YOURLOGO

What I'm Made Of

The lives of three transgender teens change forever after they begin irreversible medical treatment. Filmed over three years, this intimate coming-of-age story offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse at controversial, cutting-edge health care and a nuanced look at gender through the eyes of the next generation.

Trailer coming soon.

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Announcements

Follow our progress and find out what's happening with the film here. Check back often for the latest news and developments.

  • SUPPORT us. We couldn’t have come this far without you and we’ll need you to help us cross the finish line. We continue to seek funds for post-production (editing, sound, music, color, etc.). For information on how to contribute to the project, please see the Donate section below. Thank you!
  • JOIN our Social Media Community. Follow What I’m Made Of online for film updates, as well as conversation about trans and genderqueer youth, media representation, and health care issues. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube. Use the hashtag #WIMOdoc.

The Film

Over the course of three years, What I’m Made Of follows Nick, Julie and Jessie as they make serious medical decisions, adapt to changing bodies, contemplate coming out, and engage in the daunting task of self-definition. Each passes through different stages of gender transition under the care of pediatrician Michelle Forcier, who tells them, “Nothing is off the table so that you can have a healthier, happier life.” Using Forcier’s Rhode Island clinic as a hub, the film weaves together family dinners, name change ceremonies, birthday celebrations, social media posts, and medical procedures, painting an intimate portrait of what it’s like to experience adolescence in a time of gender revolution.

By documenting many facets of the lives of these young people, What I’m Made Of urges reflection both on practical steps to ensure health and safety and on fundamental questions of identity and freedom: How do any of us know what gender we are? And what right do we have to tell anyone else who they are meant to be?

The film is currently in post-production with an anticipated release in 2021.

The Team

Our team is committed to telling authentic stories, promoting the well being of young people, and creating a world where all people are accepted for who and what they are.

The Filmmakers

JENN HALLAM, Ph.D., and JANE RENAUD are NYC-based documentary filmmakers with a shared commitment to social justice and a background in public television. Jenn studied gender and identity through the lens of art history at the University of Pennsylvania before becoming a producer of historical and educational programming and resources for WNET/Thirteen, the History Channel, and Sesame Street. Jane produced segments about public school, children, and families for PBS NewsHour before working on Rebirth: New Orleans, a documentary about schools in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Professional Advisory Board

The Professional Advisory Board consists of doctors, advocates, social workers, and parents who care about teens and transgender issues. These Board members advise us on matters related to the health and safety of participants, and help us to place our work in a national, medical, scientific and historical context.

  • Joel Baum, Senior Director, Professional Development and Family Services, Gender Spectrum®
  • Jenn Burleton, Executive Director, TransActive
  • Kerri Kanelos, Director, Youth Pride Inc. (YPI)
  • Don Laliberte, Director of Social Services, Crossroads Rhode Island
  • Eric Lulow, Public Health Advisor and Youth Advocacy Specialist
  • Tiq Milan, Senior Media Strategist, GLAAD
  • Dr. Johanna Olson, Children’s Hospital LA
  • Michele Paliotta, LICSW
  • Lillian Rivera, Director of Advocacy & Capacity Building, Hetrick-Martin Institute
  • Dr. Stephen Rosenthal, USCF Benioff Children's Hospital
  • Jaye Watts, LCSW, MT-BC

Teen Advisory Board

The Teen Advisory Board is made up of trans and genderqueer youth, ages 13 to 22. The Teen Board meets in person and online to give feedback on the film and share insights to ensure that the film is authentic, accurate, and sensitive to their experiences. On completion of the film, Teen Board members will also be involved in shaping outreach and education around the film and acting as ambassadors in school and community contexts.

Donate

Thank you for considering a donation to the film! There are several ways to make a financial contribution to What I'm Made Of. You can:

Send a check payable to Hallam Renaud LLC to Hallam Renaud, P.O. Box 1026, Drexel Hill, PA
19026-9998


100% of the donation goes towards the film.


Make a donation to the film via PayPal.

A 2.9% + .30 processing fee goes to PayPal.


Send a check payable to NYWIFT with What I'm Made Of in the memo line to New York Women in Film & Television, 6 E. 39th Street, New York, NY 10016

What I’m Made Of is fiscally sponsored by New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT). 7% of your donation goes towards their administrative fee. In exchange, they lend us their tax exempt status as a 501(c)3 organization, making your donation tax deductible.


If you would like to learn about our donor packages, contribute equipment and goods, provide pro bono services, or volunteer time to the project, please contact the filmmakers.

Contact

For more information, please contact Jenn and Jane at HallamRenaud@gmail.com

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