The model and activist has released a powerful video for Trans Day of Visibility.
For Trans Day of Visibility, Munroe Bergdorf has released a powerful video, titled Must be Strong.
The video sees Munroe feeling uncomfortable in her own skin and struggling with her identity, with tears permanently glued to her face. As the video goes on, she proceeds to transform into a beautiful and powerful mermaid.
As the video ends, Munroe says: “Mermaids must be strong, because the sea is rough.” She then shared the empowering message, “We will not be drowned.”
The video was directed by Femke Huurdema and produced by CANADA London. The video also had Eduardo Fitch and Lisa Turner-Wray as creative directors. Munroe had previously collaborated with the creative directors to deliver The Qween’s Speech, where she highlighted the injustices facing the LGBTQ community.
Speaking about the video, Munroe said: “Must be Strong is a film to celebrate International Trans Day of Visibility but it is also about the ever-increasing social pressures on us all. From unattainable beauty standards, to the seemly never-ending onslaught of transphobia in the press.
“This film is about choosing yourself in a time of uncertainty and self-doubt to become the person you always wanted to be, something that I’m sure most people can relate to. In one way or another we all transition.
“Being our authentic selves takes work, strength and determination, especially in a society where gender, racial and sexual oppression still exists.”
Describing the aims of the video, she said: “We wanted to make a film that not only visualises the difficulties that trans people may face when it comes to body image such as gender dysphoria, but also to show that these are hurdles that we all face as humans, especially as women and marginalised communities.”
And explaining the imagery, she added: “The mermaid, a mythical creature is a manifestation of fierce beauty and strength. In one way or another we are all mermaids navigating rough seas.
“I want this film to be a reminder that no matter what those struggles may be, our differences unite us especially in today’s society where we are all exposed to such high expectations and demands.
“We have a choice; we can listen to learn from each other’s journeys or we can close ourselves off, and as a result lose some of the magic that makes world so diverse and exciting.”
Watch the video below.
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