A farmer father makes the decision to support his transgender daughter in Not Losing You, a powerful and touching new video aimed at preventing future suicides of trans and LGBTQ youth. It will bring tears to your eyes, but also give you hope.
Michael Patrick McGill and Sophie S., a trans teen actor (last name withheld for privacy), give pitch-perfect performances as father and daughter. The father doesn’t quite get what “this transgender stuff” is about; he doesn’t even know exactly what kind of support his daughter will need. He knows, however, that if he doesn’t give her his support and love, he might lose her. The brevity of the film and the limited dialog only make it more impactful.
Award-winning filmmaker James Lantz explains on the film’s website that this project “is about preventing future suicides of trans and LGBTQ youth by creating and broadcasting a PSA/micro-movie supporting rural LGBTQ youth during the 2024 election season.” Lantz is also the creator of the Angry Gay Grandpa web series, which focuses on five trans youth suicides that occurred in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in a span of 18 months, and seeks to prevent more. In April 2024, Lantz protested and was arrested at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to bring attention to these suicides and the anti-LGBTQ legislation sponsored by State Senator Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster County).
I hope you’ll watch this video and share it widely so that those who need to hear its message may do so.
Content warning: Brief text mention of the connection between anti-trans laws and the rise in attempted suicides of trans youth.
