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Tony Sawicki, a trans man played by Canadian actress Tatiana Maslany, embodies a harmful stereotype of manhood. Orphan Black (S02E08) Show 2014 Canada, United States of America Tony Sawicki, a trans man played by Canadian actress Tatiana Maslany, embodies a harmful stereotype of manhood. Available Summary: The series focuses on a number of identical human clones, all of whom are played by Tatiana Maslany: Sarah Manning, Alison Hendrix, Cosima Niehaus, and Rachel Duncan. This episode introduces a new clone, Tony Sawicki, a transgender man whose search for another clone leads him to Sarah's foster brother Felix Dawkins... The show's co-creators, Fawcett and Graeme Manson, along with Maslany and her hair and makeup artists, developed the character of Tony over a period of six months after deciding that the inclusion of a transgender character would fit well with the show's themes of identity, gender and sexuality. Overall, the episode received mixed reviews: critics praised Maslany's performance but found Tony's character underdeveloped and gimmicky, and found the plot disorganised. -Wikipedia. Jack's Summary: Orphan Black is a well-known science fiction show about autonomy, identity, and found family. The basic summary is that a group of clones, after finding out about their biological origins, work together to try and gain independence from their creators. The clones have all been created through a process of in-vitro fertilisation, with their genetic material sourced from one woman. Tatiana Maslany, a Canadian actress, plays many clones throughout the series, and her acting is genuinely mind-boggling. Every clone is vastly different, with unique personalities, accents, interests, and sexualities. Five clones appear in S02E08, titled "Variable and Full of Perturbation". Four of them (Sarah, Rachel, Cosima, and Alison) are cis women. The fifth is a trans man named Tony Sawicki. When I first watched this show, I remember being utterly delighted by Tony's inclusion. Here were the reasons for my joy: His presentation is quite masculine, especially compared to the other clones. He is shown wearing a tank top binder, and packing in his underwear. He is confident in his body and unashamed, happily taking a bath in a stranger's apartment. He is shown injecting testosterone, and discusses how important it is to affirm himself through hormones. After meeting Tony, Sarah (another clone) expects that he will have an "identity crisis", similar to other clones' reactions. He calmly denies this, saying, "I did all that work a long time ago. There's only one Tony, and you're not me, sucker." I loved that, even when confronted with the truth of his conception, he remained self-assured and secure. What I liked most about Tony was the implication that anybody could be born trans, however you conceptualise the reasons that we trans people exist. Whether you focus on scientific explanations like the development of the brain before birth, or you focus on the soul, or you believe in a complex combination of factors, anybody could be born with gender incongruence/dysphoria and anybody could someday make the decision to alter their sex. In a show which chiefly focusses on autonomy and individuality, specifically in defiance of biological expectations, trans themes seemed a no-brainer. I was glad they explored trans male self-determination through one of the clones. Rewatching this episode, though, I noticed a different aspect of Tony's characterisation which I now find deeply troubling. An uncomfortable scene, at best. I registered that Tony kissed Felix, a gay main character, of course. But what I noticed during my rewatch was a double standard which I've seen in other films and shows; LGBT+ characters ignoring consent in situations where cishet men (particularly) would be harshly judged for acting exactly the same way. Tony corners Felix and asks him a question. When Felix hurriedly answers and tries to move away, clearly uncomfortable, Tony refuses to let him walk past. He crowds Felix into a corner and kisses him, after which Felix shakes his head and verbally indicates that he doesn't want to kiss Tony. Viewers, of course, know that Felix is uncomfortable with the intimacy because Tony looks a lot like Sarah, another clone and Felix's adopted sister. But it doesn't matter why Felix is uncomfortable. It doesn't matter why people say no, it just matters that they do. If Tony had been a cis male character treating a cis woman exactly the same way, I guarantee that fans would've furiously criticised his actions. This is an example of sexual harassment occurring outside of a widely-believed, limited stereotype (a cis man abusing a cis woman), and therefore not being taken seriously. Jasmine trying to stop Dallas from touching her. I was similarly frustrated when I watched Below Her Mouth (2016), during which a masculine woman repeatedly ignores a feminine woman's protests and refusals, sexually harassing and sexually assaulting her (groping her inner thigh, kissing her on the mouth, touching her genitals). You can read a good review of the film here but, to paraphrase another review that I can't seem to locate now: arousal does not equal consent. That applies when any person corners another person and insists on kissing or touching, not just when a cis man does that to a cis woman. If someone is saying no, they're saying no. If someone is physically trying to move away and escape, forcing them to stay still is wrong. Just because you think they've flirted with you, or are attracted to you, doesn't mean you should ignore their refusals. No means no, whatever form that "no" takes. As LGBT+ people, we need to be on our guard for LGBT+ content which perpetuates dangerous stereotypes. Being desperate for representation shouldn't mean that we're content with characters who harass or assault people without any consequences. Masculine LGBT+ people shouldn't be portrayed as inherently predatory due to our masculinity. Masculinity does not mean ignoring consent. I can confirm that as a very masculine trans man myself, who fits into many norms of masculine presentation/identity, certainly within my culture. LGBT+ masculinity does not, and should never, mean forcing a more feminine person (whatever their gender) to submit to you. Not only is it an awful stereotype to perpetuate, it does a disservice to the reality of being a trans man or being transmasculine. According to the 2015 US Transgender Survey , trans men and presumed-female non-binary people experience the highest rates of lifetime sexual assault in the entire trans community; a struggle which is worryingly under-discussed and even ignored. Being masculine, or men, does not inherently make us predators. Being masculine often makes us vulnerable to assault, especially if we were born female... as was brutally explored in Stone Butch Blues . I would not recommend Tony Sawicki as an example of good representation, which is an unfortunate thing to say, because I really did enjoy his characterisation upon my first viewing. It felt like quite the betrayal to return to his episode as a more mature, deliberately masculine man, and to realise the misandristic stereotype which underpins who Tony is. As he only features in one episode, there's not any opportunity for him to grow beyond that foundation. What this episode offers is the sole appearance of a trans man, played by an actress who exaggerates negative attributes in order to make his maleness convincing. He's a token character that I previously enjoyed, but not anymore. As I only watched the Tony-related scenes again, rather than rewatching the entire episode (let alone the entire show), I can't comment on how well or badly other aspects of Orphan Black have aged. Please note: While I personally agree with lesbians and other female-attracted women who have criticised Below Her Mouth , I can see why it would be an enjoyable film for many, and it certainly offers some fantastic sex scenes. These reviews, as always, are my own opinion only. Lastly, if you are a man who has survived sexual abuse, I recommend the site 1in6 , which supports and advocates on behalf of men/boys who are survivors. It addresses the specific struggles faced by men. You are not alone. Entry last updated: 8 Feb 2026 Related Media Trans Male with Male Browse

