In 2004, SHOWTIME introduced viewers to the story of Rene and Jamie with the documentary THE OPPOSITE SEX, showing two brave people going through their long-awaited gender affirmation surgeries. BEYOND THE OPPOSITE SEX, premiering on SHOWTIME on Friday, March 16 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on-air, on demand and over the internet (as of March 17), is a follow-up documentary that picks up 14 years later to find that their surgeries, which had been lifelong goals, were far from the finish line of their difficult journeys.

More than a decade later, BEYOND THE OPPOSITE SEX uncovers their very changed worlds and the arduous journey that Rene and Jamie continue to fight in their communities and with their loved ones for understanding. Their surgeries were done at a time when the questions were basic: What? Why? How?(Really?) In this new film, the questions become more complex: How has the surgery turned out? What are their lives like now? How have their early experiences differed from today’s transgender community? Do they have regrets?

In revisiting the aftermath of their groundbreaking stories, BEYOND THE OPPOSITE SEX shows that even though times and people have changed, we all can relate to the essential need for acceptance, no matter what our sexual preference or gender identity.

BEYOND THE OPPOSITE SEX is directed by Emily Abt and co-directed by Bruce Hensel. The film is executive produced by Hensel and Stu Krasnow and produced by Francine Bergman and Linda York.

BEYOND THE OPPOSITE SEX PREMIERES FRIDAY, MARCH 16 ON SHOWTIME AT 9 PM ET/PT

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment, and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors, and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats. Reach out - bryen@thebuzzmag.ca