Brian Michael Smith
An investigation of how Hollywood's fabled stories have deeply influenced how Americans feel about transgender people, and how transgender people have been taught to feel about themselves.
Nearly 20 years ago, Owen Strand was the lone survivor of his Manhattan firehouse on 9/11. In the wake of the attack, Owen had the unenviable task of rebuilding his station. After a similar tragedy happens to a firehouse in Austin, Owen, along with his troubled firefighter son, T.K., takes his progressive philosophies of life and firefighting down to Texas, where he helps them start anew. On the surface, Owen is all about big-city style and swagger, but underneath he struggles with a secret he hides from the world - one that could very well end his life.
Ryan has something personal to tell his young son, yet finds every excuse not to do it. Finally he sets a deadline - a tell-by date - but when he uncovers a truth about his own father, he's forced to confront his past in order to move forward.
Ben de Backer is a non-binary teen kicked out of their North Carolina home after coming out to their ultra-religious parents. As a result, they move in with their estranged sister Hannah and her husband Thomas. Though the two welcome Ben, they continue to struggle with anxiety further exacerbated by their parents' rejection. As such, Ben tries to keep a low profile at school. However, after they meet the proudly bisexual Nathan, Ben's life begins to look a little happier.
