"Posture" | Short Film

For SUNY Purchase "Think Wide Open": For some time, I did not empathize with nor understand the transgender community. After an immensely difficult time in my life, however, when two of my closest friends, Krys Jacques, to whom this video is dedicated, and Gabe Aviles, helped me through countless personal struggles, I felt it entirely necessary to relay the truth to their experiences I had never seen before. This film is my appeal to everyone who thinks like I once did and a thank you to those who saved me.
"Posture," a transgender short film dedicated to Krys Jacques.
Written and directed by Liam English.
Filmed on Panasonic's Hc X-920 and edited in Adobe's Premiere Pro.
Starring:
Liam English
Grace Poniatowski
Dave Van Dusen
Lyric Caramto
Hannah Caramto
Music (Used for educational purposes w/o permission):
Misguided Ghosts by Paramore
Bag of Bones by The Maccabees
Outside With the Cuties by Frankie Cosmos
Cigarette Daydreams by Cage the Elephant
Niagara Falls by JayMay
Zebra by Beach House

[@gabrielvillavicencio749]

You said it was a short film

[@alanstephenson2785]

It is

[@chrisbj743]

Less than 30 minutes is a short film

[@Geeky.rainbow.vampire]

It is?

[@Geeky.rainbow.vampire]

A full length film is about 2 hour

[@tomotestermanpic3856]

Gabriel Villavicencio yes but actually no

[@rainxa]

Oh finally, an MtF film. (Nothing against FtM, but it overpopulates MtF by far.)

[@Stephh99]

Agreed! I’m constantly seeking out mtf films and youtubers because though I love ftm’s to death, I want to broaden my horizons a bit more (Edit: typo ffs)

[@rosamelotti1203]

I agree

[@odetosleep8416]

As an FtM, I totally agree. When I watch short films on Ftm people I gain more courage to come out. The films also further help me to accept myself, so I think that if we had more MtF short films, more of these beautiful MtF's would have the courage to come out.

[@kaisquires5767]

Oh shit. You NEEEEEEED to watch one called "The Real Thing" if you haven't already!! (It's adorable)

[@tomotestermanpic3856]

As mtf I’ve glad there is at least one

[@imaginefishes]

The moment she smiled after changing her clothes and putting on the wig, that really struck a chord with me even though I’m FTM and I could never understand the situation from the opposite perspective, I’m happy for her

[@blacksepikseye7300]

i felt the same way and I hadn't even tried a wig and clothes yet. sometimes I just see the real me in the mirror and I smile like that. euphoria go brrr

[@aneeya9387]

@@blacksepikseye7300 I've only felt euphoria once when my roommate helped me do my makeup... But it feels amazing. I hope you find euphoria more ❤️

[@sarzic4708]

I am an closeted transgender boy. A little boy once called me he/him pronouns; “He’s your best friend!” I couldn’t be happier, hopefully these kids last and they understand when they are older what transgender is.

[@aurianlupi3021]

I just opened up to some of my friends and family I am also a transgender male love LGBT PRIDE ❤❤

[@elithetrashcan6700]

That is so sweet ❤

[@Small_Egirl]

I'm a closeted ftm too, strangers call me the correct he/him pronouns all the time and it makes me so happy. Wish my family could accept me

[@ghxstyboi8858]

Same I was in the dentist and random little boy ran away from his mom and stopped at my room and said, "look there's a boy in there! There's a boy in there" I was so happy

[@elithetrashcan6700]

@@ghxstyboi8858 aww

[@keith9036]

When she said "Why is that lady crying?" My heart melted. I wish someone would treat me this way. I'm a trans male btw.

[@pussypanties5779]

I'm transfeminine and pansexual I wanna be a crossdresser and I honestly feel your pain honey 😔💕

[@amyashlyn9293]

Ikr

[@slasher4540]

Same

[@jetbuilder]

I had a similar experience. A relatives 6yo niece saw me walk onto the house and asked "who's that girl?" My heart melted

[@kamk9156]

She's beautiful, and no one should tell her different! She is now my child

[@happyhiker6937]

Any parent that would say "just get out" is cruel and selfish. Children with these issues need love and support. My children would have it unconditionally.

