Watch Becoming a Man

Becoming a Man is a documentary series that follows the personal journeys of four transgender men as they navigate the challenges of transitioning and discovering their true selves. Produced by Gaia, the show explores the physical, emotional, and social aspects of transitioning, shedding light on the often-misunderstood process that is often fraught with adversity.

Through intimate interviews, the four men share candid details about their experiences, including the difficulties of coming out to loved ones, the anxiety of starting hormone therapy, and the painful but necessary decision to undergo surgery. Each individual story is unique, with its own set of difficulties and triumphs, but all are united by a common desire to be true to themselves and their gender identity.

The first episode of the series, entitled "The Journey Begins," introduces us to the four main characters: Ryan, Michael, Jacob, and Johnny. Ryan, a college student and aspiring musician, comes from a conservative family and struggles with the fear of rejection from his loved ones. Michael, a married father of two, is excited to finally live his life as the man he always knew he was, but must navigate the challenges of raising a family while undergoing physical changes. Jacob is a charismatic activist who uses his platform to raise awareness about transgender issues and fight for equality, but must confront his own insecurities about his body. Finally, Johnny is a former fashion model who must come to terms with the realities of his transition and the impact it will have on his career.

Throughout the series, we see each of these individuals grapple with the highs and lows of transitioning. While hormone therapy can bring a sense of relief and affirmation, it can also lead to physical and emotional challenges, such as acne, mood swings, and even depression. The men must also navigate the complex process of changing their legal name and gender marker, which can be a bureaucratic nightmare.

But despite the challenges, the show is ultimately a celebration of each man's journey to becoming his true self. We see Ryan perform on stage for the first time as a male musician, Michael and his wife renew their vows as husband and husband, Jacob give a rousing speech to a crowd of supporters, and Johnny embrace his new identity as an openly transgender model.

Throughout the series, we also hear from medical experts and advocates who provide context and background on the transgender experience. These interviews offer insights into the history of gender reassignment surgery, the psychological impact of transitioning, and the ways in which society has historically marginalized and stigmatized the transgender community.

In addition to the personal stories of the four men, the show also touches upon broader social issues. We see the impact of discriminatory policies, such as bathroom bills, on the transgender community and the importance of advocacy work to fight for the rights of all individuals. We also see the impact that representation in media can have on young transgender people, as the men reflect on their own journeys and the lack of positive role models when they were growing up.

Overall, Becoming a Man is a powerful and emotional journey that sheds a light on the struggles and triumphs of the transgender experience. It offers a nuanced and compassionate exploration of the complexities of transitioning and the importance of living one's truth. The show is a must-watch for anyone seeking to gain a greater understanding of the transgender community and the challenges faced by those who undergo gender reassignment.

Becoming a Man is a series that ran for 1 seasons (7 episodes) between December 7, 2011 and on Gaia