsh realities of high school by joining a glee club headed by a passionate Spanish teacher. -IMDb. Jack's Summary: Dot-Marie Jones, an actress, portrays Sheldon Beiste, initially introduced as Shannon. You can watch one of his transition-related scenes here , where he is returning to work for the first time since transitioning. It's one of the most awkward things I've ever seen, but in all honesty, I think that's more indicative of Glee 's writing than anything else. You can read an article here about Jones's approach to playing a trans man; "I just pray that it comes across how it felt," she says, elaborating that she approached the role with "a lot of heart and soul and with the utmost respect." Much like 3 Generations , this can be considered an example of unideal casting which shouldn't be repeated, but that doesn't mean the actress herself had any cruel intentions. There is a Wikipedia page devoted to Sheldon here , if you'd like more information. Entry last updated: 8 Feb 2026

Moses, a Spanish transsexual man, pursues phalloplasty and legal recognition of his male gender. Other trans people are also interviewed about their transitions and lives. El camino de Moisés (The Path of Moses) Documentary 2004 Spain Moses, a Spanish transsexual man, pursues phalloplasty and legal recognition of his male gender. Other trans people are also interviewed about their transitions and lives. Watch on YouTube. Watch on HAMACA. Jack's Summary: I do not speak Spanish but, from what I gather, this is a documentary about a trans man named Moses, who is pursuing a phalloplasty operation and wishes to have his male identity legally affirmed. Explicit images of trans male genitals are shown, including pre/non-op genitals which have been altered by testosterone, post-metoidioplasty, and post-phalloplasty anatomy. I believe Moses's father also takes part in the documentary, discussing how his relationship with his son has changed. Entry last updated: 4 Mar 2026

