Framing Agnes

In the powerful and thought-provoking documentary "Framing Agnes", director Chase Joynt brings to life a crucial chapter in the history of trans rights through a bold blend of scholarship and performance art. Using reenactments by a talented cast of trans actors, Joynt delves into the archives of UCLA's 1950s gender clinic, confronting the legacy of young trans women forced to choose between honesty and access. The film is a hybrid examination of transgender histories, combining academic analysis with clips based on archived interviews that shed light on this pivotal moment in the fight for trans visibility and recognition. By centering the voices and experiences of trans individuals, "Framing Agnes" offers a nuanced and urgent exploration of what it means to be seen and heard.