Trans Representation Where She's "100% a woman"

[@tracelysette]

I typically don’t defend my work online but it is clear to me that you are projecting a different idea for a similar movie that you would have rather seen onto this one. You have made some inaccurate assumptions about me also. Mainly, an actor at my level does not have any say so on the directors shots and angles unless maybe in a sex scene. You referenced my looks so many times in this video which is very telling and shallow. The aspect ratio was tight on purpose to dial in the performances and give the feeling of feeling trapped. There is a reason this film is (barely) in the awards conversation and what a rarity that is for our community. People are talking about the performances in a positive light because it’s hard to reach an audience without dialogue and the framing left zero room to phone anything in. Also, the quote from overseas press was probably not even my exact wording but when you are doing a whirlwind marathon of a press junket in a foreign country and trying to convey things to people who may not even speak English well, sometimes the words don’t come out perfect. I’ve always admired you from afar and this is disappointing. Because surely you can understand that if a film like this doesn’t do well then we may never rise in the ranks of Hollywood to a point where any of us have the clout to insist on more trans stories written by trans people, so we can see the full spectrum of our experiences. It’s a miracle that after 7+ years this film even made it out into the world and that most of the critical reception has been positive. Also, my name is Trace… not Tracy… and if you knew me in real life you would know how different this character is from me. You do not know me or where I come from, so don’t act like it. I will continue to do my best to make space for us in Hollywood, and the support from our own community is usually the thing that I fall back on. It’s so much bigger than this one film. I wish you could see that.

[@KatBlaque]

Definitely appreciate you sharing your thoughts. This is a very long video and I didn’t have the time to timestamp it when I uploaded it but much of what you’re saying here is addressed in this video. Specifically the way it was shot; that’s one of the things I draw attention to. That it was intentional and that I ultimately feel that understanding the directors goal, it was successful in what he was trying to do. So it’s a division between what I think would have told a more appealing story and what the director was trying to do. Successful in representing a trans woman the way he wanted to, but I just wanted more story. I thought it was a beautiful portrait of Monica as a character, I just wasn’t a fan of the overall pacing and story. With my reviews and explorations I always try to share my truthful feelings and I try not to prop things up just because I appreciate what they are. I am ultimately more interested in discussing the issues around this film and the conversations that come from it. Completely understand the way quotes get molded together but you’ll notice I ultimately defend that point and I think your representation is powerful. I’ll still be rooting for your win and I’m really excited to see what you do in the future. I wanted to talk about this film because I was very excited to see it and I haven’t seen many folks talking about it ❤️

[@jin-zz1bj]

Damn you really can not take criticism well at all, girl. 💀💀💀 Kat was so nice in her review, too.

[@nohotdog463]

Damn, someone can’t take criticism.

[@valenz1234]

Personally I think some of Kat's comments were rude, specifically about wondering if Trace had had a part in the shots and her portrayal, really focussing on her beauty and such. She clarifies later in the video that it was the director after all, but I just think it's a big and unusual assumption to make about someone you don't know well. I'm just saying I would have been more careful.

[@EmyrianMusic]

As a queer individual, watching this video left me interested in the movie and wanting to know more about you.

[@jadesmith417]

One thing I was thinking about the fact that Monica's mother accepted Paul's son but not Monica - parents tend to be more accepting towards their grandchildren than their children. Plenty of parents say that their parents are nicer to their children than they were to them as kids. Maybe Monica's mother was trying to make up for being so cruel to Monica by being kind to Paul's son.

[@KatBlaque]

I really hate that this is such a pattern of mine, but through this video I say "Tracy" when her name is actually pronounced "Trayse". I apologize.

[@seizetheghost6616]

Like Trace? Asking because idk. I just watch your videos because I enjoy your takes

[@jadynromero8175]

Tray-say?

[@three7142]

I just wanted to say, "ain't that some shit?!" That is all.

