It has been three days since I saw the film TransAmerica. I cannot get the film, Felicity Huffman’s portrayal of a transgender man or the underlying content of the film out of my head. My obsession with TransAmerica and its moving story even led me to purchase the soundtrack. To my surprise, the soundtrack is predominantly filled with gospel-like music relating to low moments in a person’s life and the redemption that comes from accepting Christ as your savior. I began to contemplate the deeper issues made through TransAmerica and why Christianity was a central part of the film’s message.

Briefly, TransAmerica is a beautiful film told through the eyes of Bree, a transgender man who wishes to live his life as a woman. Unlike other films which may fall in this category, TransAmerica explores the realms of diverse lifestyles in conjunction with a positive Christian perspective. The film begins with Bree candidly talking with her psychologist, who will give the final verification to doctors that Bree is mentally ready for her operation. Prior to the surgery, Bree finds out that while in college she had relations with a woman and produced a son who calls looking for his father. Bree’s psychologist informs her that she must clear her past before she is able to move on and she therefore needs to reconcile her parental relationship before the operation can begin. Fearing that her surgery waiver may not be granted, Bree embarks on a cross-country journey to meet her son. When the two meet, the idea of diverse lifestyles and religion becomes evident.

Watching the film, you cannot help but feel empathetic for the character who desperately wants to be accepted. Time and time again she is referred to as a sinner and a freak. Without hesitation Bree responds by stating, “My body may be a work in progress, but there is nothing wrong with my soul.”

I think we can learn a lot about God through this film. On the outside, people like to pick on diverse lifestyles without realizing God’s universal love. If we can learn anything from the Bible, we should realize that Jesus did not congregate with the so-called “righteous” but rather the prostitutes and others outcaste by society. The message in the film is that God loves everyone despite their lifestyles. The film teaches us to appreciate life and the importance of living in harmony. The best way to win some over is not to condemn them, but show them God’s love through your life.

In a time where so many of us feel insecure about our bodies and mind, we encounter a brave soul like Bree who, despite criticism, is for the most part secure about herself. TransAmerica teaches us tolerance. We should leave judgment for God and care for one another without passing judgment. Everyone has struggles in life; why should we put someone down who is already feeling alone and depressed.

I recommend this film for those who wish to see life in a different way, and hope they realize that everyone endures hardship. Life is a journey, bring an open mind.

Buy it now at Amazon

TransAmerica Trivia

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Photo source: Katherine Connella

The original inspiration for the concept of the screenplay “TransAmerica”, by Duncan Tucker, evolved one evening in late 1993. Transgendered actress Katherine Connella and Tucker were sharing a house in Hollywood at the time and were having a debate on male/female perceptions. She stopped the debate cold when she revealed that she was a hermaphrodite and had been wrongly raised as a boy.

• Felicity Huffman had to finish shooting her scenes earlier than scheduled when she secured a role on “Desperate Housewives” (2004).

• Not knowing the film would be such a success, most of the wardrobe and props were donated to charity and thrift stores after production wrapped.

• Nominated for 2 Oscars including Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role and Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song by Dolly Parton “Travelin’ Thru”.

Trivia courtesy of imdb.com