State of Firsts
Documentary following Delaware's first transgender state senator Sarah McBride through her daily work
The brief
Chase Joynt's documentary feels less like political theater and more like watching someone actually try to do their job while the world loses its mind around them. The camera stays close to McBride as she navigates bathroom bans and constant misgendering with a kind of exhausted grace, focusing on policy work while her colleagues manufacture outrage for clicks. It's quietly infuriating in the best way, showing how much energy gets wasted on manufactured crises instead of actual governance. Perfect for anyone who loved "Knock Down the House" or wants to see what political resilience looks like when the cameras aren't performatively rolling.
The verdict
If you're drawn to intimate political documentaries that prioritize substance over spectacle and want to see what genuine governance looks like amid manufactured chaos, this is essential viewing. If you prefer your political docs with more dramatic fireworks or broad policy explanations rather than close-up character study, you'll find this too quietly focused and procedural.
Watch with
- 👥 Political allies and advocacy groups
- 👫 Those seeking thoughtful political discourse
- ⚠️ Those overwhelmed by current politics
Heads up
- Discrimination and political harassment (frequent)
- Transgender identity and bathroom debates (moderate)
- Political hostility and public attacks (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Chase Joynt
- Cast
- Sarah McBride
Official synopsis
A documentary that follows Sarah McBride’s groundbreaking first year in Congress as the first openly transgender person elected to the U.S. legislature, State of Firsts captures her battle against relentless political attacks. As MAGA Republicans ban her from restrooms and publicly misgender her, McBride confronts threats and discrimination with resilience. Focused on meaningful policy work over partisan conflict, she draws inspiration from historical figures who overcame adversity, offering a powerful look at perseverance in the face of systemic opposition.
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Gender Transformation: The Untold Realities (2026)
Both documentaries explore transgender experiences and systemic discrimination with authentic perspectives.
Total runtime: 1h 33m + 1h 30m = 3h 3m
