Deschutes Public Library

A Chance to Dress - The Complexity of Gender Expression

eng

videorecording

A Chance to Dress - The Complexity of Gender Expression

956908463

Originally produced by New Day Films in 2015

39

A Chance To Dress explores the complexity of gender expression through the story of MIT Professor Emeritus and open cross dresser Dr. John "Tephra" Southard. The film follows the difficulties in coming out to his friends, neighbors and colleagues, but also his sense of liberation after a lifetime of secrecy. 76 year old Professor Emeritus John Southard recently came out to his family, friends and M.I.T colleagues as a cross-dresser after nearly 40 years of easy collegiality. His exuberant outing aś ђجTephráђح is reflected, in part, by his efforts to be finally accepted as a full person in the geology department as well as in society. But his efforts have been met with mixed reactions. He takes pleasure in dining in restaurants and shopping for clothes with his wife Jean, yet héђةs aware of the stares from others when going out. Jean is his happy accomplice, but tells hiḿ ђجyou need to do it right́ђح. Together they find a style that he likes and feels pretty in, but despite all efforts, they realize that he doesńђةt pass. A Chance To Dress follows Dr. Southaŕdђةs challenges and difficulties in coming out but also his exuberance, his delight, his excitement and his sense of liberation after a lifetime of secrecy. His coming out is bittersweet as he finds acceptance from some, but avoidance from others. Ultimately, he only finds comfort socializing as Tephra at home, with Jean and close, accepting friends. John's journey weaves a story that intersects gender presentation, acceptance, the immutability of established institutions and the ultimate affirmation of the human spirit

live action