# Exemplifying inclusion through mediated intergroup contact between cis and trans people and mitigating prejudice in select Tamil films, Peranbu (2018) and Natchathiram Nagargiradhu (2022)

## TL;DR

This paper examines how two Tamil films portray trans women and whether these portrayals can reduce prejudice against trans communities.

## Contribution

The study introduces an integrated framework combining mediated intergroup contact and trans-identity theory to analyze film portrayals of trans people.

## Key findings

- Positive trans representations in films can foster empathy and reduce prejudice.
- Integrated mediated contact through film can validate trans lived experiences.
- Such portrayals may lead to inclusive behaviors and reduced trans discrimination.

## Abstract

The paper focuses on the progressive portrayal of trans women in select Tamil films namely, Ram’s Peranbu (2018) and Ranjith’s Natchathiram Nagargiradhu (2022) as there has been a significant increase in the representations of trans communities in Tamil cinema. The objective is to assess whether the select films have a valuable role to play in the prejudice reduction of trans communities.

To achieve this end, the paper employs the Integrated Mediated Intergroup Contact (IMIC) model and Trans-Identity theoretical lens to undertake a qualitative textual analysis of the visual texts.

The resultant combined framework of IMIC model and Trans-Identity theory suggests that positive trans representations involving dignified intergroup contact have more chances of eliciting desirable attitudes towards trans people and inclusive intergroup behaviors.

The analysis spotlights that positively mediated intergroup contact between cis and trans communities through an integrated framework of both parasocial and vicarious contact can lead to empathy and self efficacy which would result in the comprehension and validation of lived experiences of trans people reducing prejudice and eliminating trans discrimination.