By BA Haller
In the new documentary, “Austin Unbound,” which was seven years in the making, the filmmakers beautifully explore the journey of a Deaf transgender man.
It provides excellent insight into the life of Austin, who knew as a small child that he was not in the correct body. The documentary follows Austin as he prepares for and then receives his double mastectomy. It also features in-depth interviews with his family, friends and girlfriend.
Filmmaker Eliza Greenwood said at the screening of “Austin Unbound” at the Society for Disability Studies (SDS) meeting in June that her background as a Gallaudet University graduate and as a hearing sister fluent in sign language drew her to the project.
Greenwood began the project in 2004, when she got permission from Austin to begin filming him. Sel Staley also served as director on the project, and Mara Green worked as assistant director on the film.
Green said at SDS that they wanted the film to be situated in the “queer-centric and sign-centric community.” The final 45-minute film retains that emphasis.
Austin makes it clear throughout the film that he identifies as a straight man. He gained support from the Deaf community in his journey. He and his friends created a fundraiser for his top surgery with an American Sign Language (ASL) Comedy Night. Austin performed, as did a number of other deaf supporters.
“The Deaf community would be different if not for him. Austin is such a leader in the trans world. He’s so open. He doesn’t care what others think,” a friend from the Comedy Night says in the film.
The film is unique in that it is entirely in sign language and captions/subtitles; even the voices of hearing people are not heard. But that adds to its power.
Austin’s family members are featured in numerous interviews that illustrate the strength that can come from a supportive family. Austin’s mother, Pam, talks honestly about his early childhood when he rejected everything girl-oriented. She made her peace with his transformation by the time Austin was in high school and supported his decision to dress and identify as male.
Interestingly, his mother’s only regret: that he changed his name. He is the oldest of four (he has three sisters), and she said loved the girl’s name she chose for him. Some might think she is complaining, but it is a sweet moment in which Austin’s mother illustrates how even supportive family members struggle to accept a transgender person in their family.
