New Documentary Explores Vulnerability of Transmasculine Community

The upcoming documentary *What Will I Become?*, set to premiere at the Berlinale film festival, aims to illuminate the experiences of the transmasculine community through the personal narratives of its directors, Lexie Bean and Logan Rozos. The film intertwines these stories with the tragic accounts of two young trans men who died by suicide, highlighting both the vulnerabilities and joys within the community. Harper Steele, an Emmy-winning writer and producer known for her work on *Saturday Night Live* and the Netflix documentary *Will & Harper*, serves as the executive producer.

Harper Steele To Exec Produce New Trans Masc Youth Documentary, ‘What Will I Become?’

*What Will I Become?* seeks to address the alarming rates of suicide among trans boys, with research from the American Academy of Pediatrics indicating that over 50% of trans boys may attempt suicide in their lifetime. The film emphasizes the urgent need to confront the impact of transphobia and the systemic issues that contribute to this crisis. Steele noted, “As trans people come under increasing attack from all directions, it is essential to show the harm transphobia enacts on the community, but equally important is to show the joy they can never take away.”

Harper Steele To Exec Produce New Trans Masc Youth Documentary, ‘What Will I Become?’

The documentary also aims to uplift resources that affirm trans boys and the broader LGBTQIA2S+ community, advocating for better understanding and practices in suicide prevention. The filmmakers invite viewers to reflect on the question: Why is the transmasculine community particularly vulnerable to living briefly and dying quietly?

Harper Steele To Exec Produce New Trans Masc Youth Documentary, ‘What Will I Become?’Hollywood Reporter

Produced by Deep Dive Films in collaboration with ITVS and Storylens Pictures, *What Will I Become?* features a crew largely composed of LGBTQ+ individuals and those directly impacted by suicide. Producer Drew Dickler emphasized that the film does not sensationalize loss but instead focuses on community and accountability, stating, “This film does not sensationalize loss or flatten trans lives into tragedy. It insists on community and accountability at a moment when trans youth are being erased and abandoned by systems meant to protect them.”

Hollywood Reporter

While the film aims to provide a supportive narrative, it also faces the challenge of addressing the broader societal issues that contribute to the struggles of the transmasculine community. Critics may argue that despite the film's intentions, the focus on suicide could inadvertently reinforce negative stereotypes about trans lives. However, the filmmakers assert that their goal is to foster understanding and connection rather than perpetuate tragedy.

Harper Steele To Exec Produce New Trans Masc Youth Documentary, ‘What Will I Become?’

*What Will I Become?* is set to premiere at the Berlinale film festival next month, with further announcements regarding collaborators and original music from trans artists expected in the lead-up to the event. The film represents a significant step in raising awareness about the challenges faced by the transmasculine community while celebrating their resilience and joy.

Harper Steele To Exec Produce New Trans Masc Youth Documentary, ‘What Will I Become?’

• “She told The Hollywood Reporter about the Bean and Rozos’ project: “As someone who’s been steeped in trans culture for more than a decade, this film was an education.” — Harper Steele, Executive Producer

Hollywood Reporter

• “We made this film for people who internalized feeling like a burden, people who had not seen a model for who they wanted to become, and believed the world was better off without them.” — Lexie Bean and Logan Rozos, Directors

Hollywood Reporter

• “This film does not sensationalize loss or flatten trans lives into tragedy.” — Drew Dickler, Producer

Harper Steele To Exec Produce New Trans Masc Youth Documentary, ‘What Will I Become?’