Little Girl
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Little Girl
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Little Girl is a French-language documentary about a young child, born with a penis, who identifies as a girl and wants her gender identity to be accepted and supported by others. Images and discussions include gender dysphoria, puberty, pregnancy, miscarriage, and partial child nudity (Sasha gets out of the bath and has on her bottom underwear and is in the process of getting dressed and towel-drying her hair). Language includes the word "pee-pee" to describe a penis, and disparaging phrases such as "freak show," "idiots," and "piss you off." Positive messages include the ability to express who you are, acceptance of others' differences, and support from friends about life decisions.
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What's the Story?
In LITTLE GIRL, Sasha is a French second grader who was born with a penis but is aware that she is actually a girl. She tells her mother that "when I grow up, I'll be a girl." The family is supportive of Sasha's decision, adjusting their pronoun use and seeking a medical certificate from a health care professional who declares that people should consider Sasha a girl. The film also follows Sasha as she attends ballet classes and shops for clothing.
Is It Any Good?
Award-winning LGBTQ+ documentarian Sébastien Lifshitz carefully captures the challenges faced by a family working to support a child as her gender identity becomes clear. "I did wonder if it was all my fault, wanting a little girl so badly that this happened," Sasha's mother says emotionally at one point. Adds Sasha's father, "I'm not a dad insisting he'll be a boy. I want Sasha to be happy." And both parents are supportive of their daughter being able to be exactly who she is. Sasha, however, endures emotional pain and sheds tears over the prejudice shown by classmates and teachers regarding her identity. But she remains brave with the support of family and friends. "Sasha is here," says her mother, "perhaps to help change people's attitudes. And I'm here to help her." Little Girl proves to be a positively insightful film that will aid kids, parents, and others interested in the issues faced by those who are transgender.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the courage of Sasha in Little Girl. How does the child also demonstrate communication, curiosity, and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
Why is Sasha rejected by other people for her gender identity? How does she handle the reaction? How would you?
What is gender dysphoria? How does this film address it?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: February 1, 2022
- Cast: Sasha
- Director: Sébastien Lifshitz
- Studio: Music Box Films
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Communication, Courage, Curiosity, Perseverance
- Run time: 88 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: October 13, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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I Am Cait
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The Out List
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Boys Don't Cry
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For kids who love LGBTQ+ stories
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