‘My Otherland’ film and panel shared people’s real lives

Is there any greater achievement for any of us than to become – that is, know and embrace – one’s core self? The tagline of the film “My Otherland” is “a story about being yourself.” The perhaps 400 people filling the Lincoln Theatre June 30 for the premier screening of John Bowey’s documentary heard from its leading man, Linden Jordan, and a panel of seven people who are transgender or, as parents or children, are in loving family relationships.

It takes great courage, patience, perseverance and support for one to face and grow into one’s self. It is not an easy or short journey. Bowery captures Jordan’s through Jordan reviewing his history, of being born in a girl’s body. In one scene Jordan holds a photo of him as a nine-year-old with a Toni perm.

He reflected, “I was never what my mother wanted me to be. There were two different worlds and I had to manage to keep both parts.” He recounted the joy as a teen in learning both his breasts would be cut off to save him from cancer.

Jordan sings so well that, as a woman, he was a vocalist in four bands. Since, as he said, “testosterone is an amazing drug,” all the song arrangements have been changed to match his deeper voice. That was the major adjustment band members had to make as he continues to sing.

This is Jordan’s quest to relate to others. “Everyone needs the feeling of belonging,” he says in the film. From singing in a choir he met Cindy. Their long walks turned into a deeper relationship and now they are partners.

One scene has Jordan speaking at the Mount Vernon Rotary Club. He asks, rhetorically, “Why am I going to do it?” and replies, “because we have to be better.” That is his challenge to the club’s members.

He asks the group, “What is the first thing you say?” when someone tells you they’re gay, lesbian or transgender and answers, “The first thing to say is I love you.”

Jordan’s critical point is that people need to be seen for who they are and everyone has to connect and accept people for their authentic selves.

“Listen to the story of Linden Jordan. To understand the issue you have to understand that I am a little different. Otherness results in some feeling like they don’t belong.”

After the film, the panel came on stage. In opening remarks, Jordan said, “This film is only the story of transgender John, and I wanted to have a panel. There are so many stories. It is about their families.” Each person was asked to share “how has gender affected your life.?”

Rochelle called it “a slippery fish.” Growing up as a male, she played sports and as an adult is a champion hydroplaner. A mom spoke of her seven year old son, who knows she is not a William. Another woman came to the mike with her son. A labor and delivery nurse, she noted, “Before going home parents check a box, boy or girl. Ultimately we should let human beings choose to be who they want to be … . What if it starts with a box and ends with an open heart?”

Jordan is the director of PFLAG Skagit County.

“My Otherland” received an Award of Recognition in June from the 2022 Best Shorts Competition of La Jolla, California.