American trans man Octavio Sanders, who delayed transitioning because of being a parent, eventually resumes testosterone and has top surgery with the support of his son. American trans man Trevon Haynes discusses his possibly non-binary identity, desire for surgery, and his relationship with a woman who struggles with body dysmorphia. Hongkonger-American trans man Chin Tsui, who was kept in solitary confinement for nineteen months after being human trafficked, is released from detention with the assistance of the filmmakers, eventually finding work in a kitchen and reuniting with his supportive family. Beyond the Aggressives: 25 Years Later Documentary 2023 United States of America, Hong Kong American trans man Octavio Sanders, who delayed transitioning because of being a parent, eventually resumes testosterone and has top surgery with the support of his son. American trans man Trevon Haynes discusses his possibly non-binary identity, desire for surgery, and his relationship with a woman who struggles with body dysmorphia. Hongkonger-American trans man Chin Tsui, who was kept in solitary confinement for nineteen months after being human trafficked, is released from detention with the assistance of the filmmakers, eventually finding work in a kitchen and reuniting with his supportive family. Trailer. Available Summary: Immersive and sensorial, Beyond The Aggressive: 25 Years Later revisits four of the original subjects from Daniel Peddle’s groundbreaking 2005 film The Aggressives — a seminal documentary centering masculine-presenting people of color assigned female at birth. The now-iconic Kisha, Trevon, Octavio, and Chin are back, sharing an array of their triumphs and challenges, including: pursuing dreams in the arts, surviving the experience of being held in ICE detention, reuniting with estranged children, deciding whether to start families of their own, and seeking gender-affirming healthcare. Through the voices of today’s queer BIPOC, who felt represented and inspired by The Aggressives , the new film also delves into how much the language, culture and visibility of the transgender, non-binary and gender-nonconforming community has evolved, and grapples with the many complexities of gender identity, expectations and expression. All combined, these intimate stories and diverse testimonials reveal compelling insights into the queer experience and paint a deeply moving portrait of four trailblazing heroes. - The Collaborative . Jack's Summary: Overall, this is a very beautiful follow-up to The Aggressives . I was curious whether this documentary would acknowledge harmful rhetoric in the first film, particularly Marquise Vilsón's comments about straight trans men being "dykes with a complex". I was disappointed that this was not addressed, regardless of the fact that Vilsón does not feature in Beyond The Aggressives. While I wholeheartedly celebrate the interviewees who talk about finding validation and representation in the first documentary, some straight trans men who only date straight women (the target of Vilsón's mockery) will have felt invalidated and erased when watching The Aggressives. No room is made for the experiences of such men, let alone accountability for reducing a whole sexuality and gender identity to being a "complex". Kisha and her mother. That being said, the issues which are explored in this film are truly important. Kisha, the only interviewee who does not identify as a trans man, is shown lovingly celebrating the newer generations of queer and trans people, mourning her mother, and making beautiful art about her ex-lovers. The impact of being closeted as a girl is discussed, as well as the subsequent improvement to her mental health when she came out as gay. Octavio and his son. Octavio begins the documentary saying that, if not for having a son, he would have transitioned. He discusses getting pregnant at only fifteen, his son being taken away from him, their eventual reunion, and not wanting to disrupt his son's life by being a trans man. However, as the film progresses, he grows into his identity, and his son does end up supporting him. Octavio explains that, during the first documentary, he avoided coming out as a trans man because he faced homelessness, and admits that he was always dysphoric about having breasts. During Beyond The Aggressives, he takes testosterone and has top surgery, also saying that he values having lived as a woman because he can relate to women more. Trevon. Trevon, who also mentions potentially identifying as non-binary, begins the documentary unsure whether he wants top surgery or not, and by the end says that he is happy with his body. He discusses his past infidelity, relationship with his girlfriend, desire for a family, and other deeply personal subjects. Partway through the documentary, he was informed that he likely had cervical cancer; he tried to have a hysterectomy, but he was unable to book the procedure at a facility where he knew that he would be safe. A significant amount of time later, he luckily was told that he simply had some "abnormal cells," not cancer, but this story could have ended far differently . His girlfriend's struggle with body dysmorphia, resulting in extensive surgeries and relationship strain, becomes evident by the end of the documentary. Chin after release. Most heartbreaking of all, in my opinion, were the segments focusing on Chin Tsui, a survivor of human trafficking whose situation was significantly worsened by ICE confusing him with someone else. These segments also showed that the documentary-maker, Daniel Peddle, did actually give a damn about his subjects. After Chin was detained by ICE, Peddle and his team found a pro-bono immigration attorney for him. This attorney was able to get one of Chin's old convictions vacated, after which the Transgender Law Center took on Chin's case and fought for him to be released. He eventually was, after developing post-traumatic stress disorder from being kept in solitary confinement for nineteen months. Seeing Chin and Peddle embrace, seeing Chin's family advocating for him and reuniting with him, is genuinely wondrous. Chin at the end of the film. When the documentary ends, Chin is shown walking from his place of employment (a kitchen) to the bench where he takes his breaks. He has had top surgery, is making enough money to support himself and live in an apartment, and is taking care of his father as he himself approaches his 50th birthday. He says that these are the best days of his life, that he is a man, and he doesn't need a label to define who he is. This beautiful conclusion is all the more fantastic because of Chin's earlier interview, after being released, when he discussed having no dreams for the future, struggling with trauma, and just living day-by-day. I'm so glad Peddle became involved in Chin's life again, twenty-five years after first filming Chin in The Aggressives. Entry last updated: 27 Mar 2026

Deadeye, a non-binary K-pop fan played by American non-binary actor Sabrina Wu, accompanies friends on a chaotic trip to China. Joy Ride Film 2023 United States of America, 中國 (China) Deadeye, a non-binary K-pop fan played by American non-binary actor Sabrina Wu, accompanies friends on a chaotic trip to China. Trailer. Available Summary: Four Asian American women experience mishaps and mayhem as they set out on a journey to China in search of one of their birth mothers. -Netflix. Note from Jack: Sabrina Wu, an actor who describes themself as transmasc, gender non-conforming, and non-binary, stars in Joy Ride as a non-binary character named Deadeye. Deadeye is canonically trans and also uses they/them pronouns but, according to Wu's interview with Variety , they asked that Deadeye not have a coming-out scene. Instead, reportedly, Deadeye's gender is normalised as an average, everyday character trait, rather than the focus of a storyline. I've not watched this one, but it sounds fun. WARNING: Adult themes. The trailer features hard drug use and a racial slur against Asian people. (Hilariously, though, the girl targeted with the slur immediately punches the racist kid in the face.) Entry last updated: 8 Feb 2026

