Wednesday 12 June 2013

Romeos

(2011, Germany, Sabine Bernadi) - ***

A sweet German film that tells the story of a teenage Trans Male (Female to Male) and his transition to his gender identity. As a result of intolerance, he is placed in the girls dorm and develops relationships with boys.  He falls for the bad ass gay boy and the story evolves round the exposure of his birth gender.

This film shows two issues for the transgender community. First, the extent of discrimination and lack of knowledge that exists from the non-trans community - straight, gay, lesbian and bi. The film manages to do it in a non dramatic or preaching way which make it a less issue driven film.

The second is the differentiation of trans issues from sexual orientation. The fact that the lead character fancies men and there are no questions of whether he had made a mistake is very clever. Although we do have the LGBT community, I always feel the trans strand is slightly misplaced. I understand the trans community has been included for solidarity but the grouping always marginalises them. I think the LGB can be supportive while separate and there is a wide section of LGB people who are ignorant towards trans issues.

Overall a thoughtful and clever film.



Sunday 2 June 2013

My brother's funeral

Yesterday I buried my half brother.

It was a tremendously sad occasion and we will all miss him so much. He got hot by a car so it was far too early for him to leave us.

My family is complicated. My father was married before he met my mother and had two children. I am not close or out to my dad's side of the family. I imagine they all know because a 30 year old who has never had a girlfriend implies something.

Sitting at the wake it dawned to me what an idiot I had been. I realised how much this side of the family love me and probably do not care that I am gay. I have always avoided these family occasions and I think I have been foolish. I think I have shut these people out because I have not fully accepted myself and my sexuality. By not being honest with them I have given myself an excuse to self loathe.

His death has reminded me that life is short and so you better start living!

R.I.P.