Sam Feder's latest documentary, Heightened Scrutiny, offers a dual focus: a portrait of ACLU attorney Chase Strangio and a critique of media coverage that has fueled anti-trans sentiment. The film, released in 2024, examines how outlets like the New York Times and The Atlantic have amplified pseudoscience and bigotry, aiding rightwing moral panics against trans people.
The documentary follows Strangio as he prepares for oral arguments in the Supreme Court case US v Skirmetti, heard on 4 December 2024. The court later ruled in favour of Tennessee's attorney general, allowing restrictions on medical transition for trans minors in over 20 states. Feder noted the film was made in 16 months, a rush to inform the public despite the anticipated outcome.
Strangio, typically private, allowed Feder's camera intimate access. He described the challenge of balancing privacy with the need to document the fight for survival. The film features voices from trans advocates like Laverne Cox and Gina Chua, as well as cisgender allies such as Jelani Cobb and Lydia Polgreen, weaving a critique of media bias that has influenced legislation.
A poignant element is 12-year-old Mila, first seen advocating at a New York City school board meeting, later speaking outside the Supreme Court. Feder shared that filming her was the most difficult moment, as he sought to show that attacks on trans people occur even in progressive cities like New York.
