Flint panel to explore transgender representation in film and television through screening of Disclosure

FLINT, Michigan — A community conversation on transgender representation in film and television will take place Friday, March 20, at 6:30 p.m., bringing together advocates, public officials, and community leaders to discuss the Netflix documentary Disclosure.

The event, organized by the Flint Genesee LGBTQIA Nexus Collective, will feature a screening and discussion of the documentary, which examines how transgender people have historically been portrayed in media and how those portrayals have shaped public understanding of gender identity.

Directed by Sam Feder, Disclosure analyzes the cultural impact of film and television portrayals of transgender people. It features voices such as Laverne Cox and Lilly Wachowski, who reflect on both the progress and the challenges that remain in media representation.

Following the documentary, local leaders and advocates will participate in a panel conversation exploring the film’s themes and their real-world implications.

The discussion will be facilitated by Audra Wilson, a commissioner on the Michigan LGBTQ+ Commission and a Saginaw native who represents the transgender community at the state level. Wilson has worked to create accessible and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and has contributed to expanding support networks and shaping statewide policy discussions.

Panelists include:

Julisa Abad, a Metro Detroit Latina leader and national voice for transgender justice. Abad currently serves as the LGBTQ Community Engagement Liaison for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office and is known for her advocacy supporting transgender victims and survivors. Her work includes training law enforcement agencies on cultural competency and helping develop policies that ensure transgender individuals feel heard and supported when reporting crimes.

Dani Woods, a retired Detroit police corporal and a 25-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department. Woods helped establish the department’s first LGBTQ liaison role and later launched the LGBTQ Community Council, which brought together police personnel and community stakeholders to advocate for collaboration and improved relationships between law enforcement and LGBTQ residents.

Giovanni Ireland, a Flint native and community advocate committed to improving the quality of life for LGBTQ+ and queer residents through advocacy and community engagement. Ireland serves as treasurer for the Genesee County Equality Caucus, is active on the Flint Pride Planning Committee, and was recently appointed secretary for the Genesee County Democratic Party.

“It’s an important opportunity to deepen an understanding of transgender visibility and representation in media and society,” explains Ireland. “Transgender stories have too often been misunderstood or completely erased, and events like this help to center authentic voices, lived experiences, and highlight the ongoing fight for equity and dignity.”

Mason Gallo, a Flint-born transgender activist and community leader, whose advocacy began in the Flint Community Schools system as an HIV and AIDS peer educator. Gallo has supported statewide LGBTQ advocacy efforts and founded Out of Line Collective: a social enterprise that brings vintage and handmade goods into community-driven experiences while creating inclusive spaces for queer artists and supporters.

“I feel honored to join the upcoming panel discussion,” says Gallo. “While increased visibility can expand awareness and create space for our stories, portrayals often remain narrow, particularly when transgender masculine roles are depicted in ways that closely mirror cisgender male representation and continue to reinforce a Western, binary understanding of gender.”

Organizers say the event aims to create space for reflection and dialogue about how media narratives shape public understanding of transgender lives.

If you’re interested in attending, you can email the Flint Genesee LGBTQIA Nexus Collective at Consuela@amandlawethu.com.