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Transgender filmmaker Sam Feder's newest documentary "Increased Examination" offers a powerful two-part perspective – simultaneously an emotional portrait of a leading transgender advocate and a pointed analysis of media coverage about trans issues.

Judicial Battle at the Supreme Court

The film documents ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he prepares for oral arguments in the landmark Supreme Court case the Skirmetti case. These proceedings took place in late 2024, with the judiciary ultimately deciding in support of Tennessee's position, effectively enabling limitations on treatment for trans young people to remain in place across over twenty US territories.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in just 16 months, stated Feder during a discussion. In comparison, my earlier film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was quite rushed. Our goal was to stimulate dialogue so people would know more about the case.

Personal Story Amid Political Struggle

Although Feder presents a extensive examination of how mainstream media outlets have spread transphobic talking points, the film's most valuable achievement may be its engaging portrayal of Strangio. Normally a reserved attorney in media appearances, Strangio shows his authenticity throughout the film.

That was a major challenge, to reveal aspects of my life to a filmmaker that I had made efforts to keep private, explained Strangio. Sam said he wanted the next generation to know that we tried, to see what was done in support of these struggles for our fundamental rights.

Diverse Voices in the Movement

To strengthen Strangio's story, Feder includes numerous transgender activists, including well-known figures from media and entertainment. The documentary also includes viewpoints from cisgender allies who analyze how established media outlets have added to damaging reporting of transgender people.

The viewpoint of trans youth central to the legal case is illustrated through a impressive young student named Mila. Viewers initially witness her advocating for her community at a educational meeting, with later footage showing her protesting for transgender rights outside the Supreme Court.

Intimate Moments Beyond the Legal Battle

This film also contains emotional moments where Feder moves beyond the constant legal battle, such as sequences of Strangio vacationing in Italy and receiving a body art featuring lines from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

This ink moment is one of my favorites in the movie, explained Strangio. Being tattooed is practically like a meditative process for me, to be completely aware in my body and to think of it as a container for things that are meaningful to me.

Physical Identity and Representation

The filmmaker's dedication to carefully documenting Strangio getting to his tattoo collection underscores that this documentary is fundamentally about transgender bodies – not just those of youth who confront prohibition of their right to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the various interviewees who are featured in the documentary.

I make films with a meaning, and part of that is selecting people who are exceptional and articulate enough to sustain the camera, explained Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should dress for an interview, my reply is anything that makes you feel confident. This is crucial to me – as transgender individuals, we struggle so much with our image.

Impact and Optimism

A key factor that causes Feder's documentaries excel is his obvious skill for making his trans subjects feel comfortable, recognized and valued. This approach creates authentic connection between Feder and Strangio, enabling the filmmaker to realize his aim of portraying Strangio as a complete individual and leaving a record for future generations of how persistently he and fellow activists have struggled for transgender liberties.

I don't want people to end up in a place of constant despair because of what the law is denying us, explained Strangio. I aim to be in a process of using the law to reduce harm, but not to make it some kind of conduit for our liberatory aspirations. State bodies is not going to be the reflection through which we view ourselves. Our community are that reflection, and it's really crucial that we continue having that conversation in addition to dialogues about pushing against these laws and approaches.

This important documentary is currently available for streaming during Trans Visibility Week and will receive a broader distribution at a future date.