TRANSMILITARY

Cinemavixion Review

"TransMilitary" is a powerful and timely documentary that earned the 2018 SXSW Audience Award. Directed by Gabriel Silverman and Fiona Dawson, the film offers an unflinching look at the lives of four transgender individuals serving in the U.S. military. As detailed in the film's synopsis, these service members, who represent a significant portion of the transgender community in the armed forces, must often conceal their identities due to existing policy bans. The documentary chronicles their courageous journey as they reveal their true selves to military leadership, risking their careers and families in pursuit of the fundamental right to serve their country openly. The film, which follows up on the Emmy-nominated short "Transgender, at War and in Love," highlights the personal sacrifices and the broader fight for equality. Despite the ban on transgender service being lifted in 2016, the film also addresses the precariousness of their situation with the subsequent attempts to reinstate it. "TransMilitary" serves as a vital testament to the dedication and resilience of transgender service members, advocating for their inclusion and recognition within the institution they are sworn to protect. The film's critical reception, including a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, underscores its significant impact and the importance of its narrative.