Transparent https://www.csi-net.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1173242 Sun, 14 Jun 2026 00:22:05 GMT Wed, 25 Nov 2015 04:58:12 GMT Copyright © 2015 Chi Sigma Iota Transparent https://www.csi-net.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1173242 https://www.csi-net.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1173242 Transparent

Movie/TV Show Being Reviewed:
Soloway, J. (Producer). (2015). Transparent [Television series]. Los Angeles, CA: Amazon Studios.

Reviewer:
Christian Chan

Genre:
Comedy Drama

Movies/TV Shows:
TV Show

Suggested Age Range:
Adults Only

Subject Headings:
Aging, Body image, Family dynamics, GLBT issues, Grief & loss, Multicultural/cross-cultural issues, Relationships, Sexuality

Review:
This Amazon on-demand television series features the developmental journey of a transgender woman, the challenges in coming out, and the resulting effects on family members and relationships after disclosing the transition. The word transgender refers to a person who identifies with a different gender than the gender assigned at birth. Previously, she had attempted to live to society’s standards as a man, where she dressed in men’s clothing and married a cisgender woman (an individual who identifies with the same gender assigned at birth). However, she struggled with this identity throughout her life. After intentionally and accidentally disclosing to her children and previous partner, she is forced to negotiate how to live openly and how to communicate her identity to others. The series also provides context on the development of other characters, including the eldest daughter who leaves her male partner to be with a woman and the other two siblings learning how to live with their father identifying as a transgender woman. Counselors will find the series valuable in thinking critically about transgender issues, how both relationships and family alter due to the coming out and transition processes, and the loss associated with changes in identity. The series also exemplifies the dark reality that exists both for individuals in the transgender population and the family members' perceptions of transgender identity meaning-making. The series highlights important sociocultural aspects in identity development, queer and transgender issues, intimate relationships, and family systems, which are all relevant topics for counseling practice and counselor education.

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