University to sponsor screening of ‘TransGeneration’ by Sundance Channel

University to sponsor screening of ‘TransGeneration’ by Sundance ChannelSeptember 08, 2005Carol K. Masiclatclkim@syr.edu

The Sundance Channel, with Syracuse University’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center and Office of Residence Life, will premiere the first episode of its new eight-part documentary series “TransGeneration” on Friday, Sept. 9, at 7:30 p.m. in Kittredge Auditorium. “TransGeneration” follows four students balancing academics, campus life and family with their commitment to gender reassignment. The first episode introduces two students transitioning from female to male and two students transitioning from male to female, highlighting the struggles and hard choices they face in presenting themselves to their college peers.

Tamar Jourian-one of the profiled students who transitioned from female to male-will attend this premiere to introduce the 90-minute episode and answer audience questions afterward. “The trans community is comprised of individuals from all kinds of experiences from different backgrounds with a variety of interests and opinions,” says Jourian, a graduate student at the University of Michigan. “This documentary allows people to see this diversity and to see transgender folks as three-dimensional people with more than just surgery and hormones on their minds.”

“TransGeneration” hopes to build a strong dialogue around the eight episodes, leading to informal discussions, programs promoting transgender education and civic action. The series will air Tuesdays at 9 p.m., beginning Sept. 20 on the Sundance Channel.

“This first episode of the Sundance Channel’s documentary allows us to cross boundaries into the worlds of four transgender college students,” says AdreaJaehnig, director of Syracuse University’s LGBT Resource Center. “This show increases our understanding of the fullness and complexity of their lives-their triumphs and challenges on campus and with family. We are thankful to the Sundance Channel for providing Syracuse University the opportunity to show this world premiere at no cost. We are grateful to the four students whose courage and authenticity will have people wanting to see the rest of the series.”

The screening of “TransGeneration” is free and open to the public. A light reception will immediately follow the question and answer session. Parking is free in the Irving Garage.