Transgender, at War and in Love | Op-Docs
Transgender, at War and in Love is a short Emmy®-nominated documentary film directed by Fiona Dawson and co-produced with Gabriel Silverman and Jamie Coughlin of SideXSide Studios, which aired as part of the New York Times’ Op-Docs series in June 2015. The film tells the story of Logan Ireland, a transgender man serving in the U.S. Air Force, and his fiancée, Laila Villanueva, a transgender woman serving in the U.S. Army. It explores their experiences as transgender individuals in the military, shedding light on the challenges they face and their commitment to both their country and each other.
The documentary was released during a pivotal time when discussions about the inclusion of transgender individuals in the U.S. military were gaining national attention. It highlights themes of love, resilience, and the fight for acceptance, aiming to humanize the experiences of transgender service members and inspire greater understanding and advocacy for their rights.
The film was well-received for its intimate portrayal of the couple and its contribution to raising awareness about transgender issues within the military context. It is available for free viewing on The New York Times’ YouTube channel.
TransMilitary (2018) Official Trailer | Logo
TransMilitary is a groundbreaking award-winning feature-length documentary co-directed and produced by Fiona Dawson and Gabriel Silverman & Jamie Coughlin of SideXSide Studios. Released in 2018, the film explores the lives and challenges of transgender individuals serving in the U.S. military, focusing on their fight for equitable rights and inclusion.
Overview
The documentary follows the personal and professional lives of four transgender service members—El Cook, Logan Ireland, Jennifer Peace, and Laila Villanueva—as they navigate the complexities of serving in the military while advocating for policy changes to allow open service. At the time of the film’s production, the U.S. military was the largest employer of transgender people in the country, yet many were forced to serve in silence due to restrictive policies.
Key Themes
• Personal Narratives: The film gives a deeply personal look into the lives of the featured service members, including their struggles with identity, the fear of discharge, and the impact of their service on their families and relationships.
• Advocacy and Policy: It documents the advocacy efforts leading to the lifting of the ban on transgender service members during the Obama administration in 2016, as well as the uncertainty surrounding policy changes during subsequent years.
• Visibility and Representation: By sharing the stories of these service members, TransMilitary humanizes the issue of transgender inclusion in the armed forces, promoting empathy and understanding.
Reception and Impact
• TransMilitary premiered at the 2018 South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award for Documentary Feature .
• It has been praised for its compelling storytelling and impactful advocacy for transgender rights.
• The film aired on the Logo network and was made available on streaming platforms, broadening its reach and influence.
Where to watch TransMilitary:
• Amazon Prime Video: Available to stream with an Amazon Prime subscription.
• Tubi: Stream for free with ads.
• Pluto TV: Available for free on-demand streaming.
• Apple TV: Accessible for rent or purchase.
• Vimeo On Demand: Accessible for rent or purchase.