A controversial LGBTQ-themed film that premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival is being hit by backlash over accusations that the plot is transphobic and lesbophobic.
The directorial debut of transgender director Rhys Ernst, “Adam” is the story of a straight male teen (Nicholas Alexander) who is mistaken for a trans male by a lesbian (Bobbi Menuez). Finding himself attracted to her, he continues the ruse and winds up gaining a deeper understanding of LGBTQ culture.
The film generated largely positive reviews after its Sundance premiere, with The Hollywood Reporter describing the film as “sweetly subversive,” while venerated LGBTQ magazine Out praised “Adam” as “one of those films that works well, both as a learning lesson and a conversation starter for transgender issues.”
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However, an online petition is urging filmgoers to boycott “Adam”, claiming the movie is “extremely homophobic, transphobic, and perpetuates rape culture,” adding that the film “is being marketed as an LGBTQIA film, but it is actually very harmful to the community as it supports many, many homophobic beliefs.”
Ernst wrote a response to critics last year on Medium. “Because of the long history of harmful and outright false depictions of trans lives, our community is rightfully distrustful of material that might add to this negative legacy,” he wrote. “However, I believe in the power of trans art and storytelling, even when it is challenging or uncomfortable. Creating trans art often requires difficult conversations, and I strive to show up, be present and responsible to this dialogue.”
Ernst also addressed the backlash during a Q&A after a screening at the LGBTQ film festival Outfest last month.
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“I knew it would be challenging work, at least at face value, to [have the movie] come out in 2019,” said Ernst, as reported by BuzzFeed News. “But I kind of am pushing back on that — that trans filmmakers or queer filmmakers have to do safe work. That we shouldn’t push boundaries, and we shouldn’t make people question things or be uncomfortable.”
“Adam” premieres in New York on Aug. 14 before heading into wide release on Aug. 23.
