TransLegends: The Pursuit of Gender Affirming Human Rights is a poignant and evocative docudrama that chronicles the remarkable lives of Trans Legends including Cheri DiNovo, starting from the time of DiNovo being a child navigating the complexity of growing up, and how this intertwines with the lives of so many trans individuals’ experiences. Set against the backdrop of Toronto’s vibrant urban landscape, the film explores, chronicles and documents the painful and often perilous lives and experiences of being trans in a time marked by intense prejudice, societal hatred, and the struggle for acceptance.
In a sweeping narrative that spans personal hardship and societal upheaval, the film weaves together themes of healing, activism, and the shared experiences of countless individuals in the 2SLGBTQI+ community. It portrays the incredible courage, and unwavering political activism of trans activists who stood in defiance of hatred, drawing strength from one another to build a legacy of hope, acceptance, and love.
Come and journey with us, as we explore the incredible work of trans legends, who brought forth the historic fight for trans human rights in Canada, the effect on the lives of trans individuals, and how so many are living their lives in our ever tumultuous world today.
Director: Davina Hader, AOCADU
Producer: Doris Sung, MFA, Ph.D.
Consultant: Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo, C.M.
DOP, Cinematographer: Davina Hader, AOCADU
Production Company: Studio Conceptions
An award winning cinematographer and filmmaker, Davina has years of experience working in the creative industry, and documenting the trans community for many years. Her filmmaking reflects a unique and often queer perspective, bridging artistic vision with profound social impact.
Professor of Art History at The University of Alabama (UA). Her research focuses on early modern, modern and contemporary art of East Asia, cultural interactions between Asia and Europe with a focus on gender. Sung is also a visual artist and an independent curator. She had served on the board of artist-run co-operatives in Toronto, including A Space Gallery, Propeller Art Gallery, and Zen-Mix: Pan-Asian Visual Arts Network.
MPP DiNovo introduced more successful LGBTQ bills to a legislature or parliament than anyone in Canadian history, including Toby's Act which added trans rights to the Ontario Human Rights Code in 2012, the Affirming Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Act which banned conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth in 2015, Cy and Ruby's Act which established parent equality for LGBTQ parents in 2015, and the Trans Day of Remembrance Act in 2017.
Our trailer captures the essence of what our feature film, TransLegends: The Pursuit of Gender Affirming Human Rights, will bring to the screen.