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Transgender documentarian Sam Feder's latest documentary "Increased Examination" presents a powerful dual viewpoint – simultaneously an emotional portrait of a leading trans advocate and a critical examination of media coverage surrounding transgender existence.

Judicial Struggle at the Highest Court

This documentary follows ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gears up for court proceedings in the landmark highest court case US v Skirmetti. This legal battle took place in December 2024, with the court ultimately ruling in support of the state's case, effectively enabling limitations on medical transition for transgender youth to stay in place across over twenty US territories.

We created Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, explained Feder during a conversation. In comparison, my earlier film Disclosure took me five years, so this was a real push. Our purpose was to raise conversation so people would understand more about the case.

Human Narrative Amid Legal Struggle

While Feder provides a comprehensive analysis of how mainstream news organizations have promoted transphobic narratives, the film's greatest achievement may be its captivating depiction of Strangio. Typically a cautious lawyer in media appearances, Strangio reveals his vulnerability throughout the film.

This represented a significant challenge, to share aspects of my life to a filmmaker that I had worked hard to keep confidential, stated Strangio. Feder said he wanted future generations to know that we tried, to see what was done in support of these fights for our material survival.

Diverse Perspectives in the Struggle

To support Strangio's account, Feder incorporates numerous trans activists, including prominent individuals from journalism and the arts. This production also presents perspectives from cisgender allies who examine how mainstream organizations have contributed to damaging reporting of transgender individuals.

The experience of transgender youth key to the court battle is represented through a impressive 12-year-old girl named Mila. Viewers first see her advocating for her peers at a school board meeting, with subsequent footage showing her demonstrating for trans rights outside the highest court.

Personal Moments Beyond the Legal Battle

The documentary also includes touching moments where Feder steps outside the ongoing political struggle, such as footage of Strangio traveling in Italy and getting a tattoo featuring lines from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Prophecy."

This ink scene is one of my most cherished sections in the movie, explained Strangio. Being tattooed is nearly like a contemplative experience for me, to be completely aware in my body and to think of it as a vehicle for things that are important to me.

Physical Autonomy and Representation

The filmmaker's attention to thoughtfully capturing Strangio getting to his tattoo collection highlights that this film is essentially about trans physical selves – not only those of young people who confront prohibition of their ability to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the various participants who appear in the film.

I make films with a message, and part of that is picking people who are exceptional and articulate enough to hold the camera, shared Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should dress for an interview, my response is whatever makes you feel hot. This is important to me – as transgender individuals, we struggle so much with our appearance.

Impact and Hope

A key factor that makes Feder's documentaries excel is his evident talent for making his transgender interviewees feel respected, acknowledged and appreciated. This approach creates genuine chemistry between Feder and Strangio, helping the director to achieve his goal of presenting Strangio as a multifaceted person and leaving a testament for future generations of how resiliently he and fellow activists have fought for transgender rights.

I hope not people to end up in a place of perpetual discouragement because of what the law is failing to provide us, stated Strangio. I want to be in a process of using the law to reduce harm, but not to turn it into some sort of conduit for our freedom potential. State bodies is not going to be the reflection through which we see ourselves. We are that mirror, and it's really important that we persist having that discussion alongside dialogues about pushing against these laws and procedures.

This important documentary is currently accessible for streaming during Trans Visibility Week and will receive a broader launch at a subsequent date.