[@Buujipoppu]

Thank you for that correction. The subtitles' spelling of her name is hilariously inconsistent and there's a lot of other glaring word and grammar errors, like saying that the brother died instead of the mother. I've even seen the subtitles get your name wrong in other videos. Overall the subtitles in your video are really helpful but need serious editing. I also transcribe audio in my job so I know it's not easy or earns you big bucks but they need some more effort and time put into them for the benefit of your subtitle viewing audience. Love the videos, sorry for the critical comment

[@alanaspurling6469]

@@seizetheghost6616 yes exactly. She was also on Transparent…

[@musicIistener]

The stealth storyline would also be interesting because it would add layers to her visit back home, going from a world that accepts her (in a way) to a more intimate world where every one knows the truth about her would provide a lot of fascinating opportunities

[@sailorplanetmars6103]

I'm glad to see a nuanced and level critique of a queer film here - I'm so used to people jumping to either reactionary or counter-reactionary positions that it's nice to hear the same sorts of comprehensive and fair-minded criticism other arthouse films get. I recently saw the Tina Turner musical, and it had a moment that... wasn't a queer moment literally, but resonated with me through my queerness. As her mother falls ill and approaches her end, she attempts to apologise to Tina, saying she regretted "not being woman enough to raise" Tina, and saying "you didn't need me, you raised yourself". Tina just says back, "but I did [need you], Ma", and it was such a simple yet powerful moment. I feel like this movie just needed a chance for that kind of vulnerability - a chance for the mother to recognise her faults, explain why she behaved the way she did, and for Monica to accept or reject that explanation. It feels like it's dancing around the conflict, and I appreciate that - not every film needs to look that heart-rending pain right in the face - but this one wants to and just doesn't.

[@taylor3950]

Completely agree. I’m trying to teach the algorithm to send me less of “Why X is actually bad!” and more of “Here’s how I felt about X”.

[@les5503]

It really got me when Kat said she was thinking about getting back into acting because of this. She’s someone who has done so much to inspire so many other people, it’s delightful to see her inspired too. Like this lovely network of talented trans people lifting each other up

[@edvh88]

I don’t think there’s anything she’s bad at 🥳🤩

[@harryjules369]

My grandaughter came out as trans recently. She is only 12...our whole family is supportive.

[@Karamazov9]

Awesome. I’m happy that you’re supportive.

[@urnotl0r0s]

that’s so wholesome!

[@Chuck_EL]

Amazing

[@amber9040]

Congrats on the new granddaughter! If you're in the US, get her to a blue state if she's not already in one.

[@im19ice3]

My condolences about your mom

[@Simplyeverlasting87]

Yeah when you got to the ending of describing the movie, I honestly thought that was the middle of the movie. It kinda feels like the movie was sort of incomplete

[@Non-Dari]

Im really sorry for your loss. Both my parents are gone and I'm only in my mid twenties, so I can totally relate! I'm going to keep it respectful, because this isn't the time nor the place, but I understand you and empathize with you on so many levels! I'll just say hearing the same stories over and over again as a black LGBTQia+ person; I'm thankful that I grew up fatherless.

[@norikadolmy7274]

I think that while this isn't a traditional transition story, it is still a transition or coming out story. It tries to show the sort of ending part of that narrative. When you come out and have a falling out with a family member, it can be years before the relationship fully heals. It sounds like this movie is trying to show the ending of that story, where long years of distance slowly resolve to an imperfect acceptance and maybe hope for the future of a new generation and a chance to heal the wounds of the past

[@TheTrycehyman]

My condolences for your loss, Kat.

[@G10293]

Always happy to see Kat posting. The world needs more trans representation.

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

If you love Kat's stuff like I know I do, I would highly recommend Khadija Mbowe, Shanspeare, and Tee Noir! Khadija and Shan are both nonbinary, and Tee is queer (although I can't remember if she's said she's also enby).

[@G10293]

I already have watched almost all of their videos too.@@cannibalisticrequiem

[@Lkdhhabv]

Yes brainwash our 6 yr old children

[@chazzerous]

Monica was shot on film, so there’s no standard/high definition to speak of, it’s a traditionally shot film where the negative has been scanned and the final edited video is distributed in digital high definition. I think the thing that you complain about is the aspect ratio of the film, which is more square (IMDB says it’s 1.2:1, which is pretty dang square). I couldn’t find any interviews with cinematographer Katelin Arizmendi to confirm this, but I would never assume that someone shot a wider aspect and then cropped in while editing, especially with how many of scenes are framed around the lead of the film. Square aspect ratios often draw you more into the internal life of the subject and can often have a bit of a claustrophobic effect on the viewer. Now I’m a cishet male person so maybe I’m just reading into this too much, but if I was a cinematographer who wanted my audience to have a visceral experience of the isolating/alienating experience of being a trans person, shooting square is one way I’d accomplish that.

