Film highlights challenges faced by trans youth

To mark Transgender Awareness Week (November 13-19), Transilience, an organisation supporting young transgender people in North Devon, has released a powerful new short film. 

The film aims to educate the public about the struggles transgender youth face and encourages people to ‘be kind’.

The film features the founders of Transilience, Oscar Sharples and his mother Beki, who are based in Bideford, along with members of the Transilience Youth Advisory Board and young trans people who benefit from the charity's support.

Opening with a poignant personal account from Cody (16), a volunteer with Transilience, the film highlights the emotional toll of being assaulted in a hate crime just weeks before the filming began. 

The film continues with Elliot, a member of the Youth Advisory Board, sharing the distressing reality of supporting trans youth who have been forced out of their homes.

The participants also discuss the isolation many trans young people experience while growing up in rural North Devon. 

Brendon (20), a student in Devon and a Youth Advisory Board member, says: “It’s really important for there to be an organisation for trans young people in Devon; it’s important to have a place for trans young people to meet and make connections.”

The film not only focuses on the experiences of transgender youth but also addresses the challenges parents face in supporting their trans children. 

Nikki, the mother of 17-year-old Elliot, expresses her gratitude for the guidance provided by Transilience. 

“It’s been everything for me because I’ve not had any contact with anyone who’s been through anything like this,” she shares. 

“You don’t know if you are doing the best thing to support your children. Having someone who has been through that has been massive.”

Throughout the film, a powerful message is conveyed to the wider community. One participant asks: “If it’s making someone happy, what matters more, tradition, or seeing someone embracing who they are?” 

Cody adds: “Just be kind.”

Oscar Sharples hopes the film will further the goals of Transilience. 

“Through this important film we want to let young trans people know we are there for them and how we can help; counter stigma against young trans people and show just how much they are going through; and lastly to encourage young trans people to embrace the joy of being trans and celebrate themselves for who they are.”

The film was shot and directed by Bells Kennedy-Compston, a trans filmmaker from London, who worked closely with Oscar and all the participants.

It was supported by the Young Gamechangers Fund (YGF), which also provided Transilience with a grant for their ongoing work.

The YGF is a £4.5 million initiative from Co-op, the Co-op Foundation, and the #iwill Fund, aimed at supporting youth-led projects across the UK. 

Through grants of up to £20,000 annually, the fund helps young leaders transform their communities. 

It is delivered in collaboration with the Global Fund for Children and Restless Development, with support from The National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).