The Netflix documentary “Will and Harper” wrestles with trans identity in Trump’s America

In one scene, Steele decides to go alone to a bar somewhere in deep red rural America while Ferrell waits in the car. As she enters, the camera catches glimpses of some of the bar’s patrons, a Confederate flag and a pile of Trump paraphernalia on the walls. Eventually, Steele plucks up the courage to strike up a conversation with another bargoer nearby, and it goes well. Only after joining a group at the bar does she call over Ferrell, who has obviously caught the attention of everyone present.

The conversation was genuine and full of personal curiosity and had nothing to do with her trans identity. In another scene shortly afterwards, Steele and Ferrell drive to a stock car race on a dirt track in Oklahoma. There, Steele mentioned to a few guys in the stands that she used to go to races like this all the time before she transitioned, but since then she hasn’t been sure how people would react.

The men she speaks to, who are looking for white men from rural America straight from central casting, encourage her to come back. “Have no fear. If you want to come out, come out,” says one, implying that they are all just racers.

In another scene earlier in the film, Steele and Ferrell meet at an Indiana Pacers basketball game and take photos with Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, a Republican. The two then discuss how Holcomb signed a law banning gender-affirming care of transgender minors and talk about how they wish they had thought about it right away so they could have questioned the governor on the issue.

Overall, “Will and Harper” tells an interesting story about how America is grappling with the issue of trans rights. In personal conversation, Steele’s trans identity doesn’t seem to be a problem. The film captures real relationships with strangers, while all the hate and vitriol is reserved for the keyboard warriors who never bother to interact with Steele in person, only seeing them from afar at the Pacers game or in a Have seen a steakhouse in Texas.

Personal contact and connection have always been the best weapon for LGBTQ acceptance in the United States, and transgender issues are no different. While the documentary tells a touching story about a friendship that undergoes major change, for me it is also a story about America going through its own transition: the search for a suitable partner for transsexuals in red state America. If only every trans American could have a celebrity like Will Ferrell around them for safety.