Mumy, Emilia and Simon

It was a while before cinema took trans seriously. It had been OK to co-opt drag to the cause (and whatever you think about “Some Like It Hot” it’s quintessentially a drag film) – “La Cage Au Folles”, “Priscilla Queen Of The Desert” and “To Wong Foo”, all fitted the bill because what’s more show-bizzy than men dressed as women for show? Entertainment loves entertainers. As the end of the 20th Century approached more trans-orientated experiences crept into films from the sidelines offering cameos, light relief, or the occasional tragic vignette. And then post-Millennium the whole world of trans visibility expanded almost exponentially – greater diversity, greater understanding of trans experiences, greater public interest and acceptance – and the amount of trans cinema expanded too. And then the trans community – drag as well as gender-variant individuals – became scapegoats for political power-play, and that particular narrative is still playing out in various inhumane and dangerous ways. So what has happened to trans cinema during this latest volatile and retrograde period? Now hit the link and read on......