An important new short film has been released to bring focus to the lives of people in the Trans Community. “Frame of Mind: Elevate” is a new film by Braden Summers, tracking the 4-minute elevator ride of a trans woman and her fellow riders. Since March 31 is International Transgender Day of Visibility, the release of Summers’ film is well timed.
Still from the short film “FRAME OF MIND: Elevate” by Branden SummersIn just four minutes and with no words spoken, “Frame of Mind: Elevate” shows us a range of emotions, reactions and feelings of both the main heroine and the other passengers. In some places the film is cringeworthy and in others it’s heartbreaking, and yet still the viewer is left with a sense of hope. Maybe one day we won’t need a International Transgender Day of Visibility, but right now we do. And we also need films like this one to help further our empathy and understanding.
International Transgender Day of Visibility
In its 11th year, International Transgender Day of Visibility brings attention to the accomplishments of trans people around the world. March 31st each year celebrates trans people and the movement helps to fight bigotry, intolerance and transphobia is a positive way.
An important day for people around the world.Our family has our own member to celebrate – our niece Emma is a proud member of the trans community. For the last several years, we’ve witnessed Emma blossom into her true self. She is so much happier as a result, and we could not be more supportive of Emma and her future aspirations. Unfortunately not all families feel this way, and celebrations like International Transgender Day of Visibility are much needed. Positive attention needs to be drawn to the transgender community. It’s people like Emma, films like “Frame of Mind: Elevate” and global programs dedicated to trans awareness that will help spread acceptance.
We had the privilege of sharing the stage at Proud Experiences 2019 with trans activists and sweet couple Jake and Hannah Graf.“Frame of Mind: Elevate”
Our heroine of “Frame of Mind: Elevate” boards the elevator of a New York City apartment building, looking chic and strong. The viewer runs the emotional spectrum watching her elevator ride. I can only imagine what it must feel like for a trans person to navigate the reactions of others. What I hope to see soon is a woman on an elevator, headed to her destination just like anyone else. Period.
What an incredible amount of energy it must take to live each day as a transgender person! When all you are trying to do is live your life and be yourself, yet you have to constantly be aware of others around you. Are they looking? What are they thinking? Are they going to be mean? Do something violent? Or simply smile and accept me for who I am?
Our heroine in the short film“FRAME OF MIND: Elevate” must endure daily microtransgressions.
Every single person you come in contact with out in the public. Every single day.
Play Your Part
Watch this film for a 4-minute microcosm of what a trans person’s day might be like. And then think about your own day. Now do you get it?
Like I said, maybe one day we won’t need films like “Frame of Mind: Elevate“. Right now we do need tools like this to help us all learn and grow. I know it’s helped me.
Want to learn more? Check out this quick list of 10 Things You Can Do For International Transgender Day of Visibility.
Braden Summers is the creator of the short film “FRAME OF MIND: Elevate”
I forwarded this to a friend whose daughter is transitioning back in March, and I returned back today to re-read this post after my own daughter came out about the journey she is now embarking. Proud to have worked with you those many years ago, and proud of all the great work you continue to do!
Oh Claire – you made me get teary. We are so glad to be of help to families for many reasons, and this one is near and dear to our hearts. My niece Emma transitioned a couple of years ago, and is finally comfortable in her own skin. Lots of love to you and I would love to see you and get some socially distant coffee soon.