"I Saw The TV Glow" Stikes the Hearts of Trans Youth

A guest column by Finn Peck

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When I saw "I Saw The TV Glow" in theatres a few weeks ago, I'll admit I was confused, as many people were. "Why the violent ending?" many ask. "It's unclear" others say. I felt disconnected, seeing so many other trans people relate to the film when I didn't. But after reading about it, I understood. And I think that says a lot. The film itself was gorgeous, filled with 90's nostalgia and relatable characters– it was the message that wasn't clear to some. Ultimately, what I found the message to be was: there is still time. 

There is still time for you to find yourself. There is still time to accept your identity. The ending of the film has thousands of mixed reviews, and it left me sitting in those red chairs at the cinema with my jaw open. Critics call it "violent.” Yet, I think I understand it now. Hiding yourself, any part of yourself– whether it be something as large as identity or something as small as an interest of yours– ultimately leads to destruction. Only by moving forward, braving the world and its opinions, can you truly live as yourself.