‘Dorothy’: A Long-Awaited Embrace for the Queer Community

(This article contains spoilers for Dorothy)

“This does not feel like a step up; it feels like having stepped on an escalator,” is how Jaya, a trans activist and general manager of the NGO Sahodaran, describes the impact of Tamil filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj’s latest film, Dorothy, on the queer community. Released in theatres on September 25, the film tells a profound story of a trans woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love, resonating deeply with audiences, particularly those within the LGBTQIA+ community who have long sought representation in Tamil cinema.

An Insightful Narrative

Dorothy explores the sensitive themes surrounding the life of a trans woman, navigating her identity and societal challenges. The film has garnered rave reviews, particularly for its authentic portrayal of trans experiences, a subject that has remained underrepresented in Tamil films for decades. Negha Shahin, a writer and actor, shares her enthusiasm, stating, “We finally got a film that takes a deep look into trans life. It surprised me to see how even cisgender heteronormative people connected to the film.” Marakkah, a teacher, poet, theatre artist, and founder of the Chennai Queer Library, also expressed a strong emotional connection to the film, recounting moments that evoked powerful memories. “I couldn’t stop crying during the last 30 minutes,” she said.

Malini Jeevarathnam, an actor-filmmaker and activist, praised the film for its raw authenticity. “It’s a deep, well-crafted film about what happens next door in our towns,” they noted, appreciating the filmmakers’ commitment to telling an unfiltered version of reality without catering to aesthetic demands.

Addressing Social Issues

The film also addresses the grave social issue of honour killings targeting trans individuals, a subject often regarded as taboo. Marakkah pointed out that Karthik has bravely spotlighted a topic society often avoids discussing. “We have seen honour killings due to caste and religion, and we are, in fact, a society that killed female infants. But Karthik has exposed something people don’t wish to speak about,” she explained. Negha, who has personal experience with family violence, found this particular narrative compelling and relatable.

Inside the film, Dorothy grapples with severe gender dysphoria before her transition, a challenge that mainstream Tamil cinema has rarely tackled. Jaya articulated the reality many trans women face, highlighting the hidden aspects of their lives where feminine expressions are often suppressed due to societal pressures. She praised how “sensitively and tenderly” the film depicts the joy of gender euphoria that follows a transition. “Only then can someone show such feelings with so much life to them,” Jaya added, reflecting the comprehensive research that went into portraying these experiences authentically.

A Musical Triumph

A notable achievement for the film was the collaboration with legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja, who created the song “Muthumani.” Negha celebrated this milestone, drawing a contrast between how past Tamil cinema often ridiculed the lives of queer individuals compared to the heartfelt articulation of emotions in this new work. “Many songs have humiliated our lives, but there hadn’t been a song that expressed our feelings well until ‘Muthumani,’ which Raaja sir himself has written,” she remarked, indicating a significant evolution in Tamil cinema’s approach to LGBTQIA+ narratives.

The Backlash and Challenges

Despite the positive reception from many audience members, the film has encountered a wave of queerphobia, particularly given its representation of a kiss between a cisgender man and a trans woman in its climactic scene. Negha noted the derogatory comments stemming from this moment, with some invalidating the relationship depicted on screen. “They are saying that it features two men kissing, which is very transphobic,” she stated. Jaya questioned this misunderstanding, asserting that society often fetishizes trans women while simultaneously denying their identities and relationships.

Malini addressed the inconsistency in societal acceptance of trans identities while refusing to recognize trans romance. “It’s as if they are giving acceptance due to pity. If you accept me, accept who I am, who I love and how I live,” she urged.

Longing for Normalization

As reactions unfold, community members are also expressing the wish for a normalization of trans lives in society. “Even today, there’s eve-teasing and a nasty gaze towards us,” Negha observed, advocating for a more profound societal acceptance that allows trans individuals to navigate public spaces without fear of discrimination. Marakkah envisaged a future where seeing trans individuals in every aspect of life is commonplace, signaling a shift in societal attitudes. “I always believe that the day someone walking on the road sees and passes by us just like another human being on the street, we will know that society has changed,” she stated.

Notably, Dorothy features trans actress Jeeva Subramanian in a pivotal role, which many see as a step forward for representation in the industry. Negha remained cautiously optimistic about the outcome of such casting choices, recognizing that the road to opportunity for trans actors remains challenging. “It’s been four years since I won the Kerala State Film Award. But I can’t say many doors have opened for me since,” she lamented. Nevertheless, the film’s participation in the Toronto International Film Festival, accompanied by trans representation, contributes to a growing hope for change within the film industry.

Future Aspirations

Looking forward, community advocates express a desire for stories that celebrate joy and success in trans lives. Jaya envisions narratives where trans individuals achieve their dreams with familial support, while Negha and Malini emphasize the need for narratives that intellectually and emotionally elevate audiences. “We should make films that take audiences to another level intellectually and emotionally,” Malini articulated, emphasizing the responsibility filmmakers have in shaping societal perceptions of queerness.

While many within the community have voiced their critiques of Dorothy, particularly regarding the unfiltered use of slurs in dialogue, Negha recognized that scrutinizing the film should not overshadow its significance. “It’s very hurtful to hear those words. They put disclaimers for so many things; they can do it for this too,” she suggested, advocating for a greater sensitivity toward the language used in films, particularly those that address vulnerable communities.

The varied responses to Dorothy remind us of the complexities surrounding representation in cinema. As the community continues to strive for more authentic stories, the sense of pride that comes from seeing their narratives represented on screen remains a powerful motivator for change.