Trained in the Ways of Men

Both sides of a murder are analyzed and contrasted in a case where transgender panic was used as a legal defense strategy. The director illustrates conflicts that exist for all parties. Interviews are included with defense attorneys, advocates and the District Attorney assigned to prosecute the case during both trials.

Filmed on location, footage of many of the actual events is included along with rare clips of Gwen Araujo during her younger years. Through these images, the audience is treated to a glimpse of Gwen's gradual development as she boldly and honestly chooses to face her gender conflict and accepts transsexual status.

Gwen's murder and story have led to the adoption of legislation signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006. The Terminator's controversial "Girlie-Man" comment is also included in the film. The Gwen Araujo Justice For Victims Act (AB 1160) amends jury instructions and prohibits jurors from accepting testimony based on a gay or transpanic defense.

Trained in the Ways of Men challenges viewers to consider how they might react or respond to the knowledge that their g/f or b/f is or was transgender.

The stories and reactions of three Post-op transsexual female women are woven into the movie and foster a better understanding of the real people behind the otherwise mysterious lives of those who change or wish to change their sex.

Leaving no stone unturned, Director Shelly Prevost scrupulously examines the murder trial of Gwn Araujo and provides numerous interviews with Gwen Araujo's mother Sylvia and the attorneys involved in the case.

One of the worst put together documentaries I have ever seen. The only reason this film has gotten good reviews here is (a) they worked on the film and/or (b) it's the gay agenda being pushed.

Trust me, I am not anti gay or anti transgender. But I AM anti bad film making and this film sucks.

There is nothing compelling in it. tons of stock footage from the trial with an old white haired lawyer who looks like they found him on skid row.

And then there is the statistic 23 27 whatever transgender murders last year, like that's a lot. Don't get me wrong, one murder of anyone is too much, but these figures are put out there to further the agenda. Aren't we sick of that yet?

Every body should be treated equally and that means that some people shouldn't be treated more equally than others. It means when there is a murder, the criminals need to be prosecuted and put into prison. It doesn't mean you make a career off the dead back of a transgendered person. And I'm sick of you left wing nuts trying to make money off our backs. Get a real life.

Oh, BTW, haters, I'm transgendered.

(I think I got the number right - it was something close.) An important and emotional documentary about the life and death of Gwen Araujo - a transgender teen - and the subsequent trials of her killers. Her mother has a large role (rightly so), and teaches others as she learns about what being transgender means and the issues surrounding this often tortuous state. She admits her own short-comings, too, which is refreshing. The people on trial are the usual assortment of despicable types - but the film is more about society's view of the value of the life of a person they may not understand. There is a great comparison to a similar case in a nearby jurisdiction - and the very different reaction of that community. It's amazing the ignorant things people will say on camera! The filmmaker also added an interesting layer by quizzing many key people involved, as well as people on the street, with "what gender are you?" and then "how do you know?" and gets some surprising, thought-provoking answers. Highly recommended.