The recent release of the critically acclaimed and Oscar
nominated movie `Transamerica' has once again focused attention on
transgender people and our issues. That's great and it's a
conversation that's definitely needed to happen for a while but once
again it's all one sided. Transgender people of color are being ignored.
So what would a Black `Transamerica' look like? I posed that question to my Transsistahs-Transbrothas list in February and here's the synopsis of what we came up with.(Thanks to Lexi, Monica Jr, Fredrikka, Joshua, Martina, Jay, and 'errbody' on TSTB that contributed some great thoughts as to what a feature film about us should cover).
The group believes that a movie focusing on a Black transperson would have to include a few themes:
1) Family turmoil. It would highlight the interesting dynamics and
relationship of the transperson with his or her parents and
siblings. It may even include that one aunt or uncle who has offered
undying support while it took others, including parents, more time to
become accepting.
2) Internal Conflict. The movie would need to show how the
individual growth process relates to transfolk. The movie would show
the person move from confusion to denial to questioning to
understanding to self-love and self-acceptance.
3) Romance. It could be covered by a string of romances that range
from partners who only want a 2:00 a.m. hotel rendezvous to the one
who loves and accepts the person for who he or she is irrespective of
the plumbing issues.
4) Club Scene. I don't think they'd could ever put together a realistic Black
TG movie that didn't take place at least 25% of the time in a club--
one that hosts drag shows no less. The club scene is integral to the
Black transgender experience.
5) Violence. It's Hollywood and that sells. It would underscore the
fact that a disproportionate number of our sisters are victims of
anti-transgender violence.
6) Independence. The movie would show the resilience, faith and
the regal demeanor that it takes to be Black and transgender in America.
As to who we'd cast in our production that doesn't have a name yet,
we'd go with the trend of having a genetic female play a transwoman.
You'd have to use some of the taller actresses in Hollywood and
several come to mind. Vivica A. Fox, Gabrielle Union, LisaRaye
McCoy, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, Sanaa Lathan, Meagan Good and Tracee
Ellis Ross in the lead roles. We'd have to cast Jenifer Lewis or
Sheryl Lee Ralph to play the understanding relative. Of course some
of our female illusionists would get cameo roles and legendary divas
like Stasha Sanchez and Tommie Ross come to mind.
As for the love interests, maybe some up and coming actors
interspersed with a big name or two. Our lead actress would be
pursued by a plethora of callers. The guys that are attracted to transsistahs are diverse and that needs to be reflected. A thug would get some time in our movie as well as the big businessman and the blue-collar brotha working at the corner store or neighborhood garage.
When it comes to the drag show and club scenes it would have to be shot in a real Black GLBT club with some of the actual clientele. No way in hell Hollywood can authentically duplicate the flava that a Black gay club has but they will try.
As much as we would like to, we can't ignore the easy-money temptations of the sex industry in a story of this nature. Some of our transsistahs are unfortunately involved in that life. To illustrate it we could introduce a pimp named Sweet Black who tries to sweettalk or coerce our gorgeous sistahfriend heroine into his organization - unsuccessfully, of course. Or we could have an old T-girl friend reenter her life years later who's an adult movie star and try to talk her into doing a photo shoot for her adult website.
We also can't ignore the fact that if we want a positive representation of us onscreen we have to control as much of the message as possible. We'd probably have to write, produce and direct it ourselves or have a transgender friendly director film it. Having a fly poster and soundtrack to go with it is a must.
Okay Hollywood, see ya in a few months with the script.