Heightened Scrutiny – Hot Docs 2025
April 24 to May 4, 2025
FILM FESTIVAL
Hot Docs
Hot Docs 2025
PROGRAMME
Hot Docs Special Presentations
An ACLU lawyer prepares to testify to the US Supreme Court against an anti-trans ruling in Heightened Scrutiny. In December 2024, Chase Strangio, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, became the first openly trans person to argue in front of the Supreme Court. Strangio is followed in the weeks prior to this testimony as he prepares to make his argument against the 2023 Tennessee ruling of the US. v. Skrmetti, banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth.
Heightened Scrutiny Synopsis
Heightened Scrutiny is an incredibly timely documentary directed by Sam Feder (Disclosure). The film follows ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he prepares to make his argument to the US Supreme Court against a Tennessee law banning the use of puberty blockers and hormone treatment for transgender youth. Chase is supported in this case by transgender activists, including actors Laverne Cox and Elliot Page.
My Thoughts on Heightened Scrutiny
With transphobia in the United States at an all-time high, Heightened Scrutiny is a very timely and important documentary, and it can be expected that the film’s ending may change following the June 2025 ruling in the US. v. Skrmetti case by the US Supreme Court. The film makes sure to point out that biased media reporting, most notably from the New York Times, contributes to the transphobic narrative, and there’s the fear that the US. v. Skrmetti case is just the beginning of laws removing rights for transgender individuals. Ultimately, Heightened Scrutiny shows its transgendered subjects fighting for their right to gender affirmation and it should be allowed to continue.
