Pic shows day of filming at Bideford Pride with filmmaker, Bells Kennedy-Compston
To coincide with Transgender Awareness Week (November 13-19), Transilience – an organisation supporting young transgender people in North Devon – is releasing a new short film, educating people about the challenges transgender young people face and encouraging people to ‘be kind’.
The film features the founders of Transilience, Oscar Sharples and his mum Beki (based in Bideford); Transilience Youth Advisory Board members and young trans people they support.
The film opens with a personal account from a Transilience volunteer, Cody (16), who speaks about the painful experience of being assaulted in a hate crime less than a month before filming. It goes on to feature Elliot (17), a member of Transilience’s Youth Advisory Board, who describes supporting trans youth who have been forced out of their family homes.
Young people in the film explain how isolating it can be growing up trans in rural North Devon. Brendon (20), a student in Devon and a Transilience Youth Advisory Board member says: “It’s really important for there to be an organisation for trans young people in Devon; it’s important to have a place for trans young people to meet and make connections.”
The film also addresses the experiences of parents navigating how best to support their trans children. Nikki, mother to Elliot, shares her gratitude for the support she received from Transilience. “It’s been everything for me because I’ve not had any contact with anyone who’s been through anything like this,” she says. “You don’t know if you are doing the best thing to support your children. Having someone who has been through that has been massive.”
Alongside the stories of trans youth and their families, the film delivers a powerful message to the wider community. “If it’s making someone happy, what matters more—tradition, or seeing someone embracing who they are?” one participant asks. Cody adds, “Just be kind.”
Oscar hopes the film will help to achieve the goals of the organisation. He explains: “Through this important film we want to let young trans people know they we are there for them and how we can help; counter stigma against young trans people and show just how much they are going through; and lastly to encourage young trans people to embrace the joy of being trans and celebrate themselves for who they are.”
The film was shot and directed by Bells Kennedy-Compston, a trans filmmaker from London, in close collaboration with Oscar and all the participants of the film. It was supported and funded by the Young Gamechangers Fund (YGF), who also provided Transilience with a grant for their general work.
You must be logged in to post a comment.