Lev, a trans boy played by Vietnamese-American non-binary actor Ian Alexander, is raised in a post-apocalyptic cult with strict beliefs, which he defies when he refuses to enter into an arranged marriage (as a wife) and shaves his head. After fleeing for his life, he joins other major characters with his supportive sister accompanying him. The Last of Us Part 2 Game 2020 United States of America, Vietnam (越南) Lev, a trans boy played by Vietnamese-American non-binary actor Ian Alexander, is raised in a post-apocalyptic cult with strict beliefs, which he defies when he refuses to enter into an arranged marriage (as a wife) and shaves his head. After fleeing for his life, he joins other major characters with his supportive sister accompanying him. Trailer. Available Summaries: Five years after the events of The Last of Us , Ellie embarks on another journey through a post-apocalyptic America on a mission of vengeance against a mysterious militia. -IMDb. Lev is the deuteragonist of Abby Anderson's story in The Last of Us Part 2 and a playable character in the No Return mode. A former member of the Seraphites, he and his sister Yara form a bond with Washington Liberation Front member, Abby... Lev is serious and pessimistic. Hardened by the harsh world he lives in, Lev is a capable fighter and killer. Despite this, Lev displays moments of wonder and innocence indicative of his age... He is also protective of those he loves, seeing it as his duty to take care of his family. - Wiki . Entry last updated: 24 Feb 2026 Related Media Trans Male Media Browse

