Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Moving docuseries recounts authentic transgender stories.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
True Trans with Laura Jane Grace
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In TRUE TRANS WITH LAURA JANE GRACE, when the titular punk superstar and Against Me! lead singer came out as a transgender woman, she made headlines––and new friends. Grace crisscrosses the country to meet with these new trans friends and explore all the issues her public identity has brought up. In each mini-episode of approximately seven to eight minutes, Grace and her friends share moving stories from their lives, examining common experiences such as dealing with disapproving family members, keeping secrets from friends, contemplating suicide, and finding solace in art and music.
Is It Any Good?
Few statements capture the moving series' emotional core more powerfully than one interviewee's declaration: "Nothing is more important than being comfortable in your own skin ... it's as important as the air you breathe." The people the viewer meets in True Trans with Laura Jane Grace are, at last, more comfortable in their skin, though it took a lot of suffering to get there. Each episode details a different pain point: the horror of going through puberty and suddenly realizing your body is alien and profoundly not right, or the reasons why suicide is tragically common among transgender people.
As the interviewees reflect on the harmful depictions they've seen on daytime talk shows and sitcoms, the series actively corrects transgender stereotypes—portraying trans people as proud, successful, and fulfilled despite the hard battles they have fought. For kids who themselves might be questioning their gender identity, this series is pure gold. But anyone can glean important messages about being true to yourself and accepting others as they are.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how True Trans with Laura Jane Grace discusses transgender issues. What types of problems do trans people face? How do these problems overlap with those faced by other marginalized groups?
What other movies or shows can you name that show transgender people or characters grappling with their gender identities? Who are some trans people or characters who aren't defined by being LGBTQ+? Who are your favorite trans figures and characters, and why?
How do the interviewees demonstrate courage, empathy, and integrity in this series? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 10, 2014
- Cast : Laura Jane Grace , Fallon Fox , Buck Angel
- Network : AOL
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism ( LGBTQ+ rights )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Integrity
- TV rating :
- Last updated : November 10, 2025
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