Metamorphosis. Man into woman

Description

As many as 60,000 people are uncomfortable with the sex they were born into (gender dysphoria). Gary, a 39-year-old transsexual, has been convinced since childhood that he is a woman trapped in a male body.At age 36, Gary decided to begin the extraordinary process of changing his sex. Shot over three years, this compassionate yet unsentimental film follows Gary's transformation into Gabi. Before he can be accepted for sex-reassignment surgery, Gary mustprove that he can successfully live and work as a woman, 24 hours a day, for at least one year. We see Gary sorting out his masculine and feminine traits, undergoing facial plastic surgery, electrolysis, hormone therapy, and psychological counseling. A lively discussion among Gabi s co-workers raises questions about the very nature of masculinity and femininity. Gabi attends a transsexual support group, and wrestles throughout the film with religious conflicts. By the end of the film she reconciles with her mother, and attends her high school reunion.Metamorphosis raises profound questions about gender stereotypes as Gary s fantasies collide with the realities of living as a woman. Watching Gary make conscious choices of what is appropriate behavior for a woman today challenges the audience to confront personal biases and expectations of what men and women are supposed to be.

Runtime

59 min

Creator

Leeman, Lisa

Subjects

Geography

Genre

Date of Publication

1990

Database

Alexander Street

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