[@even___]

you are a good parent ^^

[@peacock9473]

@@even___ good is an understatement :)

[@breakeranimation4146]

Can you adopt me please? I need to get away from those monsters called "my family" and I say family lossly.

[@daisychain3007]

The parents who kick out a transsexual child are the same parents that would kick out a teenage girl who got pregnant before marriage.

[@daisychain3007]

How a father can throw out his child just because the child is transgender beats me. At the end of the day, his child is still his child. The father deserves to rot in hell. The so-called girlfriend is no better. She should have tried to be his friend and supported him.

[@elithetrashcan6700]

To all trans women: You are beautiful, amazing, brave ladies who deserve all the love and support in the world. You are real women and you do have people that support you I promise ❤

[@rebeccablack3409]

You don't know how much that means

[@josephc901]

Rebecca Black thank you luv. This means a lot

[@lilexplosivediarrhea6061]

Eli The Trashcan thank you this means a lot

[@Skelimanter]

Thanks

[@skyleneescobar4902]

Eli The Trashcan 💕💕💕💕💕

[@lunarsystem]

I'm ftm but still I can feel her so much... That dysphoria while taking her shirt off...

[@brendas.1374]

I’m a trans girl and I went through the same thing with my family and friends. They thought I was a gay but I told them I’m a girl trapped in a boy’s body. They eventually accepted me and I was so overjoyed, except my dad. He doesn’t talk to me and will not accept me as his daughter. But my mom and brother support me 100%. I live full-time as a woman and currently on HRT.

[@syren1022]

That’s great! I hope your dad finally acknowledges you.

[@morgulstower5839]

f your so called dad. He doesn't deserve a relationship with you if he feels and treats you that way, be glad he's not in your life not sad

[@richa6313]

Hope their are more families like your family

[@brandonallen3808]

You're the kind of of Trans people I like. Those who just want to transition, live your life and not push it onto other people. I'll bet you are beautiful.

[@alexxanderbevan6707]

if I can have her masculine body, she can have my feminine body.

[@paintmepanic1659]

thatone emoboy literally same!

[@eijiroukirishima1600]

MEEEE

[@ghxstyboi8858]

Same I'm ftm, that was beautiful, you are beautiful

[@80yearsold23]

Yup same friend

[@BrndnUr]

Honestly what I thought the whole time.

[@elismith6106]

Those breaths in that you see when she sees herself.... Those are so real. The first time I had a moment like that is when I started binding... Making me cry up in here...

[@elismith6106]

And that stuttering while coming out to someone for the first time... This is so realistic.

[@somethingspaceguy]

@@elismith6106 those first moment of Euphoria..... beautiful sad and nestalgic

[@paintmepanic1659]

She was just so beautiful! And I love how one simple sentence made her day and that is so accurate to how it can feel when one random person gets your gender right! Great Job this was amazing!

[@Draculem1hawk]

When she smiled at the end it was priceless 😍😍

[@elithetrashcan6700]

It was so beautiful ❤

[@DeeLiciousx]

Well that made me cry! 40 years of hidden feelings summed up in a few minutes of film. Well done for making a powerful short story.

[@PH580418]

I been trans when I knew what I was , I was 13 yr old 48 years ago !

[@keithss67]

people who are not harming other people should be allowed to live their lives.

[@finaldestination59]

ophelia: it makes me feel beautiful... stephanie: *wHaT tHe FuCk nOaH*

[@user-bv3yy8sq3f]

That conversation... That she had with her dad when she was first discovered..... That was... So similar to the conversations I have with my stepmother.. Only, with her, she tends to like to bring up all the feminine things I liked as a child and how I'm too young and that people my age always end up making mistakes... Evidently she still thinks that it'll all be a phase or something and doesn't realize I don't LIKE getting screamed at and that I don't LIKE sobbing and that this isn't to be a special snowflake or whatever... She got angry at my teachers and threatened to pull me out of school because they called me by my preferred name and pronouns... Also came within seconds away of returning a binder I just got... First binder I ever got.. I wish there were special words one can say that could just.. Let people like that instantly understand. Like "abracadabra" and it makes sense to them.. *sigh* (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧ fighting! Just got to keep fighting until we're allowed to be our own people...

