AMC Theatres abruptly canceled a film titled “No Way Back: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care,” which focused on the stories of young individuals who had undergone hormone therapy and surgery to affirm their gender identity. The first screenings of the film were slated for June 21 at various locations in the United States. The cancellation followed pressure from the Queer Trans Project, a group of transgender individuals who had not seen the complete film but organized a de-platforming campaign.
AMC Theatres declined to provide an explanation for the cancellation when contacted by The Daily Wire. The movie’s distributor, Deplorable Films, released a statement criticizing the Queer Trans Project’s portrayal of detransitioning as “conversion therapy,” asserting that it was an unfair attempt to associate detransitioning with unethical practices from the past. Deplorable Films also suggested that the campaign against the film might be influenced by entities benefitting financially from surgical clinics and pharmaceutical businesses.
The documentary featured five individuals who had detransitioned, along with medical professionals. One of them, Abel, shared his experience of transitioning to female as a teenager and subsequently detransitioning, emphasizing the potential negative consequences and side effects of such procedures. Laura, another individual featured in the film, de-transitioned at the age of 22 after undergoing testosterone treatment and a double mastectomy. She advocated for banning transition procedures for minors, emphasizing their lack of maturity and ability to make long-term decisions regarding reproductive and sexual health.
The Queer Trans Project accused the film of being “anti-trans” and spreading harmful misinformation, urging supporters to send letters to AMC in an effort to de-platform “No Way Back.” The project claimed that AMC’s decision to screen the film contradicted the values of diversity and inclusion. Following the news of the film’s cancellation, members of the Queer Trans Project expressed their satisfaction, considering it a victory for activism and a step towards a more inclusive culture.
Scott Wiener, a Democratic representative of a California state Senate district, also criticized AMC for initially promoting “No Way Back.” He accused the film of perpetuating the misconception that young people are coerced into identifying as transgender, despite statistics showing a small percentage of individuals choosing to reverse their transition.
While the film’s theatrical screenings were canceled by AMC, it remains accessible online and can be purchased on DVD.