I Am Not a Trans Person—So Why Should I Watch Trans Films?

It is easy to assume that films about trans people are meant primarily for trans audiences. After all, the stories center on their identities, struggles, and triumphs. But just as one does not have to be a soldier to appreciate a war film, or a parent to be moved by a film about raising children, you do not have to be trans to gain meaning from watching trans films. In fact, engaging with stories outside of our own lived experiences is one of the richest opportunities that cinema provides.

First, trans films expand empathy. Many people know few, if any, openly trans individuals in their daily lives. Without that personal connection, misconceptions can flourish. A well-told film humanizes what might otherwise remain an abstract “issue.” It offers viewers a chance to sit with characters as they navigate love, rejection, family, work, joy, and sorrow. Watching a trans protagonist struggle with acceptance, or celebrate self-discovery, invites audiences into an emotional world that bridges differences. That act of empathy is not just beneficial for the trans community—it makes us all more compassionate human beings.

Second, trans films broaden our cultural understanding. Trans people have existed across cultures and throughout history, though their visibility has often been suppressed. Films that tell their stories restore voices that have too often been erased. For viewers, this is not simply “someone else’s story”—it becomes part of a fuller, richer understanding of society. Just as films about immigrants, people with disabilities, or communities of color help mainstream audiences understand the diversity of human experience, trans films remind us that gender identity is a real, complex, and deeply human aspect of life.

Third, these films frequently address universal themes. At their core, many trans narratives are about belonging, identity, and the courage to live authentically. Who has not struggled at some point with questions of self-acceptance, family approval, or the fear of being judged for who we are? Even if the specifics differ, the emotions resonate. When audiences recognize their own hopes and fears mirrored in trans stories, it builds connection rather than division.

Fourth, supporting trans films helps amplify marginalized voices in a media landscape where they are still underrepresented. When audiences—regardless of identity—show up for these films, it signals to producers, studios, and distributors that such stories matter. The result is not only more opportunities for trans filmmakers and actors, but also a healthier cultural ecosystem where diverse perspectives can thrive.

Finally, watching trans films is a way to practice curiosity and openness. If cinema is a window into lives we may never live, then choosing to step through that window is an act of growth. It asks us to move beyond the comfort of the familiar and embrace the complexity of human experience.

So, why should you watch a trans film if you are not trans? Because stories are for everyone. They build empathy, broaden understanding, illuminate universal truths, and help create a culture where everyone’s humanity is seen. In the end, watching trans films is not about being trans—it is about being human.

TRANS FILMS AT OUTSHINE FALL EDITION 2025