On Friday, January 19th, the Utah House of Representatives voted to advance a restrictive anti-trans bill outlawing trans people from using bathrooms aligning with their gender identity. It will now go to the Republican controlled senate for approval. Three days after the advancement, Jules Rosskam’s film “Desire Lines” premiered in Park City, Utah. A multilayered film focusing on trans masculinity spanning decades, narrative devices, and interviews, “Desire Lines” comes at a time when seeing who these bills effect is of the utmost importance.
Rosskam’s film is unlike any other. Taking a hybrid approach via the interwining of a narrative plot and interviews of real trans men, Rosskam crafts a rich document of the struggles and joys of this community. From the first frame, a witty tone takes over the narrative bits of the film. There is small banter and references as Ahmad (Aden Hakimi) visits ‘the archive,’ a place filled with trans history. The curator of the facility, Kieran (Theo Germaine), assists Ahmad and converses with him throughout his time there. They share a genuine chemistry despite their age difference, and connect over their experiences. Throughout Ahmad’s journey of rediscovery, interviews with real trans men are built into the narrative. Becoming both a fictional journey and a documentary, “Desire Lines” offers a brazenly honest depiction of the many lives of trans men.
The use of Ahmad’s story offers a grounding place for the audience to attach themselves to. With each new element Ahmad uncovers in ‘the archive,’ we are taken from fiction to truth as the documentary interviews begin to play. The interviews – recordings of queer trans men from all ages, races, and backgrounds – are the key to the film’s brilliance. Each segment allows for an open, honest discussion spanning a wide range of topics. From sex with cis men to facing discrimination in the gay community, these interviews act as a kaleidoscope of the diverse experiences of transmasculine people. To display such an open dialogue within a community that faces strong oppressive forces is a revolutionary feat.
That is the real specialty of the film – the space given to this community to voice their own experiences. To speak not only on the discrimination they face in their own community, but also the validation they feel from it. Some subjects discuss the prejudices held against them concerning sexual interactions, which bring to light a lot of ugly truths that exist in the gay community. Disclosure, kink, and preferences are all picked apart by each individual. Countering the negative experiences come the extremely positive ones. Many speak of the overwhelming, euphoric feeling of love they receive from their community. One man states, “I’m so grateful I was not born cis,” even after documenting conflicts he has faced due to his gender identity. So often is just one opinion known or shared, especially about marginalized groups. That opinion is usually focused on the negative aspects of that identity.
Where the film works and succeeds at is not only showing the sad parts, but the happy ones as well. Trans men live full, beautiful lives. It is refreshing to see the full circle of human experience put proudly on display. Although the narrative structure doesn’t always quite coalesce with the documentary elements, “Desire Lines” is a stunning feature focused on uplifting the voices of a vibrant community. The importance of that very thing, community, is at the core. Community takes care of each other, has compassion for each other. It uplifts and it protects. Community is needed now more than ever amongst not only trans people, but the world. Laws like the one in Utah are developing around the country. Films like “Desire Lines” offer a glimpse into who exactly those laws are affecting. Representation is so important when it comes to marginalized communities because of this very reason. Look at your neighbors. See them, hear them, and fight for them.
Learn more about in-person and online screenings for “Desire Lines”
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