Austin Unbound

Jena Floyd

Austin Unbound is a documentary about a Deaf trans man’s journey in a society where anything binary is expected and to be solidified once labeled. Austin knew he was a boy when he was young and steadfastly processed a transition from his appointed gender to his actual gender despite his family’s reaction that it was a phrase. Austin’s transition was signified by his mastectomy, along with years of his journey of identifying as a male. Throughout the film the interviews with Austin’s friends and family provide an insight into his life prior and after the surgery. The main focus of the whole film, Austin processes his experience with humor and raw honesty.

       
I was moved by the film, especially Austin’s courage...as in coming out as a trans male in the Deaf community, in addition to the mainstream society -- meaning double oppression, despite his male status.  I like how they interviewed Austin’s childhood friends and family as they express their honest struggle to understand Austin’s transition and gender identity. There are funny yet awkward moments that reflect Austin’s sense of humor...and yes, you’ve got to watch it for yourself.


There were few moments when my friend and I noticed that Austin’s humorous comments were botched by poorly edited captioning. It seems to make him appear less humorous. Again, his very nuances in ASL may be lost in translation which is quite typical. I honestly think a captioner would have done a better job if s/he was already fluent in ASL as in catching Austin and his friends’ small movements and nuances, basically capturing the gist of everyone’s signing. Then the whole audience would have caught on with the humor part (with accurate interpretation) like the Deaf signing audience.

After watching, I felt a craving for something more and I realize I’d love a post-documentary film, like checking on Austin few years later, perhaps today, a follow-up on how he’s doing post-transition. Maybe there would not be much of a difference, but his views may be more complicated and intricate about trans and gender identity issues - as our society is becoming more accepting towards transgender people given the laws and bills passed -- protecting them from discrimination among other things.

Imagine if the film had applied deaf-centered filmmaking techniques (i.e. Gallaudet: The Film by Wayne Betts) - it’d maximize the deaf experience and at the same time address some hard, complicated issues re: transition, gender issues with direct compassion (using smooth and continuous panning, with reflecting transitions among other techniques), reflecting Austin’s reality.  Perhaps the filmmakers could add more artistic flair and it’d enrich both communities: trans and Deaf for being what they are without any sugar coating or bias. That is my artistic vision, which I dream of, but why not? If there’ll be another production featuring Austin and or other Deaf trans people, there is so much potential with this style of filmmaking.



After seeing the film and panel, I was introduced to Austin through my college friend. Perfect timing, I thought to myself as I was already assigned to do this. Austin seemed so open and friendly (and I realized after several bouts of laughter, he’s funny). After getting to know him a bit, I learned that he’s an avid chef and vegan (vegans unite!). I then bravely asked  him if I could interview him for this. He said sure...

Jena: After watching the film, I became more curious about the aftermath of the surgery (like few years later), like a follow-up of the film. Will there be a production to extend the film?

Austin: I highly doubt it’ll happen but it’s possible if Eliza’s willing to do it with additional grants and donations. No definite plans so far.

Jena: What was like doing Austin Unbound? Mind sharing your experiences here?

Austin: Sure. Eliza approached me when I was going through a transition. She was impressed with how I presented myself -- that I’m clear with who I am.  That I am a natural storyteller. At first I was resistant to the idea of being filmed about my transition then eventually I gave in. I was nervous at first then got used to it. There were ups and downs of my experience doing this and my intention of doing this was to tell my story “once.”

Jena: What was the most memorable part of the production?

Austin: Everything changed when we started receiving donations and grants to cover the costs of the trip to my surgeon in California. We figured it’d be cheaper to take a road trip so we did. I’m so glad we made that choice because we connected at a deeper level -- way better than taking a short flight. Yes, both trips before and after the surgery. This certain part of the whole production means a lot to me.

Jena: What do you want to say to everyone, including potential viewers of Austin Unbound?

Austin: This film is for everyone. There are themes overlapping one other. One theme is transgender which is for everyone like families, sibilings, etc. Other theme is Deaf - meaning connection, community, and strong visual culture. Transgender issues attract the mainstreaming society so when they watch the film, they get exposed to a trans man who happens to be Deaf.

Jena: Thank you so much for your time and the opportunity getting to know you. Oh one more, will I have a chance to sample a vegan dish from you - someday? :)

Austin: Thanks for interviewing me. Yes, when you ever stop by in Portland visiting friends, we could arrange a potluck!

You can also check out this webpage here on Facebook if you're a fan!

I would highly recommend this to someone who’s into gender and queer studies, social change, personal development, and human rights.  Or for those who are in for a good story as in striving to become who s/he really is.