[@alexrainbow7372]

Holy crap the realism of this hit me hard

[@Eagle_66]

-Why is that lady crying? Just beautiful... Nobody that has been through transgender issues won't understand.

[@oakleywinters2267]

María Leticia González because being trans in hard sometimes

[@cahyantomudyastomo8445]

OMG. That's it if our closest relative --- could b our tall good looking son or may b ur boyfriend choose d 4th letter of LGBT--- n change his posture 2 match with d T right away. Please someone outthere give advice 2 overcome d shocking situation without blaming why d dad gets angry or d girl crying or weeping. 😑😑😕

[@nik9310]

I honestly love this short film I feel so close to it and it makes me want to cry tears of joy because you guys should the struggles of being a trans from male to female. Thank you for showing the struggles that some of us have to go through and the way it is

[@pamelaclary5869]

Dad stands to the top of the stairs the whole time during the confession.in real life an upset father would've been all up in the sons face in panic.disbelief.anger.disappointed. he'd of showed deep emotion.physically.

[@jaybek7707]

I am HERE for a MTF film. Representation is so important and I really treasure this!! It gets better guys gals and pals. It seriously will. Remember to keep pushing forward and little changes will find their way. One day you’ll look in the mirror and see yourself as who you are ❤️

[@pixie362]

I hate when people say "You're putting pressure on ME!" Like I'm being MYSELF and you take that as a punishment for YOURSELF!? That is so SELFISH

[@Geeky.rainbow.vampire]

I'll help her... though we are getting her a different wig, straight cut bangs dont do ophelia justice

[@itzash4403]

My immediate reaction: Damn she's tall!

[@mcmanpa]

“Posture” is short on filmmaking skill, but oversupplied in its sincere wish to communicate something of the dilemma faced by those who realise they are living their lives in the body of the opposite sex and are surrounded by family & friends unsympathetic or not understanding. Noah/Ophelia, played by writer/director Liam English, is haltingly inarticulate as the lead character, but manages to express this angst most powerfully by his very tall and lean frame, which is a remarkable visual in itself.

[@charlievirginia]

Cigarette daydreams,, love the music choices🤙🏽

[@liamenglish5268]

Joslyn every day it isn’t copyright struck is a small miracle haha

[@miranda4059]

As someone who is transgender mtf this film really speaks the truth of the matter that it really hurts when people people call you gay even though your transgender mtf

[@ashtonamajiki6831]

Hi i just wanted to let you know that you’re a very beautiful woman and you’re amazing and keep doing what you’re doing!! I’m FtM Femboy and I know we’re not exactly the same but we have to support each other right 😊

[@miranda4059]

@@ashtonamajiki6831 Right we have support each other. Congrats on transitioning ftm you are a very nice man. Im a transgender mtf annd quiet honestly im a lot happier because i get to live my true self as a girl.😊😊😊

[@ashtonamajiki6831]

@@miranda4059 I’m happy for you!! I’m glad you’re happy and I haven’t transitioned yet unfortunately 😒 but that’s ok I still think I’m a man

[@GooseWinchester]

When she was putting on that dress and make up it made me smile and idk why.

[@evilz0mbie573]

"i don't really believe in that transexual" oops sorry my fist slipped

[@beanmochiii]

It’s really weird how they just ignore the beautiful music that plays randomly

[@maxpenning2262]

It makes me happy to see all of the comments on this video being so positive towards transgender people. I have hope for the future.

[@marionyanez4870]

Obvio si la mayoría que escribe es trans ,que esperabas ja,ja,ja,.

[@jergunglefinger]

Holy crap she's so brave. I could never do this. As an mtf, I understand her feelings, and it takes so much for me to even buy feminine clothes, let alone go out in public while wearing them.

[@emirmupar1468]

This is tough to watch. I am a trans people supporter. You guys are the bravest humans to stand for what you really are and withstand the rest of us, our staring, prejudices and the likes.

