“I don’t know what it means to be trans, but I do know what it means to be yourself.” – Ashleah in MTV’s “Transformation”
Being yourself is one of the greatest things a person can do in their life, and in MTV’s powerful and moving documentary, “Transformation,” it celebrates six, incredible trans and gender non-conforming youth as they embrace their true identities and show the importance of being who you really are and letting no one stop you from doing that.
“Transformation,” which is set to premiere on Thursday, November 17th at 10:00 PM ET / PT, airs as part of MTV’s Transgender Awareness Week. The documentary, which is created by Katelyn Howes and Melissa Johnson, is absolutely brilliant and so remarkable. It highlights the lives of six trans and gender non-conforming youth as they take a big step to tell their admirable stories of the challenges they have had to go through, but how their resilience has allowed them to live life as who they were always meant to be and encourage others – both transgender and cisgender individuals – to discover who they are and feel confident living life as themselves.
““Transformation” follows Madin Lopez, a young gender non-conforming hair stylist and their organization ProjectQ, which provides hair styling and mentoring to help youth combat bullying, develop life skills, and embrace their inner beauty and identity. In the film, Madin joins the Los Angeles LGBT Center to humanize issues that trans youth face including homelessness, employment, and emerging gender identities. The documentary highlights the real stories of six trans and gender non-conforming youth as they receive makeovers and mentorship from Madin and a team that includes renowned trans make-up artist, Cetine Dale, and expert fashion stylist, Lindsay Albanese. During their makeovers, Ashton, Carman, Ashleah, Milo, Jessica-Jean and Zander share their own stories as they come to celebrate their true identities.” (source: press release)
While watching the documentary, you will have happy tears in your eyes as you see the bravery that these teens have as they inspire us all to take a look at ourselves and make sure we are really embracing who we are and not what society tells us to be. A big part of this documentary is the phenomenal Madin Lopez, who has changed the lives of many through hair styling and the organization, ProjectQ. Lopez has done a lot of work with the LGBTQIA community and has made a significant impact in the lives of so many people.
MTV hosted a special premiere of “Transformation” yesterday, November 15, 2016 at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. A magnificent panel, “The Future Of Trans Images in the Media” was held after the premiere featuring trans actresses Jen Richards (“Her Story,” “Nashville”), Alexandra Grey (“Transparent,” “Chicago Med”), and trans actor Elliot Fletcher (“Shameless,” “The Fosters”). The panel was moderated by Tre’vell Anderson, a TV and film writer for The Los Angeles Times and also included “Transformation” filmmakers Katelyn Howes and Melissa Johnson.
“Transformation,” which is the latest addition to the “MTV Docs” division is truly a masterpiece that allows viewers to enter in the lives of trans and gender non-conforming youth and know that there are so many more stories to be told, and this exceptional documentary gives a glimpse of a few of these excellent teens. The documentary is touching and so awe-inspiring.
As stated by Madin Lopez, “We all laughed, we all cried, we’re not characters made up. These are all real stories.”
I, Alexisjoyvipaccess had the greatest honor of attending MTV’s premiere of “Transformation” and this is certainly one of the most impactful and compelling documentaries. Check out some VIPAccessEXCLUSIVE pictures below from my coverage of the “Transformation” premiere.
Be sure to tune in to MTV’s premiere of “Transformation” tomorrow, November 17th at 10:00 PM ET / PT and a new episode of “True Life: We Are Transitioning” at 9:00 PM.
Follow MTV on Twitter: @MTV
