Transhood (HBO)

About Transhood (HBO)

Transhood is an illuminating documentary presented by HBO, directed by Sharon Liese and released in 2020. This groundbreaking film takes a deeply intimate dive into the lives of four individuals over the course of five years as they redefine their identities in the face of society. It showcases a contemporary coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the ever-changing cultural climate, specifically focusing on the experiences of transgender youths.

Making / Production

The film is a result of over five years of intensive filming and production by director Sharon Liese, who aimed to reveal an authentic experience of growing up transgender in America today. The movie's production involved following the lives of four young people and their families in the progressive city of Kansas City, providing a compassionate and honest portrayal of the unique challenges they face.

Actors

• Jay, playing themselves, beautifully articulates their journey in coming to terms with their gender identity. Jay’s portrayal of his own experiences provides a nakedly honest perspective on being a transgender youth.
• Avery, playing themselves, graces the film with a stirring and genuine portrayal of their struggle to be accepted by society and their own family.
• Leena, playing themselves, offers a bold and brave depiction of their transition, adding great depth to the film.
• Phoenix, providing an exceptional performance as themselves, brings forth the complexities of growing up transgender in a younger age group.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was shot over five years, enabling the audience to witness the subjects' growth and their evolving understanding of their own identities.
• Transhood marks director Sharon Liese's debut on HBO.
• The film's production was predominantly located in Kansas City, a midwestern city known for its progressive attitudes towards LGBTQ+ matters.

Quotes

• "This is me. This is who I am.” - Jay
• "I just want to be accepted for who I am." - Avery
• "Being trans is not something I chose. But I choose to be happy about it." - Leena
• "I'm just a kid. A normal kid." - Phoenix

Music, Soundtrack

• The movie features a rich selection of music tracks that complement and enhance the emotional complexity of the film. They, however, haven't been officially released as part of a dedicated soundtrack.