Review of Trained in the Ways of Men (2007) by Roxanne R — 12 Feb 2011

Very good documentary that tells the brutal and tragic murder of Eddie "Gwen" Araujo, a transgender teen in California. The first trial resulted in hung jury so they had to do another trial to seek justice. The documentary details about how four men beat and strangled this young woman because they found out she still had intact male genitalia.

Gwen's mother is a focal point and her acceptance of who Gwen was as a person and as her daughter are also an important part of the film's dynamic. Also highlighted are the motives and preconceptions that surrounded the murder. The film effectively challenges what is know as the "gay/trans panic" defense and how it is rationalized. It challenges the ridiculous notion the these men behaved in a way that was "reasonable" given the circumstances. Recommended!