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Transgender director Sam Feder's recent film "Increased Examination" presents a powerful dual perspective – both an personal portrait of a prominent trans activist and a sharp examination of journalistic coverage surrounding transgender issues.

Judicial Battle at the Supreme Court

This feature traces ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gets ready for court proceedings in the landmark highest court case US v Skirmetti. These proceedings happened in late 2024, with the judiciary ultimately ruling in favor of Tennessee's argument, effectively permitting restrictions on healthcare for trans youth to stay in place across numerous US territories.

We created Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, stated Feder during a discussion. By contrast, my previous film Disclosure took me five years, so this was a real push. Our intention was to raise discussion so people would understand more about the case.

Human Narrative Amid Political Battle

Although Feder provides a extensive analysis of how prominent news organizations have spread transphobic narratives, the film's primary contribution may be its captivating portrayal of Strangio. Normally a cautious attorney in public appearances, Strangio displays his humanity throughout the documentary.

This represented a major challenge, to share aspects of my life to a documentary crew that I had made efforts to keep confidential, explained Strangio. Feder explained he wanted younger people to know that we fought, to see what was done in support of these struggles for our basic existence.

Diverse Perspectives in the Struggle

To support Strangio's story, Feder incorporates various trans advocates, including prominent figures from media and the arts. The documentary also presents viewpoints from non-trans supporters who analyze how mainstream media outlets have added to damaging reporting of transgender individuals.

The experience of transgender youth central to the legal case is shown through a extraordinary young girl named Mila. Viewers first see her fighting for her fellow students at a school board meeting, with later footage showing her speaking for transgender rights outside the Supreme Court.

Intimate Scenes Beyond the Courtroom

Heightened Scrutiny also features touching moments where Feder moves beyond the ongoing political struggle, such as scenes of Strangio vacationing in Italy and receiving a tattoo featuring words from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

This ink scene is among my favorites in the movie, stated Strangio. Being tattooed is almost like a reflective experience for me, to be completely aware in my body and to consider it as a vehicle for things that are significant to me.

Physical Identity and Representation

The filmmaker's focus to lovingly documenting Strangio adding to his tattoo collection highlights that Heightened Scrutiny is fundamentally about trans bodies – not only those of youth who confront denial of their ability to live truly in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the various interviewees who appear in the film.

I produce films with a meaning, and part of that is selecting people who are outstanding and articulate enough to sustain the camera, shared Feder. When people ask me what they should wear for an filming, my reply is anything that makes you feel hot. This is important to me – as transgender individuals, we struggle so much with our image.

Impact and Optimism

A key element that makes Feder's works shine is his obvious skill for making his transgender interviewees feel at ease, seen and appreciated. This approach develops genuine connection between Feder and Strangio, allowing the filmmaker to realize his goal of portraying Strangio as a whole individual and leaving a testament for coming generations of how resiliently he and others have campaigned for transgender rights.

I don't want people to find themselves in a situation of perpetual discouragement because of what the law is denying us, shared Strangio. I want to be in a process of using the law to lessen harm, but not to make it some sort of channel for our liberation aspirations. Official institutions is not going to be the reflection through which we perceive ourselves. Trans people are that mirror, and it's really important that we persist having that discussion alongside conversations about resisting these policies and practices.

This important documentary is currently accessible for streaming during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a more extensive distribution at a later date.