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Born This Way

Name: Born This Way
Director: Deb Tullmann, Shaun Kadlec
Released: 2013
Duration: 55 min

Representation Score

6.9/10

Good

2013

Director

Deb Tullmann, Shaun Kadlec

Runtime

55 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Born This Way is a powerful example of storytelling that shifts the queer cinematic lens away from Western metropolitan centers. By focusing on the underground community in Cameroon, the film provides a realistic portrayal of survival and self-actualization. The documentary succeeds by avoiding sentimentality and offering a sophisticated critique of societal norms through the lived experiences of Cedric and Gertrude. While the film excels in racial and LGBTQ+ representation, its exploration of gender hierarchies is less prominent compared to its focus on sexual orientation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Born This Way have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film focuses on navigating queer identities within a restrictive social environment. It avoids Western-centric stereotypes by highlighting the real-life challenges of maintaining a secret community in a homophobic setting.

How does Born This Way portray gender?

Good

The narrative explores how gender and sexuality intersect. Gertrude is shown as an active participant in social navigation, moving beyond traditional submissive feminine roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Born This Way?

Excellent

This documentary provides a post-colonial perspective by centering a non-Western, African narrative. It avoids the Anglo-centric gaze often found in LGBTQ+ media by focusing on Cameroon.

How does Born This Way represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques traditional institutional structures. It highlights the tension between individual identities and the religious or social norms that enforce cultural uniformity.

Does Born This Way include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not provide information on disability representation. The focus remains strictly on the LGBTQ+ community in Cameroon.

Present on Screen

Provides a post-colonial perspective by centering a non-Western, African narrative.
Avoids Western-centric stereotypes in favor of authentic, high-stakes cultural realities.
Highlights the ability to act of subjects through an observational, character-driven documentary approach.

Limited or Absent

Focuses more on sexual orientation than a direct examination of gender hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

Born This Way is a portrait of the underground gay and lesbian community in Cameroon. It follows Cedric and Gertrude, two young Cameroonians, as they move between a secret, supportive LGBT community and an outside culture that, though intensely homophobic, is in transition toward greater acceptance.

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