What Will I Become?
· wildlife
Fragile Lives: The Unspoken Cost of Transphobia
The documentary “What Will I Become?” shines a piercing light on the crisis of transmasculine suicide. However, its most striking aspect is not the statistics or personal struggles of its creators, but rather the way the film lingers on the particularities of its protagonists – Blake Brockington and Kyler Prescott.
By focusing on these two young men, the filmmakers craft a nuanced portrait of loss that underscores the devastating impact of transphobia. Brockington’s story is one of unbridled hope followed by despair as he navigates being a transmasculine teenager in a world that doesn’t always understand or accept him. His voice is persuasive, and the film renders it vividly, making his struggles feel eerily familiar.
Prescott’s story, told through his parents’ vulnerability and grief, serves as a poignant reminder of the limits of individual resilience in the face of systemic oppression. Even understanding families cannot undo the harm inflicted by institutions and policies that perpetuate transphobia. The filmmakers infuse Prescott’s narrative with levity, showing his love for animals and music, but ultimately, it’s a tragic tale full of sorrow.
The inclusion of Akewele feels like an afterthought, inserted to raise awareness about a trans hotline service rather than to add depth or complexity to the story. This contrast highlights the beautifully rendered stories of Brockington and Prescott, which complicate the statistics that surround the film.
“What Will I Become?” reveals that the crisis of transmasculine suicide is not just about individual struggles but about the conditions that make certain lives feel precarious. It’s about the limits of individual resilience in the face of systemic oppression and what remains of a person in the memories of those who loved them.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its refusal to turn its subjects into symbols or statistics. Instead, it lingers on the particularities of their stories, making their losses feel less abstract. This tension gives the film much of its emotional and intellectual force.
In a wider cultural context, “What Will I Become?” serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for trans rights and visibility. The film’s release coincides with growing recognition of the need for greater understanding and acceptance of trans individuals. However, it also highlights the enduring challenges faced by the trans community, from bullying to institutional violence.
As we watch “What Will I Become?”, we are forced to confront the fragility of lives lived under the weight of transphobia. We see the devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. And we’re reminded that individual resilience can only go so far in the face of systemic oppression.
Ultimately, “What Will I Become?” is a poignant portrait of loss, one that underscores the urgent need for greater understanding, acceptance, and action to support the trans community.
Reader Views
- DWDr. Wren H. · ecologist
While the documentary "What Will I Become?" sheds light on the devastating impact of transphobia, it's crucial to acknowledge that systemic change requires more than just raising awareness about individual struggles. We must also examine the economic and social structures that perpetuate transphobic attitudes, such as inadequate healthcare access, discriminatory employment practices, and housing shortages. Until we address these root causes, the statistics on transmasculine suicide will continue to rise, and "What Will I Become?" will remain a heartbreaking testament to our collective failure to create a more inclusive society.
- ACAlex C. · amateur naturalist
The film's focus on individual stories is laudable, but we'd do well to remember that transphobia isn't just a personal struggle, it's a systemic issue with roots in institutions and policies that perpetuate harm. What's missing from the conversation is an examination of how these broader societal factors intersect with the lives of trans individuals. Until we acknowledge and address the structural drivers of this crisis, I fear we'll be left with more "What Will I Become?"s – poignant reminders of what could have been done to prevent such tragic losses.
- TFThe Field Desk · editorial
While "What Will I Become?" shines a necessary light on transmasculine suicide, its most striking aspect is indeed the nuanced portrayal of loss through Brockington and Prescott's stories. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that this type of documentary can sometimes perpetuate the notion that individual resilience is the primary factor in mitigating harm. What's missing from the narrative is an explicit critique of the systemic factors that contribute to transphobia – namely, societal expectations of masculinity, lack of access to affordable healthcare, and discriminatory policies.