Lady Valor - Path to Happiness

If you want to try to understand the complexities of gender, watch the film Lady Valor - The Kristin Beck Story by CNN Films and Herzog and Co.When we think of a MTF transgender person, there are stereotypes that it is all about makeup, shoes and dresses.  It's about a dude in a dress and that it is somehow all tied into sexuality. Lady Valor - The Kristin Beck Story is 84 minutes that will change your mind about these stereotypes. Throughout the film you see great acts of courage and kindness displayed with lots of love and admiration.  In fact it is easy to forget that you are watching a film that is portraying the life of a transgender woman as we watch footage about the elite Navy SEALs.   It is a film about family, community, acceptance and being comfortable with who you are.  It is about finding what everyone wants - happiness.

This film is so touching and raw that you begin to look past the exterior and even the fact that Kristin is a highly decorated Navy SEAL.  She still kicks ass and even jokes that people think twice about getting into a fight with her after they realize that she is a Navy SEAL. Kristin's sister, brother and dad open up very candidly. In the short period of time that is spent with Kristin's dad, Tord Beck, he gives all parents a great model to follow - "you are my kid and I'd never turn my back on you." Kristin's youngest sister Liz is amazingly supportive and accepting.   Even Kristin's older brother, Gardner, struggles with words but then says Kris is the same, just dresses differently. You can feel the love of her family as they all try to work through the transition together.

From coast to coast, there are more people that show love and support throughout the film in some of the most surprising places. She makes friends wherever she goes and is quickly accepted.  A rare feat for anyone.  Even as tough as a Navy SEAL is, you see that some of the biggest pain comes not from the 13 deployments that Kristin was on but from her strained relationship with her two boys.  Not unlike many of the military mothers and fathers have with their children after several deployments.

What makes this film so touching yet so real is that fact that we see a side of a human that is so rare and kind. Kristin never plays a victim nor does she get upset when people still use "he" when referring to her.  At one point Kristin's older brother remarks on how he can't believe she is still here after all the battles that she has gone through.  Perhaps that is why Kristin is still here.  Her true purpose is to teach us about acceptance, compassion and love. But also that you don't have to be weak, you can be strong and authentic too.  Perhaps this story is the start of a happy ending for many individuals who carry the extra weight of being different.  As Kristin says, "I'm glad I'm different."  Kristin, I'm glad your different too.  Thanks for opening our hearts and minds. You will find your happy ending.

To purchase the movie for immediate download or on release 10/28/14:
https://www.wolfevideo.com/products/lady-valor-the-kristin-beck-story/?R=1466