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CALIFORNIA SOCIOLOGY FORUM VOL. 6 

Film Review: Breaking Barriers: A Critical Examination of 
Transgender Representation in Media through Disclosure 

Jessica Rivera 
Department of Sociology 

California State University, Los Angeles 
 

Directed by Sam Feder, Disclosure (2020) is a 
groundbreaking documentary on Netflix that provides a 
comprehensive sociological analysis of the symbolic annihilation 
of transgender individuals in film and television. Symbolic 
annihilation refers to the underrepresentation or misrepresentation 
of a particular group in media, reinforcing stereotypes and limiting 
the visibility of that group. Through a combination of historical 
context, critical analysis, and personal narratives, the film sheds 
light on the harmful and inaccurate representations of transgender 
people in mainstream media, as well as the broader societal 
implications of these portrayals. 

One of the most striking aspects explored in Disclosure is 
the complete absence of transgender characters in film and 
television. Transgender individuals have long been erased from 
mainstream media, perpetuating their marginalization and 
reinforcing the notion that they are abnormal or non-existent. By 
showcasing the lack of representation and its impact on 
transgender individuals’ self-image, mental health, and overall 
well-being, the documentary highlights the devastating 
consequences of this erasure. 

Moreover, the film delves into the harmful and inaccurate 
portrayals of transgender characters when they are included in 
media narratives. Transgender individuals have often been 
reduced to caricatures, perpetuating harmful and unrealistic 
stereotypes and misconceptions. These portrayals do not only 
misrepresent the transgender community, but they also contribute 
to the stigmatization and discrimination they face in society. 
Disclosure meticulously analyzes specific examples of such 
portrayals, providing a detailed sociological analysis of their 
negative effects on both the transgender community and broader 
societal attitudes towards transgender individuals. 

In addition to examining the content of media 
representations, Disclosure also explores the power dynamics 



Reviews | Film | J. Rivera 189 
 

CALIFORNIA SOCIOLOGY FORUM VOL. 6 

within the film and television industry that perpetuate the 
symbolic annihilation of transgender individuals. The 
documentary sheds light on the systemic barriers transgender 
individuals face in accessing meaningful roles both in front of and 
behind the camera. By exposing the inequities in media 
production and distribution systems, Disclosure calls for 
structural changes within the industry to foster more inclusive and 
accurate representation. It emphasizes the need for diverse voices 
and perspectives to be included in the creative process to avoid 
perpetuating harmful stereotypes and biases. 

Furthermore, Disclosure delves into the intersectionality 
of transgender representation, highlighting how gender identity 
intersects with race, class, and other social categories. The film 
recognizes that transgender individuals from marginalized 
communities face compounded forms of symbolic annihilation, as 
their identities are further erased or misrepresented due to 
intersecting systems of oppression. By exploring the intersectional 
experiences of transgender people, Disclosure provides a nuanced 
understanding of the broader societal dynamics that contribute to 
their symbolic annihilation in film and television. 

While Disclosure offers a powerful sociological analysis 
of the symbolic annihilation of transgender individuals, it also has 
some shortcomings. One critique is that the documentary focuses 
primarily on the negative aspects of transgender representation 
without fully exploring the positive strides being made in recent 
years. While it is crucial to address the harmful portrayals and 
erasure of transgender individuals, it is equally important to 
highlight the progress being made towards more accurate and 
inclusive representation. By balancing the analysis with examples 
of positive representation and showcasing the efforts of 
filmmakers and activists who are working towards change, the 
documentary could provide a more comprehensive perspective. 

Additionally, though Disclosure acknowledges the 
intersectionality of transgender representation, it could delve 
deeper into the experiences of transgender individuals from 
different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The 
documentary primarily features the narratives of white 
transgender individuals, which limits the examination of how 
intersecting systems of oppression uniquely impact transgender 



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CALIFORNIA SOCIOLOGY FORUM VOL. 6 

people of color and those from marginalized communities. By 
incorporating more diverse voices and experiences, Disclosure 
could provide a more comprehensive analysis of the complexities 
of transgender representation. 

Despite these limitations, Disclosure remains a valuable 
and thought-provoking documentary contributing to the ongoing 
discussion about representation and inclusion in film and 
television. By providing a sociological lens through which to 
understand the symbolic annihilation of transgender individuals, 
the film challenges viewers to critically examine the media they 
consume and the broader societal dynamics at play. It serves as a 
call to action for the film and television industry to prioritize 
diverse and accurate representation and for society as a whole to 
recognize the importance of visibility and inclusion for 
transgender individuals. 

In conclusion, Disclosure is a great documentary that 
offers a comprehensive sociological analysis of transgender 
individuals in film and television. Through its examination of 
historical context, critical analysis, and personal narratives, the 
film portrays inaccurate representations of transgender people in 
mainstream media and highlights the broader societal implications 
of these representations. While the documentary falls short in 
certain aspects, it remains an important contribution to the 
ongoing conversation about representation and inclusion. 
Disclosure challenges viewers to examine the media they 
consume critically and calls for structural changes within the film 
and television industry to foster more inclusive and accurate 
representation. 

REFERENCES 
Feder, Sam. 2020. Disclosure. Los Gatos, CA: Netflix.  
 
 
Jessica Rivera (She/Her/Ella) is a first-generation graduate student at Cal 
State LA. Jessica will be graduating with her M.A. in Sociology in May 
2024. Her research interests consist of deviant behaviors, gender and mental 
health. She is currently working on her portfolio project on the topic of social 
media specifically Instagram affecting college students’ self-perception. She 
is grateful for the opportunity she has been given to explore, grow in her 
writing and learn from her CSF team. Jessica had the opportunity to be a part 
of the book/film review team. She is a proud member of the editorial board 
and hopes to continue her passion in writing.


	Film Review: Breaking Barriers: A Critical Examination of Transgender Representation in Media through Disclosure - Jessica Rivera