[@KatBlaque]

Understanding the claustrophobia angle that made more sense to me

[@222o-u3t]

I think your analysis is bang on honestly.

[@annjepsen1621]

The shots of her driving everywhere made me think they were showing that *she* is fully in control of her life. She's in the driver's seat of life, behind the wheel. This might be looking too deep into it, but to me it seems like they wanted to highlight her independence, and as Kat mentioned, the lead actress' bias may have some part to play in that.

[@peakdelvalle197]

There should be something along the lines of the Bechdel test for trans characters in fiction, where the work passes if there is a threshold amount of the characters development/story that can't have anything to do with their gender identity or transition. Now that representation is there, demand more! And trans creators to write and direct it ❤

[@Itri_Vega]

I'm in a position where I won't see my mom again until there is a severe medical emergency or someone dies so I definitely see an appeal in the premise of this film.

[@SarinaValentinaxo]

Random question, do you think we will ever get a trans superhero movie? There’s beautiful trans woman that look like heroines and Disney princesses… I wonder if I’ll live to ever see it…

[@clairebamert9835]

Great to hear another trans woman talking about this movie! I got to see this in May followed by a Q&A with Lysette, Clarkson, and the director. I had a lot of the same feelings as you did. I loved seeing a story about a trans woman that wasn't centered around her transness. I also thought it was a specific choice to film Lysette's body that way, but also she's stunning so I wasn't mad lol. But for a narrative that centered an interesting Mother/trans daughter relationship. The decision to not use a lot of dialogue and leave so much of the narrative vague was somewhat disappointing, especially as far as recommending this to many people. Like I'd recommend it more to artsy friends than like, family. But I did try and walk away with more positive feelings than not. Like the scene of Monica listening to Numa Numa while getting ready to go out. That was very trans coded imo lol.

[@catStone92]

3:00 my mom was the opposite lol. Like some 5 years before I came out she actually straight up asked me if I was trans. I was still deep in denial so... I denied it. Then one year before I came out, after my brother told my parents he wanted to change degrees she came and said she was expecting me to also have a serious conversation at some point (my sister had also changed degrees some years before). When I asked for an example she said "like you're actually a woman or something". At this point I was very close to coming to terms with being trans so I didn't say anything, but she didn't notice and moved on from the conversation. But then when I did come out, she said she thought I was coming out as gay and kinda didn't believe that I was trans. She was still supportive though. But when I asked her about the times she insinuated I was trans, she said she was goading me to come out (as gay) lol...

[@stuckinthelazycorneragain4016]

I hope you’re healing and finding peace in yourself Kat. Family can be so complex. I appreciate the review it’s a topic I haven’t really thought about before so thank you for giving me something to think about 💕

[@zs9710]

I’m so sorry for your loss, Kat ❤️❤️

[@alexandramunoz4469]

Also there’s a 2004 French film called Wild Side w the exact same plot Trans woman who’s also a sex worker in a big city (Paris) travels back to og small town to look after her mother

[@brydybry]

Thank you for posting this. My boyfriend and I went to watch this to support and I was so excited but left feeling exactly the same way as you about this film. So much more could have been explored with the time they had!

[@mommyofkittens4809]

I can’t understand how anyone could reject their child.

[@musicIistener]

i feel like i would only do it if they were literally a serial killer

[@helena4440]

@@musicIistener yeah I was about to say something along these lines lol. I think rejecting your kid if he's a serial killer or a pedo for example is at the very least understandable

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

​@musicIistener Cishets are so fucking weird tbh. Their son could be a rapist or killer, and they will defend his ass to the grave... but godforbid their child comes out as LGBT+! THAT is a sin that can't be "forgiven"! "Thou Shalt Not Kill? Huh?? Sorry, we don't know her!" 🙄

[@Dave102693]

If they were a monster I can understand it. Those actions have consequences, like people writing off your entire existence.

