They Want to Define Their Gender. They Have the Courage to Live Their Authentic Self.
A FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
A non-Indigenous teenager and Indigenous elder take you on two remarkable
life journeys revealing what it’s like being gender-diverse while
navigating societal obstacles in the 21st century.
Sealord Films Canada is currently in the development stage of Generation They*, a feature-length documentary about being gender-diverse while navigating a world filled with societal obstacles. Slated for theatrical release in 2024. The film is a work in progress, we are looking for allies, supporters, and funding for the project. If you would like to get involved with this project, please click on the appropriate link
below to join team Generation They*.
Film Outline
This feature-length social justice documentary, Generation They* introduces a broad audience to a spectrum of gender identities known as gender-diverse or non-binary. Gender-diverse people have existed for millennia but this particular generation of gender-diverse pioneers is slowly emerging and becoming visible within society. They want to define their gender. They have the courage to live their authentic self.
Seen through the eyes of two gender-diverse self-identifying people. One is a non-Indigenous teenager, just beginning to make sense of their gender identity and the world around them. The other is an Indigenous elder who has self-identified as Two-Spirit long before the term even existed. Both allow the audience an intimate glimpse into their lives as they navigate and interpret the world around them.
Throughout this powerful documentary, we will also hear from the allies and adversaries of gender-diverse people along with added insight from a panel of experts in the field of gender studies. The subject matter focuses on the multitude of life challenges the film's participants and other gender-diverse people face in today’s society. A supportive conversation will take precedent alongside difficult conversations addressing the lives of gender-diverse people in Canada.
Gender identity and expression are human rights in Canada but that is not the case throughout the world. The film will touch on how other nations around the world acknowledge and view gender diversity in society compared to Canada.
An uplifting and positive theme will prevail throughout the documentary celebrating all that is unique and authentic about gender diversity. Acceptance begins with understanding, Generation They*hopes to make sense of this complex and often misunderstood subject matter while creating empathy and compassion for Two-Spirit, gender-diverse and non-binary people worldwide.
Why it Matters.
Gender variant people are probably the most misunderstood minorities in society today due to a lack of awareness and discussion on the subject. As a result, not conforming to binary genders often brings about; discrimination, harassment, and bullying, often resulting in less than favourable life outcomes for gender variant people. If allies can be formed through education and empathy, it’s possible to better the lives of gender variant people worldwide.
Suicide is the 9th leading cause of death in Canada. Although there are no specific statistics for gender variant related suicides in Canada, The Center for Suicide Prevention in the USA says 22-43% of transgender people have attempted suicide in their lives (Bauer Et Al, 2015B). Generation They* could help save the lives of gender variant people because they fall within the transgender spectrum.
In recent years laws have been changed in Canada to explicitly include the words “gender identity” and “gender expression” in the Human Rights Act. Unfortunately, laws do not always change how we view and treat others. Creating awareness and empathy through film is often the best way to educate others and change how we view and treat one another.
Generation They* sets out to demystify gender and how we perceive it in society by strengthening the voice of those who do not fit the binary convention of male or female. Ultimately, improving the lives of all gender variant people through awareness and understanding. Everyone has a right to live their authentic self.
Get Involved.
Contact us if you are interested in becoming an official sponsor, or have a thought to share.
Click the link.
