🔗 Share this article

Trans documentarian Sam Feder's recent film "Increased Examination" offers a powerful two-part perspective – simultaneously an intimate profile of a prominent transgender advocate and a sharp analysis of journalistic coverage surrounding trans rights.

Legal Battle at the Supreme Court

This feature traces ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he prepares for legal presentations in the landmark highest court case US v Skirmetti. These proceedings took place in late 2024, with the judiciary eventually deciding in support of the state's argument, practically enabling limitations on medical transition for transgender minors to remain in place across numerous US territories.

We produced Heightened Scrutiny in only 16 months, explained Feder during a conversation. By contrast, my previous film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was very accelerated. Our purpose was to stimulate dialogue so people would know more about the case.

Human Story Amid Political Battle

While Feder presents a extensive examination of how mainstream media outlets have disseminated transphobic rhetoric, the film's greatest achievement may be its engaging depiction of Strangio. Usually a reserved lawyer in public settings, Strangio displays his vulnerability throughout the production.

This represented a major challenge, to reveal aspects of my life to a filmmaker that I had made efforts to keep personal, explained Strangio. Sam told me he wanted younger people to know that we tried, to see what was done in support of these battles for our fundamental rights.

Varied Perspectives in the Struggle

To strengthen Strangio's story, Feder features various trans advocates, such as respected leaders from activism and the arts. The documentary also includes insights from cisgender allies who examine how mainstream media outlets have added to damaging portrayals of trans individuals.

The viewpoint of trans young people central to the court battle is illustrated through a remarkable 12-year-old student named Mila. Audiences first see her advocating for her fellow students at a school board meeting, with subsequent scenes showing her speaking for trans rights outside the highest court.

Personal Moments Beyond the Legal Battle

The documentary also contains poignant moments where Feder transcends the never-ending legal battle, including scenes of Strangio traveling in Italy and getting a tattoo featuring words from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Prophecy."

This ink scene is one of my most cherished sections in the movie, stated Strangio. Being tattooed is almost like a meditative process for me, to be completely aware in my body and to think of it as a container for things that are important to me.

Physical Identity and Portrayal

Feder's dedication to carefully documenting Strangio adding to his tattoo collection underscores that Heightened Scrutiny is essentially about trans bodies – not just those of youth who experience prohibition of their right to live truly in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the numerous participants who appear in the film.

I make films with a purpose, and part of that is picking people who are exceptional and eloquent enough to hold the camera, shared Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should dress for an interview, my reply is whatever makes you feel attractive. That is important to me – as trans people, we have difficulties so much with our self-perception.

Legacy and Optimism

A key aspect that makes Feder's films excel is his clear ability for making his trans subjects feel comfortable, recognized and admired. This technique develops genuine connection between Feder and Strangio, helping the filmmaker to realize his goal of showing Strangio as a whole individual and providing a testament for future generations of how determinedly he and fellow activists have campaigned for transgender rights.

I don't want people to end up in a situation of constant discouragement because of what the law is denying us, explained Strangio. I strive to be in a method of using the law to reduce harm, but not to make it some sort of channel for our liberatory possibilities. Official institutions is not going to be the mirror through which we see ourselves. Trans people are that mirror, and it's very crucial that we continue having that dialogue in addition to conversations about resisting these laws and approaches.

Heightened Scrutiny is now accessible for digital rental during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a more extensive distribution at a later date.