This Is Not Me

Directed by Saeed Gholipour (Iran, 2022, 71 min.).

Iran is the only Muslim country in the Persian Gulf that allows trans people to have their true gender identity recognized by the law; any other LGBQ+ identity is banned. Individuals must undergo gender-affirming surgery to gain legal recognition, and the obstacles to approval for that surgery are oppressive and degrading, including virginity tests and a requirement for parental assent—even for adults. In this documentary, 16-year-old Shervin and 27-year-old Saman offer a glimpse into what life is like for young trans men who, despite being blessed with loving and supportive parents, are forced to live covert lives, and even consider emigration so they can freely be their true selves. As the world watches the Women, Life, Freedom movement igniting Iran’s streets, This is Not Me reminds us of the queer voices who must also be included in the conversation.

“Groundbreaking. . . . There’s joy, sadness, and everything in between . . . This is Not Me does a commendable job of showing the day-to-day anxieties of being trans.” —Pink News

Watch the trailer.