Ma Vie En Rose - Explorations in Identity

We just saw the most interesting movie on DVD:
Ma Vie En Rose (My Life in Pink), about a little boy who feels that he should have been born a girl. His older sister tries to explain to him, how girls have an X&Y, and boys have two Xs. Ludovic concludes that he was meant to be a girl, but that his Y must have gotten lost when God tossed it down... it's scientific!

The story follows he and his family as they move into a brand new neighborhood, and progress (if we can call it that) through misunderstandings to scandal, to stress and hostility from the neighbors, school. Ludovic gets pressure and blame from even within his own family. His grandmother (who dyes her hair and drives a bright yellow convertible) is the only one comfortable enough with herself to give him unconditional love and nonjudgmental support. Everyone is trying to force Ludovic to be the little boy they expect him to be, not the little girl he feels himself to be. So much pressure on a 7 year old from even his own family. At one point I turned to M and said--this is why so many gay, lesbian and transgender kids try to commit suicide!!! I'm not spoiling much to say that at one point Ludovic does not want to live, either. Although at the end, a new change of scene seems to bring a lift to the future, it's still so sad.

The movie has strong elements of fantasy and conformist absurdity. Ludovic is such a personable and likable kid... but we see him become confused, hurt, desperate and then sullen like his light has been stamped out... his despair and hopelessness is oppressive.

The movie made me vow to myself that if I ever have a gay, lesbian or transgender kid that I will support them to my outmost. I never want to have a child asked to eradicate his or herself deepest self. Heartbreaking...

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Edited to add a recent link (sorry-it's not a hot link) to a post of a similar real life life-story. Thanks to ZoeB.

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3596

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