Article Summary –
In April 2021, first-term Representative Zooey Zephyr, a trans woman, spoke in opposition to Senate Bill 99, which would ban transition-related medical and surgical care for transgender minors in Montana. After refusing to apologize for her comments, Zephyr was barred by the Speaker of the House from speaking on the House floor, leading to protests and her eventual barring from the House chamber for the remainder of the session. Filmmaker Kimberly Reed documented the events and centered her 15-minute film, “Seat 31: Zooey Zephyr,” on Zephyr’s experience, which will debut at the 2024 Big Sky Documentary Film Festival.
Historic Legislation in Montana Garnered National Spotlight Last April
Last April, Montana found itself in the national spotlight when first-term Rep. Zooey Zephyr, D-Missoula, a trans woman, opposed Senate Bill 99, proposing a ban on transition-related medical and surgical care for transgender minors.
Tension Rises in Montana House
Her refusal to apologize led Speaker of the House Rep. Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, to prevent Zephyr from speaking on the House floor, igniting further controversy. After protests and arrests, Zephyr was barred from the House chamber, though she could vote on bills remotely.
Filmmaker Documents Zephyr’s Journey
Filmmaker Kimberly Reed began capturing these events, focusing on Zephyr’s story. Reed’s work culminated in the 15-minute film “Seat 31: Zooey Zephyr,” set to debut in Missoula as part of the 2024 Big Sky Documentary Film Festival.
Reed’s Focus on Trans Narratives
Reed, a trans woman, has crafted narratives centering trans identity throughout her career. She directed award-winning films like “Prodigal Sons” and the HBO documentary “Transhood.” The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival will also feature a talk-back session with Reed following a screening of her 2018 film “Dark Money.”
Reed on Creating “Seat 31”
Reed shared insights into the creation of “Seat 31,” emphasizing her goal to tell stories about trans people that go beyond pity and touch on love, joy, and positivity. She also highlighted Erin Reed, Zephyr’s partner and a key resource for trans issues. Reed expressed that the film’s debut at the esteemed Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Zephyr’s hometown of Missoula is an honor.
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