Transgender Filmmaker Sam Feder’s New Documentary “Heightened Scrutiny” Sparks National Conversation on Trans Rights in Hollywood

Transgender filmmaker Sam Feder, known for his acclaimed 2020 documentary “Disclosure,” has once again thrust transgender issues into the national spotlight with his latest work, “Heightened Scrutiny” (2025), which premiered this week in Hollywood and is now streaming in the U.S. at Frameline. The film arrives at a time when legal protections for transgender people are under renewed threat, making its message especially resonant within the film industry and LGBTQ+ advocacy circles .

“Heightened Scrutiny” follows the journey of civil rights attorney Chase Strangio, the first transgender person to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark case U.S. v. Skrmetti. The film documents Strangio’s fight against a wave of anti-transgender legislation and examines how media coverage often amplifies harmful rhetoric, conflating the experiences of transgender youth with political controversies .

Feder’s documentary features testimony from high-profile transgender celebrities, including Laverne Cox, who share personal accounts of discrimination and resilience. The film’s narrative highlights how intersectional identities—particularly those of queer people of color—are disproportionately affected by these legislative battles and media misrepresentations .

The release of “Heightened Scrutiny” has been met with widespread acclaim from Hollywood’s LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Industry leaders praise Feder’s commitment to amplifying transgender voices and confronting systemic biases within both the legal system and the entertainment industry. The premiere coincides with “Pride LIVE Hollywood,” a month-long celebration curated by Infinity Festival, which underscores Hollywood’s role as a center for LGBTQ+ creativity and advocacy .

Mark Lieber and Adam Newman, co-founders of Infinity Festival, emphasized the importance of programming that not only celebrates current LGBTQ+ culture but also situates it within the broader context of history and social change. “Pride LIVE Hollywood will transform the city with compelling programming and reclaim Hollywood’s legacy as a cultural epicenter,” said Jerry Neuman, Chairman of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce .

Feder’s film urges audiences to engage with local politics and to support campaigns for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly those combating discriminatory legislation at the state and federal level. “Heightened Scrutiny” makes clear that attacks on transgender rights have a ripple effect throughout the broader LGBTQ+ community, with the most vulnerable—including transgender youth and people of color—bearing the brunt of these policies .

The film’s intersectional approach has been highlighted by activists as a necessary evolution in LGBTQ+ storytelling. By weaving together legal, cultural, and personal narratives, Feder provides a nuanced exploration of how media narratives influence public perception and policy outcomes.

The release of “Heightened Scrutiny” has invigorated conversations about the responsibility of Hollywood to accurately represent and advocate for LGBTQ+ communities. GLAAD’s recent Studio Responsibility Index further underscores the need for increased transgender and non-binary visibility in major studio productions—a goal Feder’s work directly supports .

As the documentary continues to spark debate and mobilize viewers, Hollywood’s role as both a cultural trendsetter and a platform for social change remains central. Activists and industry professionals alike are calling for continued investment in transgender-led projects and for media organizations to challenge harmful stereotypes in their coverage of LGBTQ+ issues.

Feder’s influence, both behind the camera and in the broader advocacy landscape, is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling in shaping public discourse and advancing equality.