[@bebedordecoca]

The damage the bible did to the western society ranges from normalizing being baptized as a baby to nazism

[@CopperBoom42]

Honestly while I'm not the biggest fan of slice-of-life media, I'm extremely glad that we are now getting to like. Have stories where as the interview you cited said, we have a fully realized self-accepting trans woman rather than the beginning of her journey with herself or her intimate circle. As trans person and an artist and would-be (hopefully will-be) storyteller myself, I've always felt far more drawn to creating trans characters who already know themselves in this aspect at least, and it's heartening that such as these are getting a foot in the door.

[@YuukitheMighty1]

I think maybe the mother came to regret how she treated her daughter and thus came around to accept her effeminate grandson. Like she was making up for the relationship she lost with her daughter. That's at least how I saw it.

[@GrandmaRose9000]

Oh Kat. You are the best. Every video of yours is pure class. Looking forward to seeing "Monica" for myself. Thank you for all you do. Cheers!

[@cmlc4756]

You are one of the most eloquently spoken and thoughtful KZbinrs that I have come across in a long time. No matter what topic you’re covering, I feel like you really go in depth not only with your own personal thoughts, but also the facts and figures about the topic in a way that all ties together. I’m so happy you were recommended on my for you page.

[@Akemilovelace]

Love, hugs and support from Mexico 💖💖💖💖💖 I find your videos very inspiring your energy and vibe is what we need in this world

[@guisadodpapa]

My sincere condolences for your loss, great video as always, much love from Mexico

[@blissohbliss]

I cannot state in words how much I adore you and your KZbin channel

[@mariannetfinches]

I love the way you did this, with the raw response and then the more in-depth analysis. I hope you're healing well

[@robertosantana6843]

Ah... I don't want to forgive... but you're always a pleasure to have around and make me think things, kat!

[@MaynardsSpaceship]

Your skin and hair are ✨️flawless✨️.

[@andreyamatthew2035]

Thank you for sharing your personal story. I hope you Mom is at peace and you continue to grieve in a healthy way🙏🏾🙏🏾💗💗 Your review sounds thorough and fair I'm definitely gonna check out this movie!

[@supercrazylegs1]

I really enjoy your approach at reviewing movies. I'm sorry for the loss of your mother, and I can understand being disappointed at this movie for its missed opportunities.

[@sanalone9492]

around 4:29 the captions say "my brother's passing away" but i believe kat said "mother" in case anyone was confused

[@KatBlaque]

Working on better captions! I’ve been on vacation and ferrying this video up has been hell! Sorry for the temporary inaccurate captions

[@blueismylove3128]

I'm hard of hearing and often need captions to help. Thank you

[@kathybramley5609]

I'm sorry for your loss and for *all* the complexity! Xx

[@kathybramley5609]

And including that it wasn't really in the film the way you wanted.

[@mitochondria558]

Been looking forward to more of your film reviews, and loved how this one turned out! I like the format of your initial thoughts and feelings followed by more details later, very cool, and I definitely want to see the movie now. Your apartment is looking beautiful as well!

[@hdervish2497]

Im kind of relieved my partner's father passed away before she came out. She didn't get to know him until she was already 30, and his opinion and their relationship really mattered to her. Im afraid he wasn't very emotionally evolved and she dodged that possible rejection. Id have hated to have to fight an old man for hurting her.

[@michaelsmith6094]

You are really intelligent! Can't wait to watch more videos.

[@SarinaValentinaxo]

Also yes the shift from 2005- until now is absolutely so different to see in the work places and I’m glad people are hopefully able to be themselves and be safe ❤

[@bee4123]

so sorry for ur loss, kat

[@nailinthefashion]

31:09 aw yay 31:12 awr nawr

[@nyxluvsu6900]

Trying not to ruin my mascara from that intro, sending so much love! Hope your day is going great ❤

[@kc-lp6wg]

Condolences on your loss, Kat. Your honesty really touched my heart. l appreciated this nuanced and fair review as well. l am a new subscriber.

