🔗 Share this article

Trans documentarian Sam Feder's newest feature "Increased Examination" offers a compelling two-part perspective – both an emotional portrait of a prominent trans activist and a sharp examination of journalistic coverage surrounding trans existence.

Legal Battle at the Supreme Court

The film follows ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gears up for legal presentations in the landmark Supreme Court case the Skirmetti case. These proceedings occurred in December 2024, with the judiciary ultimately ruling in favor of the state's position, practically permitting restrictions on healthcare for transgender youth to stay in effect across numerous US states.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in only 16 months, shared Feder during an interview. By contrast, my previous film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was a real push. Our goal was to raise dialogue so people would learn more about the case.

Human Story Amid Political Battle

While Feder provides a thorough critique of how major media outlets have promoted transphobic talking points, the film's primary accomplishment may be its engaging depiction of Strangio. Usually a reserved attorney in media settings, Strangio reveals his humanity throughout the documentary.

That was a major challenge, to reveal parts of my life to a filmmaker that I had made efforts to keep private, explained Strangio. Feder explained he wanted younger people to know that we struggled, to see what was done in defense of these struggles for our basic existence.

Varied Perspectives in the Struggle

To strengthen Strangio's story, Feder features multiple transgender activists, such as respected individuals from media and the arts. This production also features perspectives from cisgender advocates who analyze how established media outlets have contributed to negative coverage of trans individuals.

The experience of trans young people key to the court battle is represented through a impressive 12-year-old student named Mila. Audiences observe her fighting for her peers at a school board meeting, with subsequent moments showing her speaking for trans rights outside the highest court.

Intimate Scenes Beyond the Courtroom

This film also contains poignant moments where Feder moves beyond the constant political battle, such as scenes of Strangio traveling in Italy and getting a tattoo featuring verses from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Prophecy."

This ink scene is one of my preferred parts in the movie, shared Strangio. Receiving body art is almost like a contemplative experience for me, to be completely aware in my body and to consider it as a vessel for things that are important to me.

Body Identity and Portrayal

The filmmaker's dedication to carefully capturing Strangio getting to his body art highlights that this documentary is primarily about trans physical selves – not only those of young people who experience denial of their ability to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the numerous interviewees who are featured in the documentary.

I create films with a purpose, and part of that is choosing people who are brilliant and articulate enough to carry the camera, shared Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should wear for an interview, my response is anything that makes you feel attractive. This is crucial to me – as trans people, we struggle so much with our image.

Legacy and Optimism

One aspect that makes Feder's films excel is his clear talent for making his trans subjects feel at ease, recognized and appreciated. This methodology develops real rapport between Feder and Strangio, helping the director to achieve his goal of portraying Strangio as a complete person and leaving a testament for coming generations of how persistently he and fellow activists have campaigned for transgender rights.

I hope not people to find themselves in a place of perpetual hopelessness because of what the law is failing to provide us, explained Strangio. I strive to be in a practice of using the law to lessen harm, but not to turn it into some sort of conduit for our freedom potential. State bodies is not going to be the mirror through which we see ourselves. Our community are that reflection, and it's really crucial that we keep having that conversation together with dialogues about fighting back these laws and practices.

This significant film is currently accessible for online viewing during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a wider launch at a later date.