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Transgender documentarian Sam Feder's recent documentary "Heightened Scrutiny" presents a powerful dual perspective – both an emotional portrait of a leading trans activist and a sharp analysis of journalistic reporting about trans existence.

Legal Struggle at the Highest Court

This documentary traces ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he prepares for court proceedings in the important Supreme Court case US v Skirmetti. These arguments occurred in December 2024, with the court eventually deciding in favor of Tennessee's position, essentially enabling restrictions on healthcare for trans young people to stay in effect across multiple US states.

We produced Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, shared Feder during a discussion. By contrast, my earlier film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was quite rushed. Our purpose was to stimulate conversation so people would learn more about the case.

Human Story Amid Legal Struggle

While Feder provides a thorough examination of how major media outlets have spread transphobic rhetoric, the film's greatest accomplishment may be its compelling depiction of Strangio. Usually a measured lawyer in media appearances, Strangio reveals his vulnerability throughout the film.

That was a major challenge, to open up parts of my life to a camera lens that I had strived to keep personal, explained Strangio. Sam said he wanted younger people to know that we struggled, to see what was done in defense of these struggles for our basic existence.

Varied Voices in the Movement

To enhance Strangio's account, Feder features various transgender advocates, including prominent figures from media and entertainment. This film also includes perspectives from non-trans supporters who analyze how established media outlets have participated to harmful reporting of trans individuals.

The viewpoint of trans young people central to the legal case is illustrated through a extraordinary young girl named Mila. Viewers observe her advocating for her community at a school board meeting, with subsequent scenes showing her demonstrating for trans rights outside the Supreme Court.

Personal Moments Beyond the Courtroom

This film also contains touching moments where Feder moves beyond the ongoing political struggle, including sequences of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a body art featuring words from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

This ink moment is among my favorites in the movie, stated Strangio. Getting inked is nearly like a reflective process for me, to be fully present in my body and to consider it as a vessel for things that are meaningful to me.

Body Autonomy and Portrayal

The filmmaker's attention to carefully showing Strangio adding to his tattoo collection highlights that Heightened Scrutiny is essentially about trans physical selves – not only those of youth who confront restriction of their right to live genuinely in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the numerous subjects who are featured in the production.

I create films with a purpose, and part of that is choosing people who are outstanding and eloquent enough to hold the camera, explained Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should dress for an interview, my response is whatever makes you feel hot. That is important to me – as trans people, we have difficulties so much with our image.

Legacy and Hope

A key factor that makes Feder's documentaries stand out is his obvious talent for making his trans subjects feel comfortable, recognized and appreciated. This technique fosters genuine connection between Feder and Strangio, allowing the director to achieve his objective of presenting Strangio as a complete person and providing a testament for posterity of how resiliently he and fellow activists have struggled for transgender rights.

I don't want people to end up in a state of incessant hopelessness because of what the law is denying us, explained Strangio. I strive to be in a practice of using the law to lessen harm, but not to turn it into some type of conduit for our liberation possibilities. Official institutions is not going to be the reflection through which we see ourselves. Our community are that reflection, and it's very important that we keep having that dialogue in addition to dialogues about fighting back these regulations and practices.

This significant film is currently available for streaming during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a more extensive launch at a later date.