Larry (They/Them)

Catherine Legault – Director’s Note

We are living at a time when stereotypes and gender norms are being contested as never before. Laurence’s commitment to documenting their reality and community is crucial at this juncture in history, when many of the gains of the LGBTQ+ community are being jeopardized and challenged all over the world. That is why I believe Laurence’s story to be both significant and timely. Through Laurence’s photographic approach, LARRY (they/them) explores the power of representation, sociocultural realities and the fluidity of gender.

I met Laurence while directing my first film, Sisters: Dream & Variations. I was immediately drawn to their art practice and I hired them as a photographer on several occasions. What first struck me about Laurence’s photography is their evocative portrayals of their subjects, the vibrancy of their palette and the celebration of difference that permeates every shot. While the subject matter and aesthetic of LARRY (they/them) differ from my past work, a continuity emerges in the themes I explore: non-conforming identities and art as a means of self-expression.

Trans representation is an issue that’s close to my heart. It’s a subject I care deeply about and I advocate for it both before and behind the camera. I felt strongly that trans and non-binary people should be active participants in the creation of LARRY (they/them) and that the film should bring together artists and technicians concerned by the subjects addressed. A special effort was therefore made to bring their talents and sensibilities to the fore at every stage of production. Content supervision was overseen by my associate producer Rémy Huberdeau, a trans man; the animations were illustrated by Nina Drew, a non-binary artist and Laurence’s life partner, while the original score was co-composed by trans musician Scout The Wise.

Laurence’s photographic art acts as a stepping stone into their personal story. Filmed in the observational style of direct cinema, the film’s visual treatment draws inspiration from Laurence’s depiction of intimacy and scenes from their domestic life. Their autobiographical project Puberty features nudity in a way that is frank and natural, as does the film. By presenting Laurence as a positive transgender role model working to counter exclusion and invisibility, LARRY (they/them) promises to take us out of our comfort zones and break free from outdated dominant ideas. My goal with this film is to share an intimate portrait that invests a human story with an artistic yet contemporary perspective, and thus in my own way, contribute to the positive momentum of trans representation.