Barrier-breaking supermodel Munroe Bergdorf made history when she became the first out trans woman to appear on a L’Oreal campaign in the United Kingdom. Her success only flourished since then, ranging from opportunities with UN Women as an advocate; to starring as the subject in Channel 4 doc “What Makes a Women”; to even co-opening her own nightclub.
Now, the twice published author and trailblazer is sharing an in-depth look at her journey to superstardom in a new documentary from Universal Pictures, “Love & Rage.” To talk about what audiences can expect, and why this story matters now more than ever, Bergdorf joined GLAAD Entertainment Consultant Shar Jossell for an exclusive video interview.
Jossell asks Bergdorf to explain the doc’s title – why “Love & Rage”?
Bergdorf explains it’s the tagline for London Trans Pride, but that love and rage are “key components” for progress. “Rage and anger can be such an important mobilization tool. But it can’t be sustained without love. And love is the whole point. I feel like throughout the whole documentary love just keeps coming up. Love of self, love of community, love of family and chosen family, love of the world that we all live in and share. And then the rage that we’re having that taken away from us. We’re having our identities policed and taken away from us. We’re having our loved ones taken away from us. We’re being divided and disenfranchised from each other as human beings.”
When the pair discuss the film’s reception, Bergdorf emphasizes that, while she hopes the film resonates with cis audiences, that it’s ultimately “for the dolls.” “I wanted to make something that is going to improve the lives of trans people. To provide visibility and representation for us … It’s not very often that Black trans people get to show their lives and tell their stories whilst we’re alive. So it was the opportunity of a lifetime, and I really hope that it lands, especially with other Black trans women.”
Jossell also commends Bergdorf’s willingness to share the challenging, critical experiences Bergdorf has endured as a trans woman. “You even have your critics highlighted in this documentary, and they don’t use the most savory language regarding transpolitic and body and presence,” says Jossell.
Bergdorf agrees – and it was an intentional decision indeed. “people need to know what we’re up against. … Cisgender society sees glimpses of it, and they see moments of it. But when you’re a trans person, you feel the weight of its incessant nature every day. It’s pretty much in every single news outlet,in every single paper … Some of the most mainstream influential voices are saying the most wild things about other human beings, and I wanted people to see that it’s relentless.”
Lastly, Jossell invites Bergdorf to share a “final wish” for those who watch the film. In short, Bergdorf says she hopes that the film teaches audiences all the ways that “we can be human,” and “to get away from the idea that talking about trans people is ‘critique on an ideology.
It’s not. It’s affecting people’s lives.”
Love & Rage is available to stream now on Peacock.
