Jennifer Lopez shares short film about transgender relative Brendon – WATCH
Auntie J-Lo gets it, period.
By Will Stroude
Jennifer Lopez has used her global platform to support the transgender community after sharing a preview of a new short film about a transgender relative, Brendon.
The ‘Jenny from the Block’ singer, 50, shared a five-minute preview of a new documentary about her sister’s child on Instagram on Sunday (23 August), telling followers the story was one “very close” to her heart.
Draw with Me documents the journey of Lopez’s ‘nibling’ Brendon as they come to terms with their gender identity and use art to help them explore their self-expression.
‘Nibling’ is often used as a term of endearment for a niece or nephew, and given it is also gender-neutral, it’s a perfect fit for Brendon, who uses ‘they/them/their’ pronouns.
“Draw With Me is a short film about a transgender youth and their journey of coming out to their family and also engaging in their art to help them cope with the feelings they were having during this time,” Lopez says in her video introduction to the film preview.
“The film is important and timely in its story and message and can have a huge impact on those of us who watch and experience what Brendon and their family is going through in this time of acceptance and admission.”
The Hustlers star adds: “It’s about accepting change and challenges with love and knowing that when we do, anything’s possible. Also because, Brendon is my nibling.”
The preview of Draw with Me sees, Brendon – who was born in 2001 to Lopez’s sister, Leslie Lopez – recall their struggles as a child coming to terms with their gender identity.
Revealing they first felt comfortable describing themselves as transgender in the 8th grade (Year 9 in the UK, or age 13-14), Brendon says: “I shouldn’t have to be scared to tell people who I am.”
Lopez added that Draw with Me will soon make its debut at film festivals before being released on video-on-demand.