Becoming Johanna

Distributed by New Day Films, 190 Route 17M, P.O. Box 1084, Harriman, NY 10926; 888-367-9154 or 845-774-7051Produced by Jonathan SkurnikDirected by Jonathan Skurnik2016, DVD, color, 27 min. It’s almost surprising how timely Becoming Johanna is at this point in political history, focusing as it does on a transgender teenager who, as it happens, is not only Latina but a first-generation American, and is a foster child. In particular, the depiction of Johanna’s troubles at school – including her being forbidden to use the women’s restroom, and her tangles with teachers and principals – is immediately relevant. The film does fall into some common tropes around Johanna’s story: the aforementioned bathroom battle (though it is only mentioned briefly); the young trans girl playing with dolls even as she is raised as a boy; the troubled foster child acting out at school; and most noticeably, the religious parent who does not accept her child’s gender. But ultimately, it is Johanna’s story, tropes or none. And her story is a compelling one. Johanna blossoms from a poor student with a shaky relationship with her mother to a happy, secure person with strong ties to her foster family and her new high school principal. In that way, the film shows something that anyone who knows a trans person well will understand: this is Johanna’s story, but its secondary characters are just as important, and often just as fascinating. This film would be an excellent addition to an academic, public, or LGBT+ library. Its main fault is simply its short running time – it could easily have been twice as long without dragging, and since it tells such an appealing story, it leaves the viewer wanting to hear more of it. It is not only an interesting and enjoyable film but an uplifting one, particularly for trans people and those who care about them. It would also make a convenient introduction to the subject for people seeking to learn more about trans teens and the problems they may face. After all, we learn best through story.