[@sarzic4708]

Thank you :)

[@aurianlupi3021]

Thank you so much ❤

[@paintmepanic1659]

Thank you

[@elithetrashcan6700]

Aww thank you :)

[@mossiris816]

This just made my day, thanks you so much!!

[@alexthemylittleponylover5048]

Who else was On the edge of their bed because you thought he was gonna cut himself with the razor

[@BrndnUr]

I was 😂 I was thinking "oh no watch out for your Adams apple please, u don't wanna get hurt" (also I think u meant she/her)

[@jackelproductions3334]

she*

[@shimmerlight_]

Herself :)

[@liamenglish5268]

Not gonna lie - I did haha.

[@spooky4695]

@@jackelproductions3334 they were talking abt the actual actor who is a boy

[@howardghee6271]

Well done, and the final scene with the little girl was so touching. I knew I recognized Colonie Center in it at the beginning.

[@wednesdayherrick]

I have the same coexist flag in my room and I use the same concealer.

[@ricemuncher44]

i remember this! my sister lyric got me to be the little girl at the end! i was in the 2nd grade LMAOO!!! i was going back to this because i didn’t understand anything about the film when i was younger. but now, this film explains and shows how trans women (and trans men too) are beautiful and amazing

[@llyisnotonfire7723]

Stephanie: WTF NOAH!!!! Me: WTF STEPHANIE, SHUT THE F UP.... OMG!!!!!!! *runs around screaming* WTF!!

[@elithetrashcan6700]

Ugh that got on my nerves

[@bomoore9872]

There was some hate in the comment section. Only a few. We scared em away. But for the most part, it was really positive. Our world is advancing, but not quick enough I fear

[@sophiachanco3184]

The way Ophelia is a trans female but still loved Steph is so cute! My friend is lesbian but her girlfriend came out as trans so now my friend is technically pans. 😊

[@itzash4403]

YoU nEeD hElP!! That was my parents reaction when I came out

[@sodamoon1]

“I DONT WANT YOU TO EXPLAIN!” “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” 😑😑😑

[@r-platt]

Every transgender person's nightmare and far to real. I am so lucky my parents were understanding. Still, I lost friends. I lost jobs. I lost a piece of my soul and walk this Earth like a zombie, desperate for what I can no longer have, waiting for what may never come: my turn to live the dream.

[@iwanttodrinkbleach5347]

the name ophelia sounds so nice and is a really beautiful name

[@batboylive963]

hehe

[@Googleyourowndeath]

If you're looking for MTF short films I recommend "The real thing"

[@breonnagabelt9134]

Honestly, she's really pretty ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@bomoore9872]

@Izzatullo Abduahatov no it's she. She is transgender. Meaning she identifies as female. Which means we use the pronouns she/her

[@jackelproductions3334]

Ophelia is the most prettiest being I have ever seen. I'm a trans gay male but love to watch these. beat of luck to all of u 😘😍

[@kylehill9981]

this was good but like aint nobody was nice?? homegirl deserves better riip

[@therapyfilms]

I feel so bad for her 😭😭♥️♥️💕

[@nessa3751]

my girlfriend also thought i was gay, we were living together already... so I wasn't brave and pushed my feelings down for 8 years... she ended up cheating on me, I had serious issues with drugs and alcohol... I'm almost 2 months clean and finally coming to terms with myself... I am 30

[@a.goudreau425]

She's still the same person, just with a different name, different pronouns, and different genitals. That's all that's changed. I should know... I'm a boy. Nothing has changed at all about me except for my name, pronouns, and genitals (eventually). That's it. Being Trans isn't as easy as 1, 2, 3. It's a process to get used to, a process that takes time. Some know really fast, others don't. It's not anyone's fault, it's just how you are and you can't change that just because someone doesn't like it. All she needs is support, love, and care. Just like any other person in the trans community. This is my thoughts. If you don't like them, then skip them and don't let it ruin your day. Just go on and hate on someone else. But she is beautiful, and so is every other trans person.

