Gidyup! On the Rodeo Circuit (2005) directed by Mitchell Horn. Watch it here

This doc follows four competitors in the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA). Did I get your attention or what? It’s an adventurous and surprisingly moving tale of psychotic breaks, former lovers competing against each other, and defying death.  I’ve heard it said that the best way to survive as a minority is to find others like you who enjoy the same activities. This documentary shows just how true that is. Knowing nothing about rodeos, I was amazed at what a rich subculture it is. These people are remarkably brave and more than a little bit crazy. For example, there is an competition called “goat dressing” in which (I swear I’m not joking) competitors wrestle a goat into a pair of tighty-whiteys. I’m thinking of entering, but it’s a two-man event. Who’s with me?

Beautiful Daughters (2006) directed by Josh Aronson and Ariel Orr Jordan. Watch it here

Of all three docs, this was most relevant to me. Beautiful Daughters documents the auditions, rehearsals, and performance of an all transgendered production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues.” Not only did I direct and produce “The Vagina Monologues” at my school, but I actually performed the trans women monologue called “They Beat The Girl Out of My Boy.” It was incredible watching the women whose stories inspired this powerful monologue. Lynn Conway’s story was exceptional. She underwent gender reassignment surgery in 1967 and has been a pioneer in educating about the transgender community. To be frank, I didn’t realize surgery was even an option that long ago. Each woman is committed to being open about her past which has made relationships very difficult. As one woman said, “You reveal this big part of yourself, and then you sit back and watch the other person reveal either the light or dark side of their humanity.” Of the three, this is definitely the tearjerker.

Other gender rebels (not from the documentary)

Gender Rebel (2006) directed by Elaine Epstein. Watch it here

I didn’t hear the term “genderqueer” until I was a junior in college. Our LGBT rights group never really talked about it until our first openly trans member joined and asked why we’d never educated people about it. The truth was, we were never educated ourselves. Gender Rebel follows Jill, Lauren, and Kim; all of whom identify as genderqueer. Jill is struggling to find a way to come out to her mom and is worried she’ll be crushed that her daughter wants to explore her more masculine side. Lauren has quickly realized that her conservative Italian-American neighborhood is no longer safe for her and is searching for a new city to call home. Kim is having top surgery, but isn’t sure how far she wants to go with her transition. Of all three docs, this was by far my favorite. Not only was I inspired by Jill, Lauren, and Kim’s courage, but I was fascinated how each of them defined their idea of what genderqueer means. How do you tell people that you don’t fit into the two prescribed gender boxes?  Each is met with some resistance, specifically Kim, whose girlfriend is struggling with her identity as a lesbian now that Kim is moving towards a more masculine identity. I would recommend this film to anyone simply because of how informative it is. The fact that it’s really well done and life-affirming is just a bonus!

Read the rest: http://wherethegirlsgo.com/2011/01/27/3-docs-to-watch-on-a-snow-day/