🔗 Share this article

Transgender filmmaker Sam Feder's newest feature "Heightened Scrutiny" presents a compelling dual viewpoint – simultaneously an emotional profile of a key trans advocate and a critical analysis of journalistic reporting surrounding trans issues.

Legal Struggle at the Highest Court

The film follows ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gears up for legal presentations in the landmark highest court case US v Skirmetti. These proceedings occurred in late 2024, with the court eventually deciding in support of the state's case, practically enabling restrictions on medical transition for transgender minors to remain in place across over twenty US territories.

We created Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, explained Feder during a conversation. Meanwhile, my previous film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was quite rushed. Our goal was to generate conversation so people would understand more about the case.

Personal Narrative Amid Legal Battle

Although Feder presents a thorough analysis of how major news organizations have disseminated transphobic rhetoric, the film's primary achievement may be its engaging depiction of Strangio. Normally a reserved attorney in public settings, Strangio shows his vulnerability throughout the production.

This represented a significant challenge, to share aspects of my life to a filmmaker that I had made efforts to keep confidential, stated Strangio. Feder told me he wanted the next generation to know that we fought, to see what was done in support of these fights for our material survival.

Varied Perspectives in the Movement

To support Strangio's story, Feder features numerous trans activists, such as respected figures from activism and the arts. This film also features perspectives from cisgender allies who examine how respected publications have contributed to harmful reporting of transgender individuals.

The experience of trans youth key to the legal case is illustrated through a remarkable young girl named Mila. Viewers initially witness her fighting for her community at a school board meeting, with later scenes showing her protesting for transgender rights outside the highest court.

Intimate Scenes Beyond the Courtroom

Heightened Scrutiny also contains poignant moments where Feder moves beyond the constant political battle, such as footage of Strangio traveling in Italy and getting a tattoo featuring words from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

This ink moment is among my favorites in the movie, stated Strangio. Getting inked is nearly like a reflective process for me, to be totally engaged in my body and to consider it as a container for things that are significant to me.

Physical Autonomy and Representation

The filmmaker's attention to carefully documenting Strangio adding to his body art underscores that this documentary is primarily about transgender bodies – not only those of youth who experience restriction of their right to live genuinely in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the many participants who are featured in the production.

I create films with a message, and part of that is selecting people who are exceptional and articulate enough to carry the camera, stated Feder. When people ask me what they should wear for an interview, my reply is whatever makes you feel confident. That is important to me – as transgender individuals, we face challenges so much with our image.

Impact and Hope

A key factor that makes Feder's documentaries shine is his obvious ability for making his transgender subjects feel comfortable, recognized and valued. This technique develops genuine chemistry between Feder and Strangio, helping the director to accomplish his goal of showing Strangio as a whole individual and leaving a testament for coming generations of how determinedly he and others have campaigned for trans liberties.

I don't want people to find themselves in a situation of incessant hopelessness because of what the law is failing to provide us, stated Strangio. I strive to be in a process of using the law to lessen harm, but not to make it some kind of conduit for our liberatory possibilities. The government is not going to be the reflection through which we perceive ourselves. Trans people are that reflection, and it's extremely vital that we keep having that discussion together with conversations about fighting back these regulations and procedures.

This important documentary is presently available for streaming during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a broader release at a subsequent date.