Andrea, a teenage trans boy played by Italian actress Luana Giuliani, tries to figure out his gender identity in this semi-autobiographical film, co-written and directed by Italian trans man Emanuele Crialese. He is called Andrew in the English version of this film. L'immensità Film 2022 Italy (Repubblica Italiana), France (Française) Andrea, a teenage trans boy played by Italian actress Luana Giuliani, tries to figure out his gender identity in this semi-autobiographical film, co-written and directed by Italian trans man Emanuele Crialese. He is called Andrew in the English version of this film. Trailer. Available Summary: In 1970s Rome, Clara is a nonconformist Spanish expatriate trapped in a loveless marriage to Felice, an unfaithful and abusive businessman, with whom she has three children: Adriana, Gino and Diana. Their eldest child, 12-year-old Adriana, experiences gender dysphoria. Adriana rejects girlhood and instead identifies as a boy, wearing boys' clothes and adopting the masculine name Andrea. One day, Andrea befriends Sara, a Romani girl who knows him as a boy. Upon a shared sense of being outsiders, Andrea and Clara grow closer. -Wikipedia. Jack's Summary: Emanuele Crialese, a trans man born in 1965, directed this semi-autobiographical film about a trans boy's relationship with his mother. Beyond the trans themes, the movie primarily deals with family dysfunction, misogyny, spousal control, domestic abuse, and infidelity. Andrea (alternatively called Andrew in the translated English version of this film) is the oldest of three children. All children are experiencing distress and mental illness due to domestic conflict, with Andrea's brother overeating, suffering from pica, and defecating indoors on the carpet. At its most disturbing, this film shows Andrea crawling into his parent's bedroom to save his mother from being raped by her husband. These darker themes are so central to the story that this attempted rape is included in the film's official trailer, linked above. Andrea's father speaking about him. The movie overall oscillates between lighthearted, idyllic childhood scenes and confronting instances of assault, harassment, bigotry, and mental breakdowns. Ultimately, this is a good film, although it did feel somewhat unfinished when I got to the end. I liked the explorations of Andrea's gender identity and frustration. He tries to figure out who he is through fantasies involving God, aliens, and adoption. He has a romance with Sara, a local girl who accepts him as a boy. They play games together and have their first kiss. The film touches on the experiences of Romani people and anti-Romani sentiment, but doesn't linger on that topic too much. You can learn more about anti-Romani prejudice in this article (please note that the article uses historical terms which are often considered pejoratives today, and shouldn't be used by non-Romani people outside of a historical discussion). In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Crialese discussed the film and his casting choices. He did not prioritise casting a trans actor to play this fictionalised version of his younger self, saying, "I searched among young girls who play sports considered "boy" sports. Luana [who played Andrea] races motorcycles". So, he sought a masculine energy, regardless of actor gender. Entry last updated: 8 Feb 2026 Related Media Trans Male with Female Browse

Jack (an American trans man) is interviewed alongside his best friend Yaya (an American trans woman) about their childhoods, transitions, and hopes for the future. Jack & Yaya Documentary 2019 United States of America Jack (an American trans man) is interviewed alongside his best friend Yaya (an American trans woman) about their childhoods, transitions, and hopes for the future. Trailer. Official Website. Available Summary: Jack and Yaya met at ages three and two through their shared backyard fence. They spent their childhood together, building forts and burning trash cans in their small hometown in South Jersey. From a young age, Yaya and Jack saw each other as they truly were, a girl and a boy, even though the rest of the world didn’t see them that way. As they grew older, they supported each other as they both came out as transgender. Decades later, Jack and Yaya remain best friends. Jack now lives in Boston with his loyal pup, Plinko, and works as a kindergarten teacher. Yaya lives in her childhood home, waiting tables and trying to make ends meet after her mother’s passing. During his summer vacation, Jack travels back to his childhood home to spend time with Yaya and with his extended family. Jack & Yaya follows these two friends for a year and explores their unique relationship, drawing on home videos and conversations with their eclectic cast of friends and family. - Official website. Entry last updated: 8 Feb 2026 Related Media Trans Male Media Browse

