Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Poignant docu celebrates trans stories and resilience.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Trans List
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
An installment of Timothy Greenfield-Sanders' award-winning HBO documentary series, THE TRANS LIST profiles 12 notable transgender people as they share their personal journeys of transition and acceptance. People such as activist Bamby Salcedo, Nicole Maines (the first transgender youth to win a discrimination lawsuit), and U.S. Army Sgt. Shane Ortega describe what it was like growing up before transitioning and what their lives are like now. More visible members of the community, including TV host Janet Mock, reality celeb Caitlyn Jenner, model and former Bond girl Caroline Cossey, and Orange Is the New Black star Laverne Cox, are featured also. From accepting who they are and learning to love their bodies to enduring state-sanctioned discrimination and fearing for their lives, collectively they highlight the successes and challenges they've faced, and continue to encounter, as they live openly as themselves.
Is It Any Good?
This poignant, honest, and informative documentary allows members of the transgender community to discuss their experiences in their own words. The Trans List reveals the heartbreaking frequency of violent crimes committed against trans people, and highlights how even simple things such as filling out paperwork, using a public bathroom, and wearing specific articles of clothing can become powerful or humiliating experiences.
Their stories aren't always easy to hear, but throughout it all they collectively note the joy and freedom that comes with living openly despite the risks. For some it's a celebration, while for others it continues to be a personal exploration. Nonetheless, all those profiled stress the importance of being comfortable with who they are if they want to advocate for others. Overall, the people on The Trans List remind us that we live in an age where traditional gender-based categories no longer work for us all and that everyone, no matter how we look or what it says on our hospital birth record, should be respected.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what being transgender means to the subjects on The Trans List. What are some reoccurring struggles and desires you heard about? How do these experiences compare (or contrast) with the struggles and desires of other LGBTQ+ communities?
What are some of the stereotypes featured in the media about trans people? What is the impact of these generalizations? How do documentaries such as The Trans List affect the way people think about trans people?
How do the interview subjects on The Trans List demonstrate courage? Besides empathy and compassion, what are some other character strengths that people can practice in order to make society more welcoming for trans people?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 5, 2016
- Cast : Janet Mock , Laverne Cox , Caitlyn Jenner
- Network : HBO
- Genre : Educational
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : August 8, 2025
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