Join ACLU of Delaware, Orgullo Delaware, and Delaware Sexuality and Gender Collective for a free film screening of Heightened Scrutiny on January 14th at Threatre N in Wilmington, Delaware.
Heightened Scrutiny (2025) is a powerful documentary directed by Sam Feder (known for the Netflix film Disclosure) that chronicles a pivotal moment in American legal and civil rights history. The film primarily follows Chase Strangio, an ACLU attorney who became the first openly transgender person to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. The narrative centers on the high-stakes legal battle in United States v. Skrmetti, which challenged Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
Beyond the courtroom drama, the film serves as a critical exposé of media bias and disinformation. Feder explores how mainstream “prestige” news outlets—such as The New York Times and The Atlantic—have influenced public perception and legislative efforts through their coverage of transgender issues. By interviewing prominent journalists and activists like Jelani Cobb, Lydia Polgreen, Gina Chua, and Laverne Cox, the documentary illustrates the direct link between “just asking questions” media narratives and the real-world erosion of bodily autonomy and safety for the trans community.
The documentary is framed not just as a legal procedural, but as an urgent “call to action” regarding the health of American democracy. It highlights the resilience of the transgender community while documenting the intense pressure faced by advocates like Strangio as they fight for human rights against a rising tide of anti-trans legislation. Since its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, the film has been widely praised for its raw emotional honesty and its sharp, forensic look at how systemic power and media influence intersect to target marginalized groups.