The Presidential Commission on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation had a viewing and panel discussion on “TransAmerica” on Tuesday, March 4. “TransAmerica” is a film about a transgender woman, Bree. Before the transition Bree moved on to Stanley. The entire movie revolves around Bree and her ultimate goal of undergoing vaginal construction surgery. He tells his therapist, “It will be the happiest day of my life.” Unfortunately, as the therapist is about to authorize Bree's surgery, Stanley receives a call from a county jail where a young man named Toby asks for help and claims to be Stanley's son. The therapist tells Bree that she has to deal with her past before she can have the surgery. Bree ends up flying from Los Angeles to New York to save Toby. The film continues and the couple begins their journey back to the West Coast. Bree, acting like a Christian missionary, plans to take Toby back to her stepfather's house. Their journey takes them through Texas where they meet a group of transgender people at a house gathering. Toby still doesn't know that Bree is his father. They continue driving more and Bree has to stop to urinate and Toby catches a glimpse of Stanley's penis. Things get worse as they continue driving; their car is taken by a “peyote shaman” and in the car was all of Toby's money and Bree's hormone pills. Unfortunately for them, a kind passerby picks them up and they end up in a bar. In this bar we are introduced to Calvin, a local rancher who takes an interest in Bree. While talking to Calvin, Toby leaves to get some money by prostituting himself to get the money to get to Los Angeles. Calvin ends up taking the dynamic duo to Bree's parents' house. Bree's family hasn't seen her since she was once Stanley. ...... middle of paper ...... ng. I have had relatively few experiences with Trans* individuals, even as a member of the LGBT community. I always love hearing first hand experiences. This event made me better understand the differences within the LGBT community in particular. It was refreshing to hear a trans* woman's perspective on gender identity and free expression. I think in the LGBT community it can be very easy to ignore the need for trans* rights and push for gay rights instead. Trans* rights have a similar but also very different agenda to the Marriage Equality movement. For Trans* people, marriage equality is important, but it is also important that local, state and national government recognize it as their preferred gender identity. Other issues the trans* movement is pushing for are equality in the areas of economic opportunity, education, military status and family recognition..