Transgenderism has been a topic of discussion for the last few years that now almost everyone is joining in on. Everyone has an opinion and they vary depending on political or cultural leanings. For people who identify as transgender, the issue is a much more contentious one. Anyone who lives as transgender will tell anyone on either side of the isle the same thing: they just want to live and be left alone. That seems fair, but, what about dating as a transgender? What is that like? Who/how do they date? Her Story hoped to answer some of those questions.
The six part web series was produced back in 2015. For its efforts, it was nominated for an Emmy, but because of how short it is, it may not have caught the eye of too many people. Her Story is about two transgender women who are starting to think they may never experience love the way they would like to. The two friends Violet and Paige, who at this point have already transitioned, believe that romance is otherwise pointless. This is until random encounters involve each of them with someone new. As Violet gets to know Allie, and Paige begins dating James, many questions are answered and points made about what life is like for those living as transgender, and how dating can be harder for them than everyone else.
Being that it’s a short series, it’s obvious that the crew were on a budget and it does show, though not enough to dismiss watching it. That aside, director Sydney Freeland works well with what she has and with keeping the priority on the characters and their stories. It’s also worth mentioning that two of the leads wrote all six episodes – Jen Richards and Laura Zak. The writing is the bread and butter of this series, and the dialogue exhibits numerous points of view whilst tackling the more confusing parts of transgenderism that others might not be as acquainted with. Richards and Zak step up to the plate on the acting side of things as well, along with Angelica Ross as Paige. The three leading ladies handle the awkward moments as easily as they do the emotional ones as they each have an arc that’s completed in such a short amount of time. Even for a web series, this story and these actors likely could’ve even gone farther if given the opportunity.
Her Story is an interesting look inside what dating is like for transgendered people at the very least.
If nothing else, Her Story is an interesting look inside what dating is like for transgendered people at the very least. The show does a sound job of showing that the complications that come with transitioning are only the beginning of the problems than can arise within their community. So to anyone who doesn’t understand or may just be curious, watching this is encouraged. Not only is it dramatic, it’s educational. With all else that could be said, the show is short and free. Take an hour to watch the six parts on YouTube without paying a cent.
