Born to Be (film)

Born To Be Movie Poster

Born to Be is a documentary film that explores the groundbreaking work of Dr. Jess Ting, a plastic surgeon at the Mount Sinai Hospital's Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery in New York City. The film, directed by Tania Cypriano, provides an intimate look at the lives of transgender and non-binary individuals as they undergo gender-affirming surgeries, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and complexities of this transformative process. Released in 2019, Born to Be has been praised for its compassionate portrayal of its subjects and its contribution to the broader understanding of transgender healthcare.

Synopsis

Born to Be follows Dr. Jess Ting, a highly skilled surgeon who has dedicated his career to providing gender-affirming surgeries for transgender and non-binary patients. The documentary showcases the emotional and physical journeys of several of Dr. Ting's patients, offering viewers a rare insight into the intricacies of transgender healthcare. Through personal stories, the film addresses the importance of access to quality medical care for transgender individuals and the impact of such care on their lives.

Production

Directed by Tania Cypriano, Born to Be was produced with the intention of shedding light on the transformative work being done at the Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital. The film's production involved close collaboration with Dr. Ting and his patients, ensuring an authentic representation of their experiences. The documentary's sensitive and respectful approach to its subject matter has been noted as one of its key strengths.

Reception

Upon its release, Born to Be received critical acclaim for its compassionate storytelling and the depth of its exploration into the lives of transgender and non-binary individuals undergoing surgery. Critics and audiences alike praised the film for its educational value and its ability to humanize a topic that is often misunderstood or misrepresented in media. The documentary has been recognized as an important contribution to the conversation around transgender healthcare and rights.

Impact

Born to Be has played a significant role in increasing awareness and understanding of transgender healthcare issues. By highlighting the challenges faced by transgender and non-binary individuals in accessing quality medical care, the film has sparked discussions on the need for more inclusive healthcare policies. Additionally, the documentary has served as a source of inspiration and hope for many in the transgender community, showcasing the possibilities of living a life that is true to one's gender identity.

See Also

• Transgender health care
• Gender-affirming surgery
• Non-binary gender
• LGBTQ+ rights in the United States