Bret Parker, an American Pixar artist, depicts the gender non-conforming childhood of her American wife Pete Barma (they/them) in this gorgeous animated short film. Pete Animated Film, Short Film 2022 United States of America Bret Parker, an American Pixar artist, depicts the gender non-conforming childhood of her American wife Pete Barma (they/them) in this gorgeous animated short film. Watch. Available Summary: Pete is an animated short based on a true story about gender identity, Little League Baseball, people who inspire change by being themselves, and superheroes who allow change to happen. -YouTube. Jack's Summary: Bret Parker, who worked as an animator in The Incredibles and Finding Nemo , directed this short film and based it on her wife's gender non-conforming childhood; her wife is named Pete Barma and is referred to by they/them pronouns in this interview . In that same article, Parker explains that Pete is intended to be both "both personal and universal", with themes that are relatable for many different LGBT+ demographics. That absolutely comes across in the film itself. The central character is potentially relatable for trans guys, non-binary people, butches, and others. The central plot is that Pete wants to play Little League Baseball with the boys, but is not allowed to. Pete's mother advocates for this to happen, and initially things are fantastic, until spectators at a game notice the flower pattern of Pete's underwear through their white baseball trousers. The film starts with Pete being affirmed and accepted by neighbours and friends, but they are yelled at and demeaned by players' parents who yell, "Get out of there, little girl!" and other equally mature comments. An older Pete, narrating the memory of their childhood, remarks, "I guess what I hadn't known is that the world outside my cul-de-sac wasn't ready for me to be Pete yet. But I didn't know how to be anything else." After the game, an opposing player approaches them and simply says, "Hey, Pete. Good game." Pete's coach, who initially didn't allow them to join Little League, keeps them in the team. Pete's teammates praise their performance during the game, and the film ends on a happy note. The overall message, which I found quite lovely, is that allies can come from unexpected places, and there are many good people who support and affirm gender-diverse people. As the short film is set in the 70s, it depicts a mother standing up for her gender non-conforming child the only way she can, proudly saying, "That's my daughter," when irate spectators are demanding to know who Pete's parent is. In this interview , Parker says, "It was important for us to represent the time period and, for Pete and mom, the understanding of any language around trans or non-binary children did not exist in 1975. Mom instinctively understood and supported Pete’s chosen identity but, for her, Pete was still her daughter. That was not separate from her acceptance of Pete’s choices to play ball, present like a boy, and just be Pete. But at that time in the world, both Pete and mom understood that the choices were limited. Therefore, she defended Pete in the only way she knew how to at the time. This incredible defence, love, and support, combined with the complexity of not understanding what it meant to be trans, informed the rest of Pete’s life and identity." Entry last updated: 9 Feb 2026

Nine trans man are interviewed, some with their partners, discussing sex and their sexual orientations. Enough Man Documentary 2005 United States of America Nine trans man are interviewed, some with their partners, discussing sex and their sexual orientations. Trailer. Available Summary: Documentary meets explicit sexuality in this groundbreaking 2005 feature-length film on body image, relationships, sex, and sexuality from the perspective of nine female-to-male (FTM) transmen and their partners. Featuring health educators, college students, sex workers, activists, and artists, Enough Man navigates the terrain between objectivity and personal identity, allowing viewers into some of the most personal and rarely discussed areas of transgender life. -Frameline. Entry last updated: 8 Feb 2026