A Fantastic Woman (2017)

The Chilean (and don't let the subtitles stop you), Oscar-winning drama starring the extraordinary Daniela Vega. Rather than telling the story of her transition, this film settles upon the aftermath of a love affair between Marina, a Santiago…

Albert Nobbs (2011)

Astounding performance by Glenn Close from a screenplay she co-wrote. In Dublin of the late 19th century, nobody expects a respectable man to have a secret. Well, not this kind of secret. Heartbreaking – but you have to see it. https:/…

All About My Mother (1999)

Pedro Almodovar more than any other writer and director has been keen to weave trans issues into his films. Here, they’re foreground, background and noises off. Wonderful! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PFVGvsTKXo

Boy Meets Girl (2015)

Not the tragic, missed an opportunity that was the BBC comedy series of the same name. Think Dawson’s Creek – with a trans character at the centre. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNdW9TzxGrk

Boys Don’t Cry (1999)

Hilary Swank won an Oscar – and evoked a skinny Matt Damon in this dramatised telling of the tragic true story of Brandon Teena. Brutal and upsetting, but a story needing to be told. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYpUhVvfGeg

Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

More Oscar blessing for Jared Leto (and Matthew McConaughey). It was intense, it was funny – and very tragic. It sparked a huge debate about whether trans roles should be the preserve of trans actors. See it and feel what you will. htt…

Different For Girls (1996)

Naive, cheesy as hell and an absolute miracle that it got made at all. It really is charming though - and does rather beg the question that if the BBC (as in BBC Films) knew how to create this in 1996, what kind of excuse is there for ‘Boy…

Law Of Desire (1986)

I didn’t see it until years later, on VHS. A revelation – and the first time I’d seen a trans storyline woven with equal weight into a broader narrative. The only trailer I can find is in Spanish – and frankly doesn’t do the film any…

Ma Vie En Rose (1997)

Innocence dreams easy. Beautiful and colourful. I sighed all the way through it – with wry recognition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EfW77w9i9c

Priscilla: Queen Of The Desert (1994)

Terence Stamp brings the trans and drags the Outback in a bus with Guy Pearce and Hugo Weaving. (No really!). Hilarious and guaranteed to make you feel better about everything. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgFDIinCeYI

Soldiers Girl (2003)

Another true story. This one originally made by Showtime and telling the tale of Calpernia Adams’ doomed love affair with a soldier. Lee Pace does a pretty good job for tall, straight guy. The movie was supported by Ms Adams company, Deep…

Tangerine (2015)

A festival hit, shot with iPhones (seriously!). Two trans hustlers rage across LA in a bid to avenge a lover’s affair. Edgy, funny and completely compelling. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALSwWTb88ZU

The Crying Game (1992)

When it came out the hype was that you shouldn’t share the ending with anyone. If you don’t see this one coming, then you’re probably dead from the neck up. Still, the story is really pretty good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6…

Transamerica (2005)

For me, it’s the best trans movie ever made. It’s funny, sad, funny again, heartwarming, brilliantly performed, beautiful – and also, funny. Felicity Huffman, thank you. Just thank you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA18YQi47uM

Transparent (2014-2019)

Jill Soloway’s great gift to comedy drama. A sixtysomething patriarch comes to terms with his inner trans – and he’s the most balanced member of the family. (Notwithstanding the more latterly publicised scandal surrounding the leading…