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Trans filmmaker Sam Feder's recent documentary "Increased Examination" offers a compelling dual perspective – simultaneously an personal profile of a prominent trans activist and a pointed examination of media reporting surrounding trans issues.

Judicial Battle at the Highest Court

This documentary traces ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gets ready for legal presentations in the landmark highest court case the Skirmetti case. This legal battle happened in December 2024, with the court eventually ruling in support of the state's argument, effectively permitting restrictions on healthcare for trans youth to remain in place across multiple US territories.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in just 16 months, explained Feder during an interview. By contrast, my earlier film Disclosure took me five years, so this was quite rushed. Our goal was to raise conversation so people would understand more about the case.

Personal Story Amid Legal Battle

Although Feder provides a extensive critique of how mainstream news organizations have spread transphobic narratives, the film's greatest accomplishment may be its compelling depiction of Strangio. Usually a reserved lawyer in public settings, Strangio displays his vulnerability throughout the production.

This represented a major challenge, to reveal parts of my life to a filmmaker that I had strived to keep confidential, stated Strangio. Sam explained he wanted future generations to know that we fought, to see what was done in defense of these battles for our basic existence.

Diverse Voices in the Movement

To enhance Strangio's account, Feder features various trans activists, such as respected individuals from media and the arts. This production also includes viewpoints from cisgender allies who critique how mainstream media outlets have contributed to negative coverage of trans individuals.

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

Personal Moments Beyond the Courtroom

This film also contains poignant moments where Feder transcends the never-ending legal struggle, such as scenes of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a body art featuring verses from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Prophecy."

The tattoo sequence is among my preferred parts in the movie, stated Strangio. Receiving body art is nearly like a meditative process for me, to be fully present in my body and to think of it as a vessel for things that are important to me.

Physical Autonomy and Representation

The filmmaker's dedication to lovingly capturing Strangio getting to his tattoo collection highlights that this documentary is primarily about trans bodies – not just those of young people who confront prohibition of their right to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the numerous subjects who are featured in the documentary.

I produce films with a meaning, and part of that is picking people who are brilliant and articulate enough to carry the camera, stated Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should dress for an interview, my reply is whatever makes you feel confident. This is important to me – as trans people, we face challenges so much with our self-perception.

Legacy and Hope

A key element that causes Feder's films excel is his obvious skill for making his transgender participants feel comfortable, recognized and appreciated. This methodology creates real rapport between Feder and Strangio, helping the filmmaker to realize his goal of portraying Strangio as a whole human being and providing a record for posterity of how resiliently he and fellow activists have struggled for trans liberties.

I hope not people to find themselves in a place of incessant despair because of what the law is denying us, explained Strangio. I aim to be in a method of using the law to reduce harm, but not to turn it into some type of channel for our liberation aspirations. The government is not going to be the mirror through which we see ourselves. Trans people are that mirror, and it's really crucial that we persist having that conversation alongside conversations about resisting these laws and procedures.

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