🔗 Share this article

Trans documentarian Sam Feder's newest feature "Increased Examination" presents a powerful dual viewpoint – simultaneously an intimate profile of a leading trans activist and a critical analysis of media coverage about trans rights.

Legal Struggle at the Supreme Court

This documentary follows ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gears up for legal presentations in the significant highest court case US v Skirmetti. This legal battle happened in late 2024, with the judiciary ultimately deciding in favor of the state's argument, effectively enabling bans on healthcare for trans minors to stay in effect across multiple US territories.

We created Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, shared Feder during a conversation. By contrast, my previous film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was very accelerated. Our goal was to generate discussion so people would learn more about the case.

Personal Story Amid Legal Battle

Although Feder presents a comprehensive analysis of how mainstream news organizations have promoted transphobic narratives, the film's primary contribution may be its engaging depiction of Strangio. Typically a reserved attorney in public settings, Strangio displays his humanity throughout the film.

This represented a major challenge, to reveal aspects of my life to a camera lens that I had worked hard to keep personal, explained Strangio. Sam said he wanted younger people to know that we struggled, to see what was done in support of these fights for our material survival.

Varied Perspectives in the Struggle

To support Strangio's account, Feder incorporates numerous transgender advocates, such as respected figures from journalism and entertainment. This film also features perspectives from cisgender allies who critique how respected media outlets have added to harmful portrayals of transgender individuals.

The viewpoint of trans minors central to the court battle is shown through a remarkable 12-year-old girl named Mila. Audiences initially witness her speaking out for her fellow students at a school board meeting, with later scenes showing her demonstrating for transgender rights outside the Supreme Court.

Intimate Scenes Beyond the Courtroom

The documentary also features touching moments where Feder moves beyond the never-ending political struggle, such as sequences of Strangio traveling in Italy and receiving a tattoo featuring verses from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Prediction."

The tattoo scene is among my favorites in the movie, explained Strangio. Receiving body art is practically like a contemplative process for me, to be totally engaged in my body and to think of it as a vessel for things that are significant to me.

Body Identity and Representation

Feder's focus to thoughtfully documenting Strangio adding to his tattoo collection underscores that this film is primarily about trans bodies – not only those of young people who face denial of their right to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the many participants who appear in the documentary.

I produce films with a message, and part of that is selecting people who are outstanding and articulate enough to carry the camera, stated Feder. When people ask me what they should dress for an filming, my answer is whatever makes you feel hot. This is important to me – as transgender individuals, we face challenges so much with our self-perception.

Legacy and Optimism

One aspect that causes Feder's works stand out is his obvious skill for making his trans participants feel at ease, seen and admired. This technique develops genuine rapport between Feder and Strangio, enabling the filmmaker to achieve his goal of showing Strangio as a complete human being and providing a document for posterity of how resiliently he and others have struggled for trans rights.

I don't want people to end up in a state of incessant hopelessness because of what the law is not giving us, shared Strangio. I aim to be in a process of using the law to minimize harm, but not to transform it into some sort of channel for our liberatory potential. The government is not going to be the mirror through which we perceive ourselves. Our community are that reflection, and it's very vital that we persist having that discussion in addition to discussions about resisting these laws and procedures.

This significant film is presently available for digital rental during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a wider launch at a future date.