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Trans documentarian Sam Feder's recent documentary "Increased Examination" provides a compelling two-part viewpoint – simultaneously an intimate portrait of a prominent trans advocate and a pointed examination of journalistic coverage about trans rights.

Legal Battle at the Supreme Court

The film traces ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gears up for legal presentations in the landmark highest court case the Skirmetti case. This legal battle occurred in December 2024, with the court ultimately deciding in favor of the state's case, practically permitting restrictions on healthcare for transgender youth to stay in effect across multiple US states.

We produced Heightened Scrutiny in only 16 months, explained Feder during a discussion. In comparison, my earlier film Disclosure took me half a decade, so this was very accelerated. Our intention was to generate conversation so people would learn more about the case.

Human Narrative Amid Political Struggle

Although Feder provides a comprehensive analysis of how mainstream media outlets have promoted anti-trans talking points, the film's most valuable accomplishment may be its engaging depiction of Strangio. Usually a cautious attorney in media appearances, Strangio reveals his authenticity throughout the production.

That was a substantial challenge, to reveal aspects of my life to a documentary crew that I had strived to keep personal, stated Strangio. Sam said he wanted future generations to know that we struggled, to see what was done in defense of these battles for our fundamental rights.

Diverse Voices in the Struggle

To strengthen Strangio's account, Feder features various transgender activists, including prominent individuals from activism and entertainment. This production also includes insights from cisgender supporters who analyze how respected media outlets have added to harmful portrayals of trans individuals.

The viewpoint of trans young people central to the court battle is illustrated through a impressive 12-year-old activist named Mila. Viewers observe her speaking out for her fellow students at a educational meeting, with subsequent footage showing her protesting for transgender rights outside the Supreme Court.

Personal Scenes Beyond the Legal Battle

This film also features poignant moments where Feder moves beyond the ongoing legal battle, such as footage of Strangio vacationing in Italy and getting a body art featuring verses from civil rights leader Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

This body art moment is among my preferred parts in the movie, stated Strangio. Being tattooed is almost like a meditative process for me, to be completely aware in my body and to view it as a container for things that are significant to me.

Physical Autonomy and Representation

Feder's dedication to lovingly capturing Strangio getting to his tattoo collection underscores that this documentary is primarily about transgender bodies – not just those of youth who experience restriction of their ability to live truly in their own bodies, but also the bodies of the various interviewees who appear in the documentary.

I make films with a meaning, and part of that is picking people who are exceptional and eloquent enough to hold the camera, shared Feder. Whenever people ask me what they should wear for an interview, my response is whatever makes you feel attractive. This is important to me – as transgender individuals, we struggle so much with our image.

Impact and Hope

A key element that makes Feder's documentaries shine is his evident skill for making his trans subjects feel at ease, seen and admired. This approach fosters authentic rapport between Feder and Strangio, allowing the director to achieve his objective of portraying Strangio as a multifaceted individual and providing a testament for posterity of how determinedly he and fellow activists have fought for transgender rights.

I hope not people to end up in a situation of incessant discouragement because of what the law is denying us, stated Strangio. I aim to be in a method of using the law to minimize harm, but not to turn it into some type of conduit for our liberatory potential. State bodies is not going to be the reflection through which we perceive ourselves. Trans people are that mirror, and it's really vital that we keep having that dialogue alongside dialogues about fighting back these regulations and procedures.

This significant film is currently available for streaming during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a more extensive release at a later date.