🔗 Share this article

Transgender filmmaker Sam Feder's newest feature "Increased Examination" presents a moving two-part perspective – simultaneously an intimate profile of a prominent transgender activist and a critical analysis of media coverage surrounding trans rights.

Judicial Struggle at the Highest Court

The film follows ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gets ready for legal presentations in the significant highest court case the Skirmetti case. This legal battle happened in December 2024, with the court finally deciding in support of Tennessee's position, effectively enabling limitations on healthcare for transgender youth to remain in effect across over twenty US states.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in only 16 months, explained Feder during a conversation. Meanwhile, my earlier film Disclosure took me five years, so this was very accelerated. Our goal was to raise discussion so people would learn more about the case.

Human Narrative Amid Legal Battle

While Feder provides a extensive examination of how prominent media outlets have promoted anti-trans talking points, the film's most valuable achievement may be its compelling depiction of Strangio. Normally a reserved attorney in media settings, Strangio displays his vulnerability throughout the film.

That was a significant challenge, to reveal parts of my life to a documentary crew that I had made efforts to keep confidential, stated Strangio. Sam explained he wanted future generations to know that we tried, to see what was done in service of these fights for our fundamental rights.

Varied Perspectives in the Movement

To support Strangio's story, Feder incorporates various trans activists, such as well-known figures from journalism and entertainment. The documentary also presents viewpoints from cisgender advocates who critique how mainstream publications have added to negative portrayals of transgender individuals.

The experience of transgender minors key to the court battle is illustrated through a impressive 12-year-old girl named Mila. Audiences initially witness her advocating for her community at a school board meeting, with subsequent scenes showing her speaking for trans rights outside the Supreme Court.

Intimate Scenes Beyond the Courtroom

The documentary also contains emotional moments where Feder transcends the constant legal struggle, such as scenes of Strangio traveling in Italy and receiving a body art featuring verses from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Prediction."

This ink moment is among my preferred parts in the movie, stated Strangio. Being tattooed is practically like a contemplative experience for me, to be totally engaged in my body and to consider it as a container for things that are important to me.

Body Autonomy and Portrayal

The filmmaker's attention to thoughtfully documenting Strangio getting to his tattoo collection emphasizes that Heightened Scrutiny is primarily about transgender bodies – not just those of youth who confront restriction of their ability to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the many participants who participate in the film.

I create films with a purpose, and part of that is selecting people who are outstanding and articulate enough to hold the camera, shared Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should wear for an filming, my answer is whatever makes you feel hot. This is essential to me – as transgender individuals, we face challenges so much with our self-perception.

Impact and Hope

A key aspect that causes Feder's documentaries excel is his clear ability for making his transgender interviewees feel comfortable, seen and valued. This technique creates genuine chemistry between Feder and Strangio, allowing the filmmaker to achieve his aim of portraying Strangio as a complete individual and providing a document for posterity of how resiliently he and fellow activists have fought for transgender liberties.

I don't want people to end up in a situation of perpetual hopelessness because of what the law is denying us, explained Strangio. I want to be in a practice of using the law to lessen harm, but not to make it some kind of pathway for our liberation potential. Official institutions is not going to be the mirror through which we see ourselves. Our community are that mirror, and it's very crucial that we persist having that conversation together with conversations about fighting back these regulations and approaches.

This significant film is currently available for streaming during Transgender Awareness Week and will receive a broader release at a later date.