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Transgender filmmaker Sam Feder's recent documentary "Increased Examination" presents a powerful two-part perspective – both an personal profile of a key trans activist and a critical analysis of media coverage about transgender issues.

Judicial Battle at the Highest Court

The film follows ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gears up for oral arguments in the important highest court case the Skirmetti case. These proceedings happened in late 2024, with the court finally deciding in favor of Tennessee's argument, effectively permitting limitations on treatment for trans young people to stay in effect across over twenty US territories.

We produced Heightened Scrutiny in only 16 months, stated Feder during a conversation. Meanwhile, my earlier film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was very accelerated. Our intention was to generate discussion so people would learn more about the case.

Personal Narrative Amid Legal Struggle

Although Feder provides a extensive analysis of how prominent media outlets have spread anti-trans rhetoric, the film's most valuable achievement may be its engaging portrayal of Strangio. Usually a measured lawyer in public settings, Strangio shows his humanity throughout the production.

That was a substantial challenge, to reveal parts of my life to a camera lens that I had strived to keep personal, stated Strangio. Sam told me he wanted the next generation to know that we fought, to see what was done in defense of these battles for our fundamental rights.

Varied Voices in the Movement

To support Strangio's narrative, Feder features various transgender advocates, including respected figures from media and the arts. This film also includes perspectives from non-trans supporters who critique how respected organizations have participated to negative portrayals of transgender people.

The experience of transgender young people key to the legal case is illustrated through a extraordinary young girl named Mila. Audiences observe her speaking out for her community at a school board meeting, with subsequent footage showing her protesting for trans rights outside the highest court.

Personal Scenes Beyond the Courtroom

The documentary also features poignant moments where Feder steps outside the never-ending legal battle, including footage of Strangio vacationing in Italy and receiving a tattoo featuring lines from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Prediction."

The tattoo scene is one of my favorites in the movie, shared Strangio. Getting inked is almost like a meditative process for me, to be totally engaged in my body and to think of it as a vehicle for things that are important to me.

Body Identity and Representation

The filmmaker's focus to thoughtfully capturing Strangio adding to his tattoo collection underscores that this documentary is primarily about transgender physical selves – not only those of young people who experience prohibition of their right to live truly in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the many interviewees who participate in the production.

I create films with a purpose, and part of that is picking people who are brilliant and eloquent enough to carry the camera, shared Feder. When people ask me what they should dress for an interview, my response is anything that makes you feel hot. This is important to me – as trans people, we struggle so much with our appearance.

Impact and Optimism

A key factor that causes Feder's films shine is his obvious skill for making his trans interviewees feel respected, recognized and appreciated. This approach creates real rapport between Feder and Strangio, enabling the director to realize his aim of presenting Strangio as a complete person and providing a testament for coming generations of how determinedly he and others have struggled for trans rights.

I don't want people to find themselves in a situation of constant despair because of what the law is failing to provide us, stated Strangio. I aim to be in a practice of using the law to reduce harm, but not to turn it into some type of conduit for our liberation possibilities. The government is not going to be the mirror through which we view ourselves. Trans people are that reflection, and it's very crucial that we continue having that dialogue together with conversations about pushing against these policies and approaches.

This important documentary is presently available for online viewing during Trans Visibility Week and will receive a wider release at a future date.