Boy I Am

A probing look at questions and resistance toward FTMs from the lesbian community.

Sam Feder & Julie Hollar / USA / 2006 / 72 min

An important exploration of issues rarely touched upon by most films portraying female-to-male (FTM) transgender experiences, this feature-length documentary sets itself apart from other recent films on this topic. Tackling the resistance of some women in feminists and lesbian communities who view FTM transitioning as at best a "trend" or at worst an anti-feminist act that taps into male privilege, this groundbreaking film opens up a dialog between the lesbian, feminist, and transgender communities while also promoting understanding of transgender issues for general audiences.

In the course of the film, three young transitioning FTMs in New York City- Nicco, Norie and Keegan- go through major junctures in their transitions, discussing everything from their relationships with their bodies, feminism, and the intersection of race and class with their transgender identity. Their stories are interspersed with interviews with lesbians, activists and theorists who engage with the often-contentious questions and issues that are raised within the queer and feminist communities but are rarely discussed openly. Situating these struggles and stories as inextricably linked to queer and feminist struggles, BOY I AM presents an empowering chronicle of queer resistance that challenges all viewers to rethink their concepts of activism and identity.

Trailer

Credits

Awards & Festivals

• Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival - Audience Favorite
Documentary Feature
• Newfest, New York LGBT Film Festival
• Frameline, San Francisco LGBT Film Festival
• Outfest, Los Angeles G&L Film Festival
• image+nation, Montreal
• Lesbian Looks Film Festival
• Mix Brasil
• Out on Film, Atlanta
• Reeling Film Festival
• Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
• London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival
• Pink Apple Film Festival (Zurich)
• QDoc, Portland Queer Documentary Film Festival
• Athens LGBT Film Festival
• Brisbane Queer Film Festival
• Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival
• Hungry XII, Hungarian Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender Festival
• InsideOut Lesbian & Gay Film & Video Festival
• Melbourne Queer Film Festival
• Netherlands Transgender Film Festival
• Kansai Queer Film Festival
• Queer Screen

Film site & Reviews

» official site