[@prometheustv6558]

Anna Goudreau are you sure bout that

[@TheWhore2culture]

Bravo👏👏👏👊Powerful, poignant and beautifully brave;a person is whom they tell you they are.Love them for them,not you.Listen,don't just look.👌🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟👍💥❤💯KUDOS to EVERYONE involved👋🌱💚🌳✌Everybody needs love to grow; REAL love is nourishment for the soul,yours as well as theirs, without expectations or conditions. Love,light and strength to all those strong, beautiful souls, out there on this journey.

[@samsstudio9913]

As a trans girl I loved the idea of this, specially because there’s not a lot of mtf trans short films, however, it could be slightly better done. I dont know, there’s a few things I would cut out to make it a little bit shorter. Maybe I’m just a bitch lol. 💕💕

[@CosmicRetriever]

If you're FTM, you're valid. If you're MTF, you're valid. If you're non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid or agender, you're valid. Whatever you are, you're valid!

[@NotNochos]

Realll

[@ratz_go_splatz]

I've been looking for an mtf film for so long thank you 😭

[@e.fraser_mckenzie8539]

@Liam English: Thank you very much for this short film. I was really touched and I hope Ophelia is fine. @to all the people: You are valid. You are loved. You wanna get the support you need. Maybe you just have not met your person(s) yet. Please do not give up on yourself and all this dreams that you are carring in your heart.

[@trashcanfullofsoil9203]

I relate to the dysphoria but in an opposite way

[@bomoore9872]

So you're MtF

[@cairn3968]

She's so pretty oml. Her makeup is great and I love the outfit, but brush out the wig hun!

[@potato5052]

the store when closeted: this place is the most shitty ever.. the store when you're out: this is the best store EVEEEER!!

[@junelark4627]

but like damn. she’s tall.

[@confused7135]

OMG Ophelia you are so PRETTY!

[@civetbutlemonbutmouse6087]

Loved it so much! Lol when I saw her about to look in the mirror my brain went, "veronica"

[@ry4nwc]

way to make a guy cry. beautifully made💞

[@samanthapatrick4345]

I'm wishing her all the best I know everything will goes well for her with her transition, I'm sending hugs and love her way 🤗🤗🤗💗💗💗🌈🏳️‍🌈🌠☮️,and this is coming from another Trans woman

[@juliacoimbra1731]

her gender euphoria while looking herself in the mirror, with that beautiful dress, thrilled me so much

[@user-cx7qv1il8k]

The happiest moments of my life were after I turned 15 and said my thick auburn hair was too hot so I chopped it short, and little kids would throw tantrums yelling at their parents and saying I was a boy. While all of the adults in the room were arguing with the child I was just trying not to smile, for once feeling like I was seen. I am now 19 and identify as agender, and I still feel a little lighter when a kid sees my short hair and calls me a boy.

[@emaperovic5167]

Beautiful film, I love it! Congratulations!🎊👏 I was crying in any part. ❤️❤️😇👏

[@FarahDavid1973]

This Short Film Just talks about me 25 years ago - I Know 100% what Noah feels and I hope for Her getting a Good Life

[@juliacoimbra1731]

she is so brave. when I grow up, I wanna be brave like Ofelia

[@gisellereeves7815]

i can so identify the lead character its almost my life story

[@ally462]

Giselle Reeves that’s me too everyday I look at the mirror

[@kolent5292]

this story so beautyful any conversation and acting so good

[@pennywilson2956]

Watching her put her makeup on and smile was SOOOO cute ugh

[@butteredtoastinbed397]

This is nothing short of incredible, I'm in tears, I want to give her a hug omg

[@joshawafrith4797]

i hate how this video hit the sport of how people say I don't believe in it like bitch what do you mean were right in front of yall. my last employer said that to me and it was unreal like it made no sense at all

[@mysry1001]

All trans people are valid and deserve to be loved and appreciated, me being one of them I can understand what this is like. My mom just about kicked me out of the house after I cut my hair

[@umseranonimo5215]

Her: I'm a girl Me: OMG here we comes the war of a dad and a daughter

[@aboywithadreambutendedindi295]

