A National Film Board of Canada production

This project was produced as part of the ON FILME initiative and is now available on the ONF’s YouTube channel.

In an increasingly conservative and polarized world, transgender identity seems to have become a major social issue—even though less than 1 percent of the population identifies as trans or non-binary. How do we explain the increase in transphobia and the weaponization of trans identity in Quebec media and political discourse? 

Simon Coutu has studied the rise of the conservative right for years. In Transpositions, he speaks with members of the trans community and with members of right-wing movements who denounce what they call “gender ideology.” Throughout this journey, he finds himself asking how our society can foster dialogue that supports trans well-being and inclusion as well as the use of language that accurately represents trans people and their lived experience. 

Why has the subject of transgender identity become so polarizing in Quebec? And how can we deepen our reflection on the issue? 

Short Film (30 min) – Why has transgender identity become such a polarizing subject over the last few years? Why is it so hard to engage in constructive dialogue on this topic? Simon heads out to meet trans people and members of movements attacking what they call “gender ideology.”

At a Glance (2 min) – Over the past few years, why have transgender people been subjected to such negative and violent reactions to their identity? Simon explains how he was drawn to this question after covering many different right-wing social movements.

Fireside Chat (44 min) – Along with professor Michel Dorais, a sociologist specializing in sexuality, and Henri-June Pilote, a speaker and content creator, Simon Coutu explores transgender rights, the concept of masculinity, the role of social media in the rise of transphobia and the importance of dialogue that leads to a better understanding of the realities of being trans.

Focus (9 min) – Drawing on her own experience, multi-disciplinary artist Lyraël Dauphin discusses the transitioning process (social, medical and legal) and the challenges she faces, while reflecting on the representation of trans people, discrimination and the roots of misogyny.

Over the past several years, I’ve spent quite a bit of time covering right-wing conservative movements. Whether I was speaking with opponents of public health measures in Quebec, libertarians in Alberta, or self-described “alpha males,” the conversation would quickly turn to intolerance towards the trans community. During his second presidential campaign, Donald Trump made attacking trans people one of his priorities. I found it hard to understand how such a small minority could attract this much attention, and why they were being weaponized. I was drawn to this question and wanted to understand what was going on.