What Sex Am I?

What Sex Am I? is a gripping 1985 documentary film that maneuvers the complex and often, misunderstood world of transgender individuals. Directed by the Oscar-winning actress turned skilled documentarian, Lee Grant, the film attempts to shed light on the lives, struggles, and aspirations of trans people at a time when the understanding and acceptance of such identities in society were relatively low.

The narrative goes beyond mainstream perceptions, imparting previously concealed aspects of transgender life, highlighting the challenges faced by these individuals, the internal and external struggles that they combat every day. Monica Lynn B., one of the main subjects in the film, presents a raw and revelatory personal journey in her path to authenticity. The prowess of Grant as a director does not eschew the complexities but embraces them, providing depth and breadth to the viewer's understanding of transgender experiences.

Apart from Monica Lynn B., another significant feature of the film is Christine Jorgensen, a pioneering figure in the history of gender reassignment surgery. Jorgensen, who transitioned during the 1950s, is symbolized in What Sex Am I? not just as an interviewee but as a conduit for the film's historical context. Her presence is evocative, preserving the continuity of trans narratives across generations, while also touching on the evolution of society's response, medical advances, and the broader context of human rights.

The film entrusts an open, undistorted platform to its subjects, encouraging viewers to familiarize themselves with the realities of this marginalized section of society, devoid of the typical stereotypes and preconceived notions. Grant's achievement lies in her ability to focus on the individual before the label. The persons who manifest this film are everyday humans who are trying to find their part in the world and seeking acceptance and love just as anyone else.

A significant portion of What Sex Am I? stages its drama in the streets of New York City. It underscores the nerve-wracking employment woes of its subjects, who often resort to the sex work industry due to the rampant discrimination and lack of opportunities in the regular job market. It is an exploration of the intersection between gender identity and socioeconomic issues, a side often overseen when discussing gender struggles. This raw except is profoundly candid, revealing its subjects' brave fight against prejudice and the indomitable spirit to live their truth in an often unwelcoming society.

Aside from the struggles, the film also delves into the joy and euphoria of finding one's identity and the strength to live it fully. It subtly underlines the metaphor of transitioning not just as a physical transformation but also an emotional and psychological process towards inner peace and self-acceptance.

What Sex Am I? also deals with the medical and surgical aspects associated with gender reassignment in a sensitive and enlightening manner. By doing so, it affords the audience a fundamental understanding of these procedures and their direct impact on the lives of those who undertake them, thus propelling further empathy towards individuals who choose to transition.

In its totality, What Sex Am I? is a heartfelt, informed portrayal of the transgender experience, told through sincerity and respect. Its themes of identity, acceptance, struggle, and triumph are universal, making it a must-watch not only for those interested in understanding gender issues but for anyone interested in grasping the essence of what it means to be human.

This documentary does not aim to answer the question posed in its title definitively. Instead, it challenges the audience to contemplate the broader context, emphasizing that one's sex and, more importantly, identity cannot, and should not, be confined to mere biological arguments but must encompass each individual's inherent feelings and convictions about themselves. Lee Grant's masterpiece crafts this educational, emotional journey with care, making it an essential viewing in our quest for a more informed, empathetic world.