Volana, a transmasculine person played by trans actor Kalil Anaël Bat, is healed through dance with an interdimensional Spirit. Volana's Eclipse Short Film 2022 Germany (Deutschland), France (Française) Volana, a transmasculine person played by trans actor Kalil Anaël Bat, is healed through dance with an interdimensional Spirit. Watch. Available Summary: Volana (Moon in Malagasy) is a Black Transmasculine person who parties excessively to avoid feeling their emotional and physical pain. One night, when they are about to join their friends, they get stuck in another dimension where they are overwhelmed to meet TIA, a gorgeous and flamboyant Spirit. Their encounter makes them experience a whirlpool of emotions and an interdimensional healing dance. - Otherness Archive . Entry last updated: 18 Mar 2026 Related Media Non-Binary Media Browse

Evan Strocker, a trans man played by Canadian trans actor Jesse Todd, has written a memoir about his former bandmates, and meets them backstage to give them a copy of the book. We Forgot to Break Up Short Film 2017 Canada Evan Strocker, a trans man played by Canadian trans actor Jesse Todd, has written a memoir about his former bandmates, and meets them backstage to give them a copy of the book. Watch. Available Summary: After a few years absence, Evan unexpectedly returns one night to face his now-famous former bandmates. The surprise reunion is bittersweet, in this intimate depiction of the knotty complexities of relating to old friends after everything has changed. -Vimeo. Note from Jack: There was one particular moment that I really didn't appreciate, amongst the deliberate misgendering and unapologetic transphobia... A cis woman repeatedly touched the trans man's chest and asked, "Is this real?" What she was referencing is his post-op body, and she was touching him to feel the shape of his chest. Quick tip: Don't do that to any trans person. If you wouldn't repeatedly touch a cis woman's chest to feel if she's had a boob job, don't do it to a person of another gender. If a trans man has not, in fact, had top surgery, and he is just using a chest binder, I really doubt he'd be comfortable with someone touching his chest to feel the shape of it. Entry last updated: 1 Mar 2026 Related Media Trans Male with Male Browse

Trans men are interviewed about the changes they have experienced on testosterone. Imagine a Body (The Second Puberty of Trans Men) Experimental Film, Short Film 2022 United States of America Trans men are interviewed about the changes they have experienced on testosterone. Watch. Available Summary: Connor O’Keefe’s Imagine a Body shares the testimonies of trans men about the process of entering the body they were meant to have. -YouTube. Jack's Summary: This is a lovely non-fiction piece where trans men are interviewed about their experiences of finally feeling comfortable in their bodies. One trans man laughs as he recalls being surprised by the growth of arse hair. Several men describe the process of testosterone (and transitioning overall) being less linear than they had expected, with changes ebbing and flowing throughout the years. NOTE: The word clit is used by one trans man to reference his bottom growth so, if that will make you dysphoric, proceed with caution. If you're sensitive to needle use, you should be aware that uncensored footage of a testosterone injection is shown. Entry last updated: 8 Feb 2026 Related Media Trans Male Media Browse

An Iranian trans man is shown having an appointment with Dr. Mir Jalili, who performs transition surgeries. The pair discuss getting approval for surgery. Be Like Others: Transsexuals in Iran Documentary 2008 Iran (ایران) An Iranian trans man is shown having an appointment with Dr. Mir Jalili, who performs transition surgeries. The pair discuss getting approval for surgery. Watch. Available Summary: In Iran, according to Islamic law, homosexuality is punishable by death. However, sex-change operations are not only legal, they are embraced by a society that accepts male or female, but nothing in between. -YouTube. Note from Jack: I have not watched this entire documentary, but there is at least one trans man in it. At the beginning of the film, Iranian doctor Dr. Mir Jalili is introduced as a practitioner who performs transition surgeries for both trans men and trans women. An unnamed trans man comes to see Jalili, pursuing a medical transition. This trans man explains that he is sexually attracted to women and wishes to be intimate with them as a man, and asks whether it would be possible for Jalili to operate on him without government permission. Jalili is firm in saying that no, government permission is needed before any surgery is performed, and the man needs a referral from a psychiatrist. In response, the trans man insists that the doctor must introduce him to a psychiatrist who is educated on trans identities, not one who will demean him or refuse to believe his male identity. Jalili, addressing the trans man, mentions that he does not think the man needs coaching on the correct things to say, in order to obtain permission. "You were like this since childhood," he confirms. The man agrees; "My mother tried desperately to put a skirt on me. But I resisted. I've driven tractors and motorcycles." Smiling, he adds, "Girls already like me. Imagine how popular I will be once I have a beard." At the end of the appointment, the trans man grasps the doctor's hand and says, "Doctor, I don't know what to say. I am so grateful. I'll do anything for you. I owe you my life. I'll give you everything I have." As the trans man leaves, the doctor dabs at his eyes with a tissue. Entry last updated: 4 Mar 2026 Related Media Trans Male Media Browse

