Trans Love Stories: A Heartfelt Journey in a Divided America

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In Matylda Kawka’s first feature film “My Sunnyside,” an officiant introduces guests to what he calls the most traditional yet progressive wedding they will ever attend. This description becomes clear as the story unfolds: although entrepreneur Jo and science professor Allie, both being transgender individuals, are surrounded by open-minded peers, they find solace in traditional institutions like marriage and parenthood. Matylda Kawka’s work at Thessaloniki Documentary Festival follows their romantic journey through eight years, as the couple integrate their lives and families amidst a world that continues to struggle with discrimination against transgender people and the systemic hurdles they face.

As I sat down with EbMaster before the film’s debut in Greece, Kawka reminisced about his initial encounter with Jo. She was a freelance video editor who had worked for one of his numerous companies. Fast forward to years later, I found myself captivated by the burgeoning relationship between Jo and Allie, which I followed on social media. Allie’s striking eyes in particular held me spellbound.

She goes on to say, ‘They embarked on a beautiful love tale, openly showcasing their bond on social media.’ I soon observed that Jo was undergoing a transition as well, which struck me as an inspiring narrative about two people finding each other at the perfect moment and setting off on a shared adventure.”

Or more concisely:

“She says, ‘Their love story was lovely, visible on social media. I noticed Jo was transitioning, which seemed like an inspiring tale of two people meeting at the right time and venturing together.’

In discussing the documentary idea with Jo and Allie, Kawka emphasized the importance of building “trust.” He explained that from the start, both individuals were open with them, creating a natural connection. The film crew was minimal, consisting only of Kawka and his husband who handled cinematography and sound. They kept the team small to ensure comfort for their subjects, aiming to be unobtrusive observers. Remarkably, they developed a close friendship during the process, which has carried on even now, resulting in a deeply satisfying personal relationship.

In ‘My Sunnyside’, Kawka was given the opportunity to scrutinize closely, due to her academic background in philosophy and her thesis on societal perceptions of freedom and equality in relation to gender differences, the heightened awareness that individuals who transition later in life have regarding the disparities in how men and women are treated within society.

The filmmaker highlights that our main characters have personally experienced and deeply understood the disparity in treatment due to their perceived gender, emphasizing that they’ve been subjected to different treatments. It was fascinating, he noted, to uncover this evidence, akin to an autopsy, revealing how profoundly people’s experiences and opportunities can differ based on their gender.

Living in New York City for over a decade, Kawka (originally Polish) never thought her film’s relevance would be as pressing as it has become when she started working on it back in 2016. However, with President Trump making transgender individuals a significant part of his 2024 election platform, numerous executive orders have been signed that significantly impact the lives of transgender people residing in the U.S. Some of these orders include prohibiting federal funding or aid for gender-affirming care for those under 19 and mandating that passports issued by the State Department only list male or female genders, based on the individual’s sex at birth.

Regarding questions about the impact of the movie “My Sunnyside” on political issues, Kawka emphasizes the significance of movies like this being seen by a wide range of viewers. He states, “Transgender individuals are just like us. They encounter similar struggles and aspirations, seeking happiness, forming families, and establishing communities. Allie and Jo have essentially created a traditional family that values connection, love, comfort, and safety above all else. These should be the objectives for any family. Both characters are influential figures in their community and have accomplished careers… One of the film’s intentions was to demonstrate how relatable they are.

In a statement given to EbMaster, Jo emphasizes that “My Sunnyside” isn’t merely a movie about a trans couple; rather, it’s a film centered around themes such as love, relationships, parenthood, and overcoming the hurdles life presents for everyone.

He expressed his wish for this movie to resonate with everyone, regardless of their identity as trans or not. He believes that we all share common struggles such as raising children, dealing with health concerns, and navigating family disputes due to the current societal climate. At a time when trans rights are being challenged, he hopes that showcasing real experiences will serve as a reminder that safeguarding our rights is crucial for upholding everyone’s rights.

Allie concurred with her spouse, stating, “Matylda and Marcin skillfully depicted the complex tensions frequently encountered in many transgender lives, such as the struggle between shame and acceptance. While everyone experiences such emotions, they often loom larger in the lives of trans individuals. We aim for this film to foster a greater empathy towards transgender people. Although transgender experiences may appear unique at times, these differences tend to obscure the powerful commonalities we all share. We hope that by showcasing the ordinary lives of a transgender couple, these differences will be overshadowed by our universal connections.

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2025-03-10 23:50