Movies

Munroe Bergdorf’s powerful Love & Rage reminds us that hope is still alive for trans people

BBG News

For about ten years now, the significance of having fair and diverse representation has emerged as a topic of discussion across various sectors, impacting every industry without exception.

Fashion campaigns and beauty brands now serve as platforms for discussions on topics like race, class, disability, gender, and sexuality. However, as political tensions escalate, these advances can sometimes seem disconnected or confined – in a bubble where progress is primarily seen among those who are equipped to handle its impact.

In her latest documentary titled “Love & Rage“, Munroe Bergdorf honestly reveals the experiences of living as a Black trans woman in present-day UK. She also sheds light on the world where trans individuals reside, highlighting that the ongoing struggle against them is a battle that requires both love and anger for effective combat.

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The Supreme Court ruling on the definition of ‘woman’ and repeated anti-trans rhetoric from Conservative administrations have made the UK an unwelcoming place for transgender and non-binary individuals, as starkly portrayed by Bergdorf in certain areas that are difficult to watch without discomfort.

The recent Supreme Court decision about what it means to be a ‘woman’ and the repeated negative comments from Conservative governments about transgender people have turned the UK into an unfriendly nation for those who identify as trans or non-binary, according to Bergdorf in certain places that are distressing to witness.

As a gamer, I’ve found myself standing at the forefront of both triumph and turmoil. From the shockwaves that followed my groundbreaking role as L’Oréal’s first trans model in their beauty campaign, only to be abruptly dropped by them, to the profound loneliness that ensued when I became a national focal point for criticism after expressing my views against white supremacy – these experiences have given me an intimate understanding of what it means to be under the microscope.

You get a seldom-seen look at how internet harassment affects people both emotionally and physically, not only from individual trolls, but also from the British media.

By skillfully arranging dance sequences and actors depicting Bergdorf at various stages of her life, we gain a vibrant, visual insight into her world. This journey takes us from her early years as a Black queer child in a quaint British town, to her struggles with accepting her identity, wanting to conform instead, and expressing how the influences surrounding her during childhood deeply penetrate your genetic makeup, leaving an indelible mark that remains throughout one’s life.

However, what truly draws viewers into this documentary isn’t just Bergdorf’s struggles under the limelight, but also the heartwarming portrayal of her passion for fashion and how she gracefully fulfills each dream from her childhood, one by one.

In a symbolic sense, they extend a hand from the screen, serving as a gentle reminder that beneath our various life paths, we share a common childhood desire – the longing to reach for the moon and join the celestial bodies, to nurture dreams and strive for greatness.

Stepping into the spotlight on the covers of magazines like British Vogue and Cosmopolitan UK, I’ve been given the opportunity to express myself in a way that truly resonates with my heart – a sense of unbridled pride. It’s clear that the creative industries are leading the charge, reflecting the world as it is authentically and truthfully, making strides towards a more inclusive and diverse representation.

In this film, beauty holds a pivotal role, serving not only as an enduring theme that intertwines with Bergdorf’s life, representing both love and passion, but also as a subject of exploration regarding its societal implications. Specifically, it delves into the perspective of what it means for her, as a Black trans woman, to be judged by the world through this lens. (First person: I find that beauty is central to this movie, not only because it weaves itself throughout Bergdorf’s life as a symbol of love and passion, but also because it serves as a tool for societal examination, particularly in terms of what it signifies for her to be perceived as a Black trans woman by the world.)

She clarifies that there is an intense expectation for someone to prove their feminity if it isn’t immediately apparent, and when this is a prerequisite for being accepted as oneself… she will stand firm in her identity.

A universal truth is that regardless of one’s gender identity or personal history, the pressure to conform to societal ideals of perfection, amplified by social media, can lead to a persistent cycle. Over time, the armor of makeup and clothing we don might become an integral part of our self-image, not because of any conscious choice on our part.

The most uplifting aspects of the 9-decade film are its portrayal of her cherished family, her yearning for affection and to give it, and the palpable sense of camaraderie within the community. From private gatherings and glitzy social events graced by celebrities to periods of mental distress and fear she’s experienced during her career, her chosen family of fellow queer individuals offers her a reassurance that she is, and has always been, worthy of love. A validation that she and the transgender community truly merit.

Regardless of ups and downs, the movie isn’t merely about honoring Bergdorf’s professional journey as a spokesperson, model, and writer, or even serving as a rallying cry for those who aren’t transgender to become allies. Instead, it serves as a poignant reminder that amid life’s challenges, we should strive to live according to the dreams of our past selves.

For individuals who’ve traveled a difficult path or our kin who question if their aspirations will eventually come true, “Love & Rage: Munroe Bergdorf ” emphasizes compassion and shared humanity. It offers a glimpse of a future where transgender people can age gracefully and ultimately find relief.

Love & Rage: Munroe Bergdorf screens in UK cinemas on 10 and 11 June.

Grab your copy of British Comedy Legends from newsstands or online retailers, now selling at an affordable price of only £3.99.

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2025-06-07 21:49

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