When she came out to her dad that's the same conversation I had with my mom I'm transgender ftm my preferred name is Justin I just hope one day my mom will understand

[@roccopanunzi39]

Grazie

[@Alucia0]

I will say that expecting people especially people like parents to just accept it off the batt and chance how they treat you and address you instantaneously is kind of unrealistic. What I do not get and can not get is people acting like it is all about them. It is not I'm sorry but it is not about them. Us being who we are causes you pain then so be it. If things take time then fine but don't treat us like we are mentally ill, don't treat us like freaks, don't treat us like we are doing something wrong. We do need help yes. We need support, we need people to treat us like we are human and not the monster under the bed. The ending though really got me. It's the little things, just a tiny thing like that makes all the difference in the world. Just treating us like us can help fix a life time of pain and hurt. I personally have been very lucky. I came out in my early 30's and almost everyone has been lovely and supportive, my friends my partner, my workplace. My parents are far from it and have decided to go no contact, which really hurts though.

[@sugar7845]

If I was the dad I’d still be very confused and ask many questions but end up hugging her and telling her she looks beautiful, not that she needs help w t f

[@ashleymay3607]

To every trans person you are amazing,loved,and accepted. Don’t let hate stop you.❤

[@angeloconnell2585]

Gorgeous💘💘💘

[@Superheaven.ascended]

When he did the thing to his chest I felt tgat for some reason that made me wanna cry because ive been that young man before....im on my.gender journey rn im nonbinary. Idk if thats the best fit but thats part of the journey

[@kolent5292]

LIAM ENGLISH this is the BEST clip i ever seen ,the comversation the acting ,your story touching my heart ,thank a lot and support

[@poisontippedsword3457]

OPHELIA!!! Not Liam!!

[@maxpenning2262]

@@poisontippedsword3457 The character in the film is named Ophelia. The person who created the film is named Liam English, as it says at the beginning (unless they have since changed their name).

[@fallingintogay277]

You can see the recorder in the car window

[@liamenglish5268]

Believe me, it haunts me every time I go back to this video.

[@nostalgipaulo1363]

10:05 why I felt the fear when She was caught by her dad? 🙈

[@idkwhattoputhere7950]

I love this and all but sis, that wig ain’t right. Those bangs are-

[@m0hinidreamlok303]

i m also same ...from childhood i crossdress and love that .. people cant understand us...girls wear jeans shirts ...then why not we wear lingerie and short dress like them ..look i love girls but i want to be attractive like them ..make up and all ...but love to girls always....

[@RUSHGAMERYT.]

It's true ..I can understand you

[@breakeranimation4146]

Same here man. Society is shit.

[@polaroid6967]

this dad triggers me so much how dare he invalidate such a beautiful woman-

[@UnidentifiedMorgue]

She is my tall queen 👑... You can slayy all day. Love you sis

[@heidi8648]

Yasss

[@matchaguu]

Yes because the first thing I'd do with my girlfriend, who assumed I was a cis guy all along, is go full RuPaul in front of her without any prior indication.

[@cassioballetrosado5200]

Gente! Apaixonado pela iniciativa desse rapaz! Se todos fossem assim e não deixasse o preconceito sufocar você! Meus Parabéns!

[@EmmyJeanBean]

It's amazing how much emotion they can portray with so few words.

[@darrindlc9513]

Live your Truth ans Love yourself

[@navida2005]

when she put on that wig, she looked so beautiful :`)))

[@lucianoinnocenti1993]

🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗 nella vita bisogna essere liberi di essere noi stessi. Non è un tabù ma la libertà di ognuno di noi di esprimersi la nostra dignità

[@carlinh-hmcgovernn8016]

Don’t you just LOVE it when the parents think everything their child does during a transition is a way to get back at their parental unit. 🙄

[@LegendaryMuffinn]

I think she looks beautiful

[@juliab5037]

No one: Me: oooohphellia

[@kalliswhydouwannaknow564]

Ah yes, the lumineers

[@kalliswhydouwannaknow564]

Ah yes, the lumineers

[@vjl222]

YESS