© Media dis&dat
In the new documentary, “Austin Unbound,” which was seven
years in the making, the filmmakers beautifully explore the journey of a Deaf
transgender man.
It provides excellent insight into the life of Austin, who
knew as a small child that he was not in the correct body. The documentary follows Austin as he prepares
for and then receives his double mastectomy.
It also features in-depth interviews with his family, friends and
girlfriend.
Filmmaker Eliza Greenwood said at the screening of “Austin
Unbound” at the Society for Disability Studies (SDS) meeting in June that her
background as a Gallaudet University graduate and as a hearing sister fluent in
sign language drew her to the project.
Greenwood began the project in 2004, when she got permission
from Austin to begin filming him. Sel Staley also served as director on the project, and
Mara Green worked as assistant director on the film.
Green said at SDS that they wanted the film to be situated
in the “queer-centric and sign-centric community.”
The final 45-minute film retains that emphasis.
Austin makes it clear throughout the film that he identifies
as a straight man. He gained support from the Deaf community in his journey. He
and his friends created a fundraiser for his top surgery with an American Sign
Language (ASL) Comedy Night. Austin performed, as did a number of other deaf supporters.
“The Deaf community would be different if not for him. Austin
is such a leader in the trans world. He’s so open. He doesn’t care what others
think,” a friend from the Comedy Night says in the film.
The film is unique in that it is entirely in sign language
and captions/subtitles; even the voices of hearing people are not heard. But
that adds to its power.
Austin’s family members are featured in numerous interviews
that illustrate the strength that can come from a supportive family. Austin’s mother, Pam, talks honestly about
his early childhood when he rejected everything girl-oriented. She made her
peace with his transformation by the time Austin was in high school and
supported his decision to dress and identify as male.
Interestingly, his mother’s only regret: that he changed his
name. He is the oldest of four (he has
three sisters), and she said loved the girl’s name she chose for him. Some might think
she is complaining, but it is a sweet moment in which Austin’s mother
illustrates how even supportive family members struggle to accept a transgender
person in their family.
In the most wonderful scene in the film, Austin shows his
scars from the double mastectomy to his grandmother,
who smiles, hugs him and tells him she is so happy for his successful surgery.
A significant portion of the film is devoted to Austin’s
relationship to his girlfriend, Lola. She is there for him in every way. As she
goes on this journey with him, Lola is able to reflect on Austin before and
after his top surgery.
Lola says his self confidence has increased after the top
surgery, and he seems freer since the surgery.
Austin said earlier in the film that he felt he was wearing
a Halloween costume as a child when he was forced to dress as a girl.
After his surgery, he summed up the positive change in his
life: “I feel like a burden has been lifted.”
A note about screenings of “Austin Unbound:”
If you would like to host a screening, contact the
filmmakers here:
The film will be in the following Film Festivals in 2012:
Vancouver, BC, Canada, Queer Film Festival, August 16-26, http://www.queerfilmfestival.ca/
The Other Film Festival, Melbourne, Australia, Sept. 19-23, http://artsaccess.com.au/the-other-film-festival/
Lisbon, Portugal, Queer Film Festival, Sept. 21-29, http://queerlisboa.pt/en/
Focus Film Festival, Chico, Calif., Oct. 11-12, http://www.farnorthernrc.org/focusfilmfestival/about_festival.htm