🔗 Share this article

Trans filmmaker Sam Feder's newest film "Heightened Scrutiny" presents a compelling two-part viewpoint – both an intimate profile of a key transgender activist and a sharp analysis of journalistic reporting about transgender existence.

Judicial Struggle at the Supreme Court

This feature documents ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he prepares for oral arguments in the landmark highest court case the Skirmetti case. These arguments happened in December 2024, with the court eventually deciding in support of Tennessee's case, effectively permitting restrictions on healthcare for transgender minors to stay in effect across multiple US states.

We created Heightened Scrutiny in only 16 months, stated Feder during a conversation. Meanwhile, my previous film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was quite rushed. Our purpose was to stimulate conversation so people would understand more about the case.

Human Story Amid Political Struggle

While Feder presents a comprehensive analysis of how prominent news organizations have promoted transphobic talking points, the film's most valuable contribution may be its captivating portrayal of Strangio. Normally a reserved attorney in public settings, Strangio reveals his vulnerability throughout the production.

This represented a major challenge, to open up aspects of my life to a documentary crew that I had strived to keep confidential, shared Strangio. Sam said he wanted younger people to know that we struggled, to see what was done in defense of these fights for our basic existence.

Varied Perspectives in the Movement

To strengthen Strangio's story, Feder features multiple trans activists, including well-known figures from journalism and entertainment. This production also includes insights from non-trans advocates who analyze how mainstream organizations have added to damaging reporting of trans individuals.

The experience of trans minors central to the legal case is shown through a extraordinary young activist named Mila. Audiences first see her advocating for her fellow students at a school board meeting, with later scenes showing her speaking for transgender rights outside the highest court.

Intimate Scenes Beyond the Courtroom

Heightened Scrutiny also contains emotional moments where Feder steps outside the ongoing legal struggle, including scenes of Strangio traveling in Italy and receiving a tattoo featuring verses from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Prophecy."

The tattoo moment is one of my most cherished sections in the movie, explained Strangio. Being tattooed is almost like a reflective process for me, to be totally engaged in my body and to consider it as a container for things that are significant to me.

Body Identity and Representation

Feder's focus to thoughtfully documenting Strangio getting to his body art highlights that this documentary is essentially about transgender bodies – not just those of young people who face prohibition of their right to live genuinely in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the numerous participants who participate in the production.

I make films with a meaning, and part of that is choosing people who are brilliant and eloquent enough to sustain the camera, stated Feder. When people ask me what they should wear for an interview, my response is anything that makes you feel confident. That is crucial to me – as transgender individuals, we face challenges so much with our self-perception.

Impact and Optimism

One element that makes Feder's works stand out is his obvious skill for making his trans subjects feel comfortable, seen and valued. This approach creates real connection between Feder and Strangio, allowing the director to achieve his goal of portraying Strangio as a multifaceted human being and leaving a record for coming generations of how determinedly he and others have fought for trans rights.

I don't want people to end up in a state of perpetual hopelessness because of what the law is failing to provide us, explained Strangio. I strive to be in a practice of using the law to minimize harm, but not to turn it into some type of channel for our freedom aspirations. State bodies is not going to be the reflection through which we perceive ourselves. Trans people are that reflection, and it's really vital that we continue having that conversation in addition to conversations about pushing against these laws and practices.

This important documentary is currently available for streaming during Trans Visibility Week and will receive a broader launch at a subsequent date.