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Transgender filmmaker Sam Feder's newest film "Increased Examination" presents a moving dual viewpoint – simultaneously an emotional portrait of a key transgender activist and a pointed examination of media coverage surrounding transgender existence.

Legal Struggle at the Highest Court

The film traces ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he prepares for court proceedings in the landmark Supreme Court case US v Skirmetti. This legal battle took place in December 2024, with the judiciary ultimately ruling in support of Tennessee's position, effectively permitting bans on healthcare for trans minors to remain in place across numerous US states.

We produced Heightened Scrutiny in just 16 months, explained Feder during a discussion. By contrast, my previous film Disclosure took me five years, so this was a real push. Our intention was to raise conversation so people would understand more about the case.

Personal Story Amid Legal Battle

While Feder provides a extensive analysis of how mainstream media outlets have spread transphobic narratives, the film's most valuable contribution may be its captivating depiction of Strangio. Usually a measured attorney in media appearances, Strangio reveals his humanity throughout the film.

That was a significant challenge, to share aspects of my life to a camera lens that I had worked hard to keep private, explained Strangio. Feder explained he wanted future generations to know that we tried, to see what was done in support of these battles for our material survival.

Diverse Voices in the Struggle

To enhance Strangio's account, Feder incorporates numerous trans advocates, including respected individuals from activism and the arts. This film also features insights from non-trans advocates who analyze how established media outlets have contributed to harmful coverage of transgender individuals.

The experience of transgender youth key to the court battle is represented through a remarkable 12-year-old activist named Mila. Audiences initially witness her advocating for her peers at a educational meeting, with subsequent moments showing her speaking for trans rights outside the Supreme Court.

Intimate Moments Beyond the Courtroom

The documentary also contains poignant moments where Feder steps outside the constant legal struggle, such as sequences of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a tattoo featuring verses from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Prediction."

This body art scene is among my preferred parts in the movie, shared Strangio. Receiving body art is practically like a reflective experience for me, to be fully present in my body and to think of it as a container for things that are important to me.

Body Identity and Portrayal

Feder's focus to lovingly capturing Strangio adding to his body art emphasizes that this documentary is fundamentally about trans physical selves – not just those of youth who face restriction of their ability to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the numerous subjects who participate in the production.

I create films with a purpose, and part of that is selecting people who are brilliant and articulate enough to carry the camera, explained Feder. When people ask me what they should dress for an filming, my reply is whatever makes you feel hot. This is crucial to me – as transgender individuals, we face challenges so much with our self-perception.

Legacy and Hope

One element that causes Feder's works excel is his evident ability for making his transgender interviewees feel respected, acknowledged and valued. This methodology develops authentic connection between Feder and Strangio, enabling the director to realize his goal of showing Strangio as a complete individual and leaving a record for coming generations of how determinedly he and others have fought for trans rights.

I don't want people to find themselves in a place of incessant discouragement because of what the law is not giving us, explained Strangio. I want to be in a method of using the law to minimize harm, but not to make it some sort of conduit for our liberation potential. State bodies is not going to be the reflection through which we see ourselves. Our community are that mirror, and it's extremely important that we continue having that conversation in addition to discussions about resisting these regulations and practices.

This important documentary is presently accessible for streaming during Transgender Awareness Week and will receive a wider distribution at a future date.