In 2023, the Republican-governed US state of Tennessee passed a law prohibiting gender-affirming medical care for under-18s. In 2024, the US Supreme Court is set to rule on whether this law should be subject to »heightened scrutiny«, i.e. whether it discriminates against certain groups of people.
The film centres on civil rights lawyer Chase Strangio, who is opposing this law and is also the first trans person to represent a case before the Supreme Court. The film reveals the level of perseverance and solidarity required to combat a transphobic judicial system and highlights the vital importance of cohesion within the queer and trans community. Activists such as Peppermint and Elliot Page also share their views and explain why the fight for trans rights affects us all. The scene in which schoolgirl Mila takes the floor at a school assembly and explains how the proposed law threatens her identity as a trans teenager is particularly moving. Inside sources also reveal how the anti-trans sentiment in the US is systematically perpetuated and discuss how different media outlets influence public perception of trans rights.

In cooperation with Gender Equality Officer University of Cologne

Awards for »HEIGHTENED SCRUTINY«
Best Documentary – Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival
Sonderpreis der Schwulen Filmwoche Freiburg
Audience Award Runner-Up – Salem Film Fest
Short List – DOC NYC
Special Jury Mention – Connecticut Film Festival
Special Award – Bentonville Film Festival
Nominee, Knight Documentary Achievement Award – Miami Film Festival
Frameline Completion Fund – Frameline San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival
Official Selection – Sundance Film Festival