Scott Moore, an American trans man, chooses to become pregnant with a sperm donor. He is filmed alongside his trans male husband, Tom, and their two adopted sons. My Dad is Pregnant Documentary 2011 United States of America Scott Moore, an American trans man, chooses to become pregnant with a sperm donor. He is filmed alongside his trans male husband, Tom, and their two adopted sons. Watch. Available Summary: Logan and Greg could be two kids in any average American family. Except they have two dads and one of them is pregnant.... Now, they are starting a new life in new town, deep in the US Bible Belt. How will their neighbours react to this extraordinary family? Tom and Scott Moore have been married for three years. Born as Jessica and Laura, they each came from traditional families. Now gay men, they met at the local Lesbian, Gay Bi Transgender group and fell in love. Tom already had two adopted sons, Greg and Logan, who form the backbone of their family. Along with two dogs, two cats, a turtle and a puffer fish. 13-year-old Greg has a form of autism called Aspergers syndrome. 11 year old Logan has just started middle school. Together, the Moores were blissfully happy as a family of four, but like most married couples, Scott and Tom still wanted to try for a baby. Unlike most male gay couples, they had the means to do so, as Scott still has working female reproductive organs. Biologically, getting pregnant is no different for him and he just needed a sperm donor. In fact, the biggest difficulty faced by a pregnant man, is other people’s judgement. The documentary follows Scott’s pregnancy and the safe delivery of his baby son, Miles. Their lives continue to twist and turn when a freak fire, which burned down their house, forces them to relocate. They quit their jobs, pack up what was left of their possessions and drive their family a thousand miles south to start a new life in New Mexico. Now Greg and Logan have to adjust to new classmates, and the prospect of explaining their unusual family set-up to strangers while Scott and Tom have to deal with the conservative views of their neighbours, many of whom think only women should have children. Despite all the pressures they face, will Scott and Tom decide to continue growing their family, and have another baby? This sensitive, intimate portrait... follows an ordinary family, raising children and seeking to bring new life into the world – while believing that prejudice can be overcome if only people would see them for who they are; a loving and protective family unit. -YouTube. Entry last updated: 8 Feb 2026 Related Media Fatherhood and Parenthood Browse

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 (España) 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 Related Media Gender-Related Surgery Browse

Mridul Dudeja, an Indian transman, is interviewed about his experiences and transition. Life Of A Transperson In India | Meeting A Transman & Transwoman Interview 2021 India (Bhārat Gaṇarājya) Mridul Dudeja, an Indian transman, is interviewed about his experiences and transition. Watch. Available Summary: What is it like to live life as a transgender person in urban India? Is society more accepting of a transman or a transwoman today? Do they have 9 to 5 jobs? Is there any surgery effective enough to transform an individual overnight? To find answers to these & a lot more, we met with Mridul Dudeja - a transman & Nishtha Nishant - a transwoman - two bright, young individuals based out of Mumbai. Here is what we discovered. -Times Now World. Entry last updated: 22 June 2026 Related Media Trans Male Media Browse

Oliver Jähnke, a Swedish trans guy, interviews Simon Stranne, a disabled trans man with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome. He discusses how his disability impacts daily life, and how it impacted chest binding, as well as the empowerment and pride it has given him. He also describes the importance of art and Christianity in his life. He is a TRANS DISABLED MAN Interview 2022 Sweden (Sverige) Oliver Jähnke, a Swedish trans guy, interviews Simon Stranne, a disabled trans man with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome. He discusses how his disability impacts daily life, and how it impacted chest binding, as well as the empowerment and pride it has given him. He also describes the importance of art and Christianity in his life. Watch. Available Summary: Simon Stranne is a transman with EDS, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. In this video he talks about his condition, about the overlap between trans identity and disability, and how this can be seen through his art. - Queers of the world, YouTube . Entry last updated: 5 July 2026 Related Media Trans Male Media Browse