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Transgender director Sam Feder's latest documentary "Increased Examination" provides a compelling dual perspective – both an emotional portrait of a prominent trans advocate and a critical examination of media coverage about transgender existence.

Legal Struggle at the Highest Court

This feature traces ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he gears up for oral arguments in the important Supreme Court case the Skirmetti case. This legal battle took place in December 2024, with the court finally ruling in favor of the state's case, effectively allowing restrictions on healthcare for trans youth to remain in effect across multiple US territories.

We made Heightened Scrutiny in just 16 months, stated Feder during a conversation. Meanwhile, my previous film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was quite rushed. Our intention was to raise dialogue so people would learn more about the case.

Human Story Amid Legal Battle

Although Feder presents a comprehensive critique of how mainstream news organizations have disseminated anti-trans talking points, the film's greatest achievement may be its compelling depiction of Strangio. Usually a cautious lawyer in media settings, Strangio displays his vulnerability throughout the film.

That was a major challenge, to reveal parts of my life to a filmmaker that I had strived to keep personal, shared Strangio. Sam explained he wanted the next generation to know that we tried, to see what was done in support of these struggles for our basic existence.

Varied Voices in the Movement

To strengthen Strangio's narrative, Feder includes numerous trans activists, such as respected figures from activism and the arts. This film also features perspectives from cisgender supporters who examine how mainstream organizations have participated to damaging reporting of trans people.

The viewpoint of transgender youth central to the court battle is shown through a remarkable 12-year-old student named Mila. Viewers first see her speaking out for her community at a educational meeting, with subsequent scenes showing her speaking for trans rights outside the highest court.

Intimate Moments Beyond the Courtroom

The documentary also includes touching moments where Feder transcends the never-ending political struggle, including sequences of Strangio traveling in Italy and getting a body art featuring lines from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

The tattoo sequence is among my preferred parts in the movie, stated Strangio. Getting inked is almost like a contemplative process for me, to be fully present in my body and to view it as a vehicle for things that are significant to me.

Physical Autonomy and Representation

Feder's attention to lovingly capturing Strangio getting to his tattoo collection underscores that this film is primarily about transgender bodies – not just those of youth who face denial of their right to live genuinely in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the numerous interviewees who participate in the documentary.

I make films with a purpose, and part of that is selecting people who are outstanding and articulate enough to carry the camera, shared Feder. When people ask me what they should wear for an filming, my answer is anything that makes you feel attractive. This is crucial to me – as transgender individuals, we have difficulties so much with our self-perception.

Legacy and Optimism

One factor that makes Feder's documentaries shine is his evident skill for making his trans interviewees feel at ease, recognized and appreciated. This methodology develops real connection between Feder and Strangio, allowing the director to realize his aim of showing Strangio as a complete individual and leaving a testament for coming generations of how determinedly he and fellow activists have campaigned for transgender liberties.

I don't want people to find themselves in a state of constant hopelessness because of what the law is failing to provide us, stated Strangio. I want to be in a process of using the law to reduce harm, but not to turn it into some kind of pathway for our liberation aspirations. Official institutions is not going to be the mirror through which we see ourselves. We are that reflection, and it's very important that we continue having that dialogue in addition to dialogues about pushing against these policies and approaches.

This important documentary is presently available for digital rental during Transgender Awareness Week and will receive a wider release at a later date.