ABOUT THE PROJECT
LOGLINE
Three decorated transgender servicemembers exemplify the true meaning of honor as they battle a politicized military ban, exposing what’s at stake for our democracy and national security and countering the absurd notion they aren’t fit to serve.
SYNOPSIS
Commander Emily "Hawking" Shilling is a