From Pain to Joy: Filmmakers Capture Transgender Experience in New Brunswick
In a moving and heartfelt documentary project, filmmakers Dawson Ovenden-Beaudry and Cleo Voron are shedding light on the transgender experience in New Brunswick, Canada. Their film, Trans Canada, aims to represent the full spectrum of transgender experiences while showcasing both the struggles and the joy within the community.
The filmmakers traveled across the country, making stops in Saint John, Moncton, and Fredericton to gather personal stories from transgender individuals. Their goal is to capture a diverse range of experiences, acknowledging that transgender lives differ greatly, whether one lives in a big city like Montreal or a small village.
One of the documentary participants, Vivian Myers-Jones, shared her emotional journey of transitioning and the moment she saw her driver’s license bearing her correct name and gender. Overwhelmed with joy, she was reminded of the incredible progress she had made on her journey to self-acceptance.
Trans joy is an important aspect of the documentary project, as it allows individuals to see the transgender community beyond the struggles and challenges they face. For Oak Rodgerson, trans joy resides in the ability to connect with others who fully accept and understand their identity, creating a space where they can truly be themselves.
With recent changes to education Policy 713 in New Brunswick, the filmmakers believe it is crucial to address the fears and concerns within the transgender community. The policy now requires parental consent for teachers to use a student’s preferred name or pronouns if they are under 16 years old. This topic has been a recurring theme in their interviews, reflecting the heightened anxiety and uncertainty in the community.
However, despite these challenges, the filmmakers hope to break down barriers and foster understanding of transgender identities. They seek to show that being transgender is not a choice or a lifestyle but a deeply ingrained aspect of a person’s identity. By highlighting the beauty and resilience of the transgender community, they aim to humanize their experiences and create connections on a more personal level.
While the contributors to the documentary project understand that sharing their stories may come with potential backlash or resistance from their communities, they believe it is essential to raise awareness and promote empathy. Their hope is that their stories will encourage open dialogue and acceptance, reminding others to view transgender individuals as humans deserving of respect and understanding.
As the filmmakers continue their journey across Canada, they remain focused on capturing the diverse experiences of the transgender community and shedding light on the challenges they face. By amplifying their voices, they aim to inspire change and create a more inclusive society for everyone.
The documentary project Trans Canada is a powerful tribute to the transgender experience in New Brunswick and beyond. Through the stories of individuals like Vivian Myers-Jones and Oak Rodgerson, viewers are invited to witness the journey from pain to joy, fostering empathy, understanding, and acceptance along the way.
