Arts & Entertainment

National Geographic documents trans teen’s gender confirmation surgery

documentary shows graphic details

Published

9 years ago

January 4, 2017

Mariah Cooper

(Screenshot via National Geographic.)

National Geographic chronicled one transgender teenager’s gender confirmation surgery in a new documentary. The documentary is part of the publication’s January “Gender Revolution” issue.

Emmie Smith, 17, allowed cameras to document herself and her family, including her cisgender identical twin brother Caleb, as she embarked on the journey.

“I think people are fascinated by gender reassignment surgery. They’re insatiably curious about it, but they also don’t know how to have a conversation about it,” Smith says. “It’s not science fiction or mythology. It’s what happens to women just trying to be at peace with themselves and their bodies.”

The documentary debuts on National Geographic on Monday, Feb. 6.

Related Topics:Emmie Smith Gender Revolution National Geographic

Up Next

Chip Gaines responds to anti-gay church controversy

Don't Miss

Caitlyn Jenner debuts full MAC collection

FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

Photos

PHOTOS: Equality Prince William Pride

Fifth annual LGBTQ celebration held in Manassas, Va.

Published

8 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Landon Shackelford

Mayor of Manassas Michelle Davis-Younger, center, cuts the ribbon to open Equality Prince William Pride at Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Shackelford)

Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

Photos

PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party

Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser

Published

2 days ago

May 17, 2026

Daniel Truitt

Ashley Biden accepts an award on behalf of her brother, Beau Biden, at the Washington Blade's Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach, Del. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.

(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)