[@PixelStarzzz]

When I first found out you were trans on shorts I was really surprised. I always thought you were a cisgender woman until I found out you were trans. I myself am a trans man, so this isn’t coming from a place of unknowingness. You’re beautiful no matter if you’ve transed your gender

[@havilynwakuche]

Had to pause the video to say that I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you are doing well

[@jenna9372]

I'm writing this late because I went through some crazy stuff and then also some very good stuff happened like a move and a new start which has kept me busy so I'm only just watching this now but I'm really sorry for your loss and I'm sending you lots of love 💕 I'm gonna stop this video before you do synopsis/analysis and go watch the movie first before finishing the video but I just want to send you love and empathy now and wish you well

[@pitpride1220]

I'm going to watch this film now. Yet again you turn me on to something I wasn't privy to. Thanks!

[@adrina911]

I thought about seeing the film and haven’t yet. I liked this breakdown of the movie. I would love to hear about how your relationship with your brother and father has progressed now. I know it maybe be a sensitive issue and understand if you don’t. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@LesKnowsBest]

I loved this movie so much

[@emdrake04]

You saying you are thinking about trying acting is amazing. You should def try it.

[@annjepsen1621]

So sorry for your loss. My mother is my best friend and even though she has her own issues with my sexuality (she just doesn't understand), she definitely doesn't out right disrespect me the way my father does. My Dad's mom was like my third parent, she was my dad when my dad was too drunk, busy, or couldn't be bothered. I took care of her for the last five years of her life and acted as her hospice nurse for the final month. Losing my grandma was a giant gut punch that still affects me 8yrs later. The time I was forced to spend with my dad was very awkward and still is. The unspoken things weigh heavy on me, but I know they don't bother him the same way (being oblivious is a character trait for him and a way to avoid confrontation). I hope that you're able to reconnect with your family, if that's what's best for you. Some relationships are lost-causes and for that to be true of parents and their children is just so fucking unfair! ❤❤❤

[@balaynganiyebe]

oh yess acting sounds so exciting ! hope you enjoy :D

[@SarinaValentinaxo]

I definitely knew they were going to play up the mystery angle / connecting the dots right when you first got into describing it…

[@metropunklitan]

you have been through so much, so so much, you're my hero.

[@goldengirl36]

I really enjoyed this movie.

[@AnekoFoxx]

I would chalk up the sex work to finding regular jobs is hard for everyone. There are a lot of cis men and women who have decided to perform sex work to make ends meet.

[@valeriarossini543]

I would love to see you acting omg, I think you have great stage presence (at least here on youtube)

[@SarinaValentinaxo]

Would love to see Kat as an actress producer or both. ❤

[@hunterwilliams8923]

Another insightful video, Kat 🖤

[@tirzah9929]

Ugh, dead moms are a bitch. For those with dead mommas and want to have some feels: Highly recommend Midnight gospel, the whole season, but you can also skip to the last episode. I’ve never cried or wanted my mom more watching the last episode of Midnight Gospel

[@GaasubaMeskhenet]

I don't think the LGBTQIA community is doing ourself any favors by not reclaiming the term transexual We know that it's wrong to conflate sex and gender, but it seems like every person disavowing the word transexual and then using the word transgender is doing exactly that. As i see it transgender = changing presentation. clothes and mannerisms and such transexual = changing body. with surgery and hormones and such

[@Lin10uson]

You explained 'stealth' so well; I just came-out as a transgender woman a-year-ago and stopped living stealth (for the most part).

[@sovietcomputerr]

Damn. This was heart wrenching

[@s0up006]

i recently watched a tv show rurangi which has a similar plot, a trans man returns to his home town and sees friends and family he hasn’t seen since his transition, its not perfect but i do recommend it and i think it fits the criteria of a trans story not focused solely on the character’s transition.

[@meander112]

Monica for the Monica god! Beautiful for the beautiful throne!

