Heightened Scrutiny, 2025,
Directed by Sam Feder.
Featuring Tre’vell Anderson, Katie Barnes, Mina Brewer, Alberto Cairo, Gina Chua, Jelani Cobb, Laverne Cox, Jude Ellison S. Doyle, Ari Drennen, Eli Erlick, Morgan D. Givens, Julie Hollar, Sabrina Imbler, Alexia Korberg, Wesley Lowery, Maria, Mila, Muna Mire, Miss Peppermint, Elliot Page, Pau, Kae Petrin, Phillip Picardi, Lydia Polgreen, Kyle Pope, Erin Reed, Sarah Stillman, Chase Strangio, Meredith Talusan, Evan Urquhart, Lewis Raven Wallace, and Raquel Willis.
SYNOPSIS:
Amid the surge in anti-trans legislation that Chase Strangio battles in the courtroom, he must also fight against media bias, exposing how the narratives in the press influence public perception and the fight for transgender rights.
Sometimes history is as recent as yesterday or even a minute ago, and often history is inseparable from the present. Watching Chase Strangio leave the Supreme Court after submissions were completed for United States v. Skrmetti, a landmark case relating to whether or not gender-affirming care can be provided to children, one is reminded of how inadequate a label such as ‘history’ or ‘present’ really is. That recent event was during December 2024, and the significance of that case cannot be underestimated since the Supreme Court’s decision – expected this summer – will go to whether or not the judicial system is able to recognize the humanity of a segment of our population.
Not only that, multiple executive orders under the current administration specifically target the trans community and seek to mislead and misinform the American public in order to not only dehumanize but erase trans people. On January 28th, an executive order was released banning gender-affirming care for minors.
It is easy to feel alone when it seems like the whole world is out to get you, but projects like these showcase the ability of folks to get together, mobilize, and resist in short order – and of course, the getting together, mobilization, and resisting has always been present and continuous, as well. This film is both a shield and a sword – a shield to those facing tremendous hate, bigotry, and ignorance; and a sword to dispelling pernicious myths and false statistics. The only concern is whether or not the right people can see it in time.
The first openly-trans lawyer to argue before the Supreme Court, Chase Strangio is an electric lead subject for the film. Although many lawyers dream of arguing before the Supreme Court, Chase is nervous about the prospect and would prefer not to be the centre of attention. However, he feels the call to represent his community and to do his part in preventing further harm to an extremely vulnerable population.
I would have liked to learn more about Chase’s experiences being a lawyer, what brought him to work for his current practice, and to hear any tips he has for presenting a case before some intimidating folks. However, I know that this film is targeted for people that do not necessarily have a lot of legal expertise or knowledge. To that end, however, it may
be useful to have a primer on US law and how the appellate system works, so that we understand the consequences of the decision that the Supreme Court will make.
I hope that this film inspires many more like it, and that we continue to hear more of Chase’s story. I hope that we can find more resources and opportunities to continue resisting and informing others, and that the film gets in the hands and screens of those who really need to watch it right now, as trans folks need to know that they’re absolutely never alone and that they are loved.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
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