ETSU welcomed award winning film-maker Megan Daniels to screen her documentary titled “Proper Pronouns” on Feb. 14.
The film followed the emotional journey of four transgender ministers and their spouses as they redefine their identities within a southern church community. Each character played an important role in teaching the audience various lessons. The audience could see aspects of matriarchy, race, religion and relationship struggles through all characters.
“The film is meant to challenge preconceptions, provoke thoughts and shed light on individuals whose identity is outside of the wheelhouse of heteronormative comfort,” said Daniels.
Daniels explained that the film was inspired by her Catholic upbringing. She wanted to learn about religion in a way she did not understand, or in a way she was not previously taught.
“Proper Pronouns” is a part of the South Arts Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers here at ETSU. The program introduces filmmakers around the U.S. to different communities within the South.
Daniels’s documentary was screened in the D.P. Culp Student Center Auditorium. The event began around 7 p.m. and ended with a question and answer led by Daniels. During this time, students were able to address any issues with the film or any conceptions that arose while viewing.
Daniels hoped students recognized their privilege after viewing the film, even in smaller and unrecognizable cases.
“Our characters have to be aware of where they go to the restroom, and that’s something those in the majority don’t have to think about that much, if at all. That’s what privilege is — you have the privilege to exist without thinking about it, and when you sit in your privilege and don’t acknowledge it, that’s the very definition of privilege. Once you become aware of it, you have to act accordingly, and that’s where we fall short.”
Her hope for the documentary was for it to challenge students’ preconceived opinions about the LGBTQ+ community and their role in the church.
For more resources and information visit https://www.etsu.edu/students/mcc/programs/lgbtq/ and https://www.etsu.edu/etsu-news/2022/02-february/southartsfilms.php. The film can also be seen on https://www.kanopy.com/product/proper-pronouns-0.
