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TRANS IN ACTION

“Society needs to understand that trans people are here, we have been here and we will always be here,”
– Reyna Ortiz

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1. Overview

Documentary Title: Trans In Action
Duration: 90 minutes
Format: Documentary feature
Focus: Two transgender community activists navigate a Trump re-elected America in Chicago.

2. Logline

In a world of heightened adversity, two transgender activists navigate a Trump re-elected America in Chicago. Using the power of food to transform lives, a White nonbinary chef and a Latinx trans woman organize, uplift, advocate and educate the world around them, while feeding the body and soul of a robust trans community.

 

3. Synopsis

Trans In Action documents the work of two transgender activists at the critical juncture of Trump’s re-election. These two distinct voices address issues deeply layered within the trans community: questions about power at the intersection of race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Looking at these issues can help us make sense of how our nation became so divided.

Jenny Urban (they/them) is a White transmasculine culinary arts instructor from Kentucky. Chef Urban’s warm personality and undiscriminating presence makes it easy to ask questions without judgment. They shine as the Director of Culinary Arts at the Center on Halsted, the Midwest's largest LGBTQ+ community center on the North side of Chicago.

 

Reyna Ortiz (she/her) has been navigating our society as an openly Trans/Two-Spirit Latinx woman since she was 14 years old. As a former sex worker, Reyna found support in the elder trans women who taught her about safety and community building. Today, Ortiz works hand-on with her community as Program Director at TaskForce, a grassroots organization serving the LGBTQ+ community, with a focus on trans youth, on the West side of Chicago.

 

This film documents their collaboration using food and culinary arts to uplift and nurture trans youth. As they strategize programming, they discuss trans issues at the intersections of race, gender, class, power and culture. They bring distinct experiences from their careers to create innovative solutions to uplift the lives of trans people amid the chaos of a divided nation.

4. Key Themes

  • Resilience: Reyna’s personal story of overcoming adversity to become a leader in her community.

  • Intersectionality: Chef Urban is not blind to their White privilege. Discussions about the community needs and political climate of the nation will highlight the unique challenges faced by Latinx, Black and Brown Trans and GNC individuals.

  • Community Care: How spaces like TaskForce, the youth Vogue School, and Center on Halsted provide not just resources, but a sense of belonging and safety.

  • Systemic Barriers: The systemic violence and discrimination against queer and trans individuals, and the legislative actions that will be put into place to spread the hateful indoctrination of the Trump Administration.

  • Advocacy: As we follow the community organizers in 2025, the urgent need for resources and action will be documented as they respond to challenges.

  • Radical Praxis: Showcasing the philosophy of addressing root causes of inequities through collective action and community-driven solutions to create equitable futures

  • The Power of Food: Chef Urban’s holistic approach to culinary arts as a means of empowerment in economic stability as well as personal growth and confidence.

 

 

5. Structure

ACT 1

Beginnings: Reyna’s youth as an open trans woman, and her first steps into advocacy. Jenny’s culinary start in Kentucky, their transition to Chicago’s food scene, ultimately leading to advocacy work with the culinary arts.

Community Impact: A day in the life of Reyna as a Trans Resource Navigator at TaskForce. A day in the life of Chef Urban at the Center on Halsted, leading the Silver Fork program.

 

ACT 2

Systemic Challenges: Capturing the first meeting of Reyna and Chef Urban, their conversation explores the structural issues that exacerbate vulnerability for Trans and GNC individuals. They discuss barriers to employment, food insecurity, and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, as they strategize how to best create a program based around the power of food. 

Let’s Get to Work: As Reyna and Chef Urban implement their new culinary arts program, we see challenges and successes. Participants experience culinary arts and life skills. Chef Urban and Reyna collaborate to connect with other local organizations such as the Greater Chicago Food Depository to expand opportunities for the trans youth.

ACT 3

Resilience and Joy: As the culinary arts program comes to a close, participants come together to create a meal together. As they commune over the dinning table, they discuss what they’ve learned, and what they hope the future holds. 

Legacy and Future: Reyna and Chef Urban’s vision for lasting change for their community and for America.

 

6. Visual Approach

Cinematic Style: The artistic approach is to amplify the joy, diversity, and vibrancy of the Chicago trans and LGBTQ+ community. Using vibrant and intimate visuals such as luxurious slow motion footage of youth dancing in Vogue School, chefs chopping and sautéing in a kitchen, and activists protesting in a city square. Visual elements of food and the teaching kitchen will be used as transitional moments throughout the film: masking tape with hand written notes, knives that chop slice and dice, fire that dances and transforms, and textures of home made foods freshly plated. More importantly, food will be the connector for scenes of joy and celebration of the trans community.

Interviews: Sit-down interviews will be minimal, as most dialogue will be captured through verité footage of candid and heartfelt conversations between Reyna, Chef Urban, community members, and allies.

Archival Material: Photos, videos, and news headlines will help represent the two protagonists’ work and activism. In addition, as trans & LGBTQ+ relevant news headlines are released in Trump’s first year of re-election, we’ll document and use that as a reference to time passing in the film.

Animations and Motion Graphics: Stories will be illustrated using a visual style centered around tattoo and book cover animations that come to life. Chef Urban is a huge tattoo enthusiast, and they have tattoos on their body that represent important moments in their life. Reyna is a self-proclaimed obsessive reader, and has a hefty collection of diverse books. These two elements of their identities will help graphically tell personal stories and trans histories.

 

7. Target Audience

  • LGBTQ+ communities and allies.

  • Social justice advocates and organizations.

  • Educators and policymakers focused on equity and inclusion.

  • Documentary enthusiasts seeking impactful, character-driven stories.

  • Food enthusiasts and supporters of nonprofit initiatives.

 

8. Impact Goals

Raise Awareness: Highlight the systemic challenges faced by Trans and GNC individuals.

Amplify Voices: Center the experiences of Black and Brown Trans and GNC communities.

Inspire Action: Mobilize viewers to support community initiatives, advocacy and policy change.

Foster Understanding: Educate broader audiences on the importance of trans and LGBTQ+ rights. If trans rights are taken away, women’s rights and civil rights are all at risk.

Encourage Radical Praxis: Inspire audiences to imagine new worlds where all individuals live freely and equitably.

Highlight Culinary Arts as a Path to Empowerment

Celebrate LGBTQ+ Achievements in Nonprofit Work

Foster Connections Between Food, Identity, and Community

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