Taking Off the Blinders: the potential of growth (2007)
Taking Off the Blinders: the potential of growth (Rossier Productions, 2007)
Taking the blinders off black and white
And seeing that grey is O. K.
This exceptional documentary addresses issues of human diversity with uncommon sensitivity and insightful perception. Though its focus is on the journey of a transgendered individual, it serves as a metaphor for identifying and acknowledging a broad range of human diversity, whether sexual, cultural, religious, or ethnic. This 45-minute documentary would provide an excellent diversity discussion catalyst in schools and colleges as well as in community and religious groups.
Sara Michaels narrates the complex story of how a transgender person gradually discovers his inner self and ultimately achieves a personal fulfillment. It is not a gentle story. Rather, it is a journey that Joseph Campbell might equate to the ‘hero’s quest.’ There are massive obstacles of traditional societal values and individual fear to overcome. Peter’s ultimate success results from her personal courage and determination as well as an essential familial and community support group.
Sara initially establishes the tone of Peter’s journey: “We all search for peace and contentment by stepping out of rigid comfort zones.” We do not ask that you approve or disapprove—just that you appreciate that there are ways of life that differ from our own. The subject of this film, one of three boys born to the Doan family, as an early child experienced an epiphany: that he wanted to be a girl. Initially he didn’t want to tell anyone. Instead, he sought to hide this desire and simply shut up. His parents stumbled across some evidence of these girlish adventures, but made no mention.
Peter’s personal account is interspersed with conversations with her parents, a professional, and a key member of a Quaker support group. Mrs. Doan’s first recollections were that 1) if you are lucky, in the biblical sense, you go where you want; 2) her child still remained the same person; and 3) we raised our son to be honest, loving, and kind and, hopefully, have respect for others. Mr. Doan observed: “The most basic thing is honesty. If I am in a situation where I am uncomfortable, then I must really need to start exploring.”
What comes through clearly in Peter’s account of his journey is an overwhelming feeling of terror and depression. While stifling his strong transgender urges, he married his high school sweet heart, had two children, and pursued a successful career as a university professor. He was terrified of losing all of this.
Dr. Ellen Shapiro spoke of how transgender people can be blown away by the troubles they encounter. She added that, as one increasingly becomes attuned to our inner voices, the process keeps us growing. The key is to become more attuned to our inner self.
Peter cared deeply for his wife and their kids. Eventually Peter felt able to expose his private feelings to her, which gave Peter a little light that permitted his locked-away femininity to shine. Critical to Peter’s anguished journey was his support group, both his parents and his Quaker community. The unconditional welcome from Quakers helped him find himself, as he increasingly recognized that he was not being authentic to who he was. Peter’s mother emphasized the importance of learning not to care what others thought. “I’m not going to be embarrassed or ashamed about what others thought. I need to learn more about Peter.” Peter’s father spoke of the importance of love and trust in making people feel “safe.”
It was anguishing for Peter to end a marriage of twenty years to a woman he loved. The uncertainty about their children compounded these anxieties. Then Peter began to take strides rather than steps. In 2001, with his mother attending, Peter underwent a sexual change surgery and became “Petra.”. When asked her reaction to this change, Mrs. Doan stated that it was very pleasant to have a daughter and two wonderful granddaughters. Mr. Doan reiterated the need for love, trust, and giving people the opportunity to be who they wanted to be. He reacted strongly to the societal fear of that which is different. As an educator, he urged examination of what we had believed and were taught was right and wrong.
Petra, while continually aware of her past, swiftly settled into her new life. She is a tenured professor and shares joint custody of her children. She teaches courses on diversity and works with transgender groups. She is tremendously grateful to her parents and to her Quaker spirituality in accomplishing this journey to realize her inner self.
This personal journey has a diversity message that transcends transgenderism. In the words of her Quaker friend and counselor: “We need to be more tolerant and accepting of other people and be more tolerant about ourselves.”