[@KCarHam]

You are such a beautiful & intelligent young lady ❤

[@tajjie_taj]

Would love to see you get into acting

[@freejedisentinel2878]

The older siblings and cousins usually always deal with an harsher form of their parents than the younger ones. I have 3 generations I can compare, but it's clear how age and time changes how gay and trans people are treated in families.

[@maxsimic6]

I always thought you would be a good actor!

[@dundermifflinlfc]

Love you Kat❤

[@GodofPainBelial]

I'm sorry for your loss. You are such a strong woman being able to deal with all of those emotions while handling the business end as well. I wish I could hug you, so sending one your way.💛

[@colorantartificiel3018]

Thumb up for the hair, gorgeous

[@Shamazya]

I'll need to check this out some time!

[@angel-ke9vs]

Your mother sounds like she was a sweetheart. So, sorry for your loss. Monica has a good heart to take care of someone who cast her a side like trash as a child. Interesting premise I had never heared of this movie.

[@TheSneezefreak]

I'd love to see your thoughts on the 90s irish film the crying game.

[@KatBlaque]

I am working on that for a larger series

[@erinlevere6881]

She’s from the ballroom scene initially.

[@blueprint6578]

My condolences

[@ZDalrymple-p8j]

I’m sorry for your loss baby

[@rainbowsubs2]

This video is a slay

[@queitann1]

Sorry about your family

[@raven_g6667]

That's why I dose up with some 3MMC before I get around my folks.

[@KathrynHenny]

Not really related but you have beautiful lighting in this video.

[@queitann1]

YES! ACT!!!

[@yaggayaggaya9918]

This is the same issue I had with Moonlight, very beautiful very poetic but lacking a strong plot to make the characters more familiar to me. It felt like the movie passed right through me.

[@SarinaValentinaxo]

Also if Kat sees this, what is your favorite transgender film? ❤️❤️

[@Charlotte-hv6ll]

Leaving a comment for the algoritme

[@aboz8649]

Oh the algorithm

[@evelyna_paula1747]

Don't regret anything. Don't waste your time and energy on people who will never reciprocate.

[@polednice5653]

Thank you for the thoughtful review ❤❤ I'm one of the people who didn't know about the movie, and even though it has a lot of faults, i can still appreciate that it had intention and thought put into it

[@merty5713]

In a slice-of-life movie, I think it is almost tradition to not have a 3 act structure or a satisfying ending and all of the bells and whistles of a Hollywood production. I think we have to compare the film to the predecessors in the same genre. You need to also consider the audience of this certain type of film, I honestly enjoy the film better the further it is to the run of the mill, heroes journey type of structure. It is sort of the appeal of this genre for the people who enjoys to watch them. I also disagree with the point about stationary shots and how they should be used, in a drama film stationary shots can be used to put the audience in the corner of a room, to serve the idea of witnessing the life of the characters as a family member or someone they could know. It doesn't have to have BG and FG elements working together to tell a story etc.

[@juliannehannes11]

Have you reviewed that Matt Bomer movie where he plays a trans woman?

[@evelyna_paula1747]

Forget about those parents who want you to get back with them at old age. You should never go back.

[@jilliandavidson-roy4644]

ok ok I have a thought about the ending. just to say, I have no place in this discussion as a cisgender person because I will never truly understand art that pertains to the experiences of people who are transgender. but as an English major and a writer, I think that there is doubling going on between the Monica and her brother, and then her brother's two children. I believe that the ending could be reflecting Monica's experience, where the child who fits more into a traditional, stereotypical gender role is literally being put on a pedestal and admired while the child who does not fit this role is not given this attention. while the child who does not conform is seemingly accepted, they are not embraced to the same extent. again, I am only speaking as an English major, and everything I say is out of respect and love from someone who is an ally of 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

[@TyroneClark-bu7ml]

Cool 😎 stuff kat

[@brickclit4life]

How has Tracey been controversial? 💀💀💀

[@mannyoftheeast3318]

I cant see the chapters

[@miracleseverywhere6907]

@tracelysette no shade love you down but it’s alright the movie was ok but at certain points it was dry but I think it being a movie that didn’t have allot of backing that’s ok , keep going but girl it’s her opinion being humble is a thing.

[@mr3465]

🖤