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Transgender documentarian Sam Feder's recent feature "Increased Examination" offers a compelling two-part perspective – both an emotional profile of a key trans advocate and a sharp examination of media reporting surrounding transgender rights.

Judicial Battle at the Highest Court

This documentary documents ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he prepares for court proceedings in the significant Supreme Court case the Skirmetti case. These arguments took place in late 2024, with the court eventually ruling in support of the state's position, effectively enabling bans on healthcare for trans youth to stay in effect across numerous US states.

We created Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, stated Feder during a conversation. Meanwhile, my earlier film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was very accelerated. Our intention was to stimulate discussion so people would know more about the case.

Personal Story Amid Legal Battle

Although Feder provides a thorough critique of how mainstream news organizations have disseminated transphobic talking points, the film's most valuable achievement may be its captivating depiction of Strangio. Normally a cautious attorney in public appearances, Strangio shows his humanity throughout the documentary.

That was a substantial challenge, to share parts of my life to a filmmaker that I had worked hard to keep private, stated Strangio. Feder explained he wanted younger people to know that we tried, to see what was done in support of these fights for our material survival.

Varied Perspectives in the Movement

To enhance Strangio's story, Feder features various transgender advocates, including prominent individuals from journalism and the arts. This film also includes viewpoints from cisgender advocates who examine how respected publications have added to harmful portrayals of transgender people.

The experience of transgender minors key to the court battle is shown through a impressive 12-year-old student named Mila. Viewers first see her advocating for her community at a school board meeting, with subsequent moments showing her speaking for transgender rights outside the Supreme Court.

Intimate Moments Beyond the Courtroom

The documentary also contains touching moments where Feder steps outside the ongoing legal struggle, such as scenes of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a body art featuring verses from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

This body art scene is among my most cherished sections in the movie, shared Strangio. Getting inked is practically like a reflective 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 Representation

Feder's attention to lovingly documenting Strangio getting to his tattoo collection emphasizes that this film is fundamentally about transgender bodies – not just those of youth who experience prohibition of their ability to live authentically in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the various subjects who are featured in the film.

I create films with a meaning, and part of that is choosing people who are brilliant and articulate enough to hold the camera, stated Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should dress for an filming, my response is anything that makes you feel attractive. That is important to me – as transgender individuals, we face challenges so much with our self-perception.

Impact and Hope

One element that makes Feder's films excel is his obvious ability for making his transgender participants feel at ease, seen and valued. This methodology creates real connection between Feder and Strangio, helping the filmmaker to realize his goal of presenting Strangio as a complete person and providing a record for coming generations of how determinedly he and others have struggled for transgender liberties.

I hope not people to end up in a state of incessant discouragement because of what the law is failing to provide us, shared Strangio. I strive to be in a method of using the law to lessen harm, but not to transform it into some type of pathway for our freedom aspirations. The government is not going to be the reflection through which we perceive ourselves. We are that mirror, and it's really vital that we persist having that discussion together with discussions about pushing against these laws and practices.

Heightened Scrutiny is now accessible for online viewing during Trans Visibility Week and will receive a more extensive distribution at a later date.