Leo Baker documentary on Netflix.

[Dave Gray]

Sometimes you watch a movie and it makes you grow as a person.  I think this was one of those movies for me.

I don't want to get into a trans debate.  That's not my point here.  But as it is a core theme of the movie, it has to be mentioned.

I consider myself a moderate in regards to trans stuff.  I fully support someone being who they feel that they are.  I respect it.  I am evolving still and figuring it out.  And I think the trans movement is also figuring it out.  But I also understand that there is a gray area with things like sports competitions and also there can be the feeling of hypocrisy to consider yourself a man, yet take advantages set aside for women.

This documentary doesn't really judge any of that.  It isn't specifically about being trans.  It's just about a person.  One person.

That person was born a girl, always felt like a boy, but because of their socioeconomic status and skateboarding marketability, was forced to look and act a certain way because they were one of the best skaters in the world.   ...and not a traditional way that society expects you to act, but literally had their outfits and hairstyles chosen by a committee of sponsors to sell women's clothing and shoes.  Then, this person is so good at skating (men or women) that they're chosen for the first US Olympic Women's Team.  They recognize the disconnect of being a man and competing as a woman.  They don't want to -- they don't really want any of this, but they need to find a way to live; not only to survive financially, but to feel comfortable with their friends, their peers, and the world.

So, it's just about being able to live and being able to skate.  It's also about skaters having a punk rock, contrarian attitude, so seeing that through a trans lens is unique.  They are introverted.  They don't want the fame, they don't want the controversy.  They don't even really care about the trans stuff so much, especially at first.

I felt very challenged watching it.  The movie isn't pro or anti-anything.  It just shows one person's life trying to be who they are and how so many groups want a piece of you.

I recommend you give it a shot.  It's called "Stay on Board: The Leo Baker Story".  It's one of those rare cases where I feel like a better, fuller person for having seen it.