WHAT'S IN A NAME?

What's in a Name?
A short documentary directed by Ben J. Kullerd & Caitlin Lundin.
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Four transgender Austin, Texas residents share intimate stories about their gender transitions. Shane Whalley, a professor and employee of the University of Texas, discusses hir genderqueer identity, transition into a new, unexplored gender identity and choice of a gender non-specific name. Phoenix, a data consultant, discusses his journey from womanhood to manhood, the struggles he has faced as both transgender and African-American, and the relevance of the mythical origins of his chosen name. Tatiana Young, a UT graduate student in Women's & Gender Studies, talks about her transition from boyhood to womanhood, her indigenous Hawaiian heritage, the strength of choosing a powerful name and the importance of not taking oneself too seriously. Karen Collett, a software developer, discusses her more recent transition into womanhood, the significance of her chosen name and the humor and joy one can find in overcoming the struggles of gender transition.
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Documentary directed, shot, edited and produced by Ben Kullerd and Caitlin Lundin, with Huda Abdul-Razzak on second camera and set design

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