Trans, a new documentary about being transgender, is coming to Humboldt County, and it features the story Chloe Anne Lacey, a young woman who moved to Eureka in 2009 and was in the process of transitioning when she committed suicide, shortly before her 19th birthday. 

I met Chloe’s mom, Allison Murphy, while working on a story about Chloe for the North Coast Journal. Even then, just days after her daughter’s death, Murphy was intent on telling Chloe’s story as a way to reduce the stigma, hatred and violence (including self-inflicted violence) that’s disproportionately directed at transgender people. 

She and her husband, Sean Dempsey, have remained dedicated to that cause, and both are featured in the documentary. They’ll also be on hand Saturday to participate in a panel discussion following the movie.

The press material describes the movie thusly:

Trans provides an up-close and very personal vision into the lives, loves and challenges of a remarkable cast of characters of all ages and from all walks of life. These are stories of confusion and courage, challenge and triumph that have never been told — until now.

Trans will play Saturday, Feb. 15 at College of the Redwoods’ Performing Arts Theater, with the panel discussion and Q & A immediately following. The event is free, though there’s a $10 suggested donation, with proceeds going to Eureka-Arcata PFLAG and Fresno Survivors of Suicide Loss. (Here‘s a flyer.) Doors open at 2 p.m. and the movie starts at 2:30 p.m.