By Addie Tsai
I’d like to believe that, as time goes on, the saying “it gets better” rings true. Sadly, in the United States, that is proving far from the case.
them reported just five days ago that, “[L]ast year saw an all-time high in terms of statehouse bills targeting queer and trans rights, with at least 300 bills being passed or introduced across 36 states. The crusade shows no signs of stopping in 2023; by Harvard Law Cyberlaw Clinic instructor Alejandra Caraballo’s count, over 90 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have already been pre-filed or introduced for 2023 legislative sessions.”
Specifically, many of these bills target trans youth by restricting their access to essential and life-saving healthcare.
These battles against anti-trans hatred and violence are not unique to the United States, however. On January 25, as part of the Festival of Films From Iran, the Texas Asia Society, in partnership with Rice Cinema, MFAH Films, and the Normal Anomaly Initiative, will present producer and director Saeed Gholipour’s This Is Not Me, a moving documentary portrayal of the lives of two young transmasculine youth in Iran, Shervin and Saman, as they pursue the gender realignment options available to them. Iran is the only country in the West Asian region to recognize trans people; however, any other LGBQ+ identity is banned. What makes this film particularly poignant is witnessing these two young men receive the support of their parents as the youth attempt to legally change their names, gender markers, and get gender affirmation surgery approved.
The documentary includes surprisingly intimate and heartfelt moments from both Shervin and Saman and their parents, such as when Shervin’s father is asked what finally enabled him to accept his transgender son. He movingly addresses the camera: “I’m just the father, not the owner of mind and soul.”
Despite the support of their parents, Shervin and Saman still must endure the transphobic constraints of the Iranian legal system, including being required to report a case of “gender confusion” on paperwork, statements from neighbors, hymen and breast tests for gender realignment, and police records. They also must overcome the loss of those not as fortunate as Shervin and Saman to have the support of their families—several of their classmates die of suicide or are sent to mental institutions by their parents.
This Is Not Me is a remarkably intimate portrait of not only Shervin and Saman, but also the ways in which these two young men relate to their families, leaning on their parents as safe spaces to express the turmoil and difficulties that arise in the arduous legal process to live open, safe, and affirming lives.
The screening will be followed by a discussion, via Zoom, with Saeed Gholipour and documentary subjects Shervin and Saman, moderated by Ian L. Haddock and Joelle Espeut of the Normal Anomaly Initiative.
For tickets and more information, visit asiasociety.org/texas/events/30th-festival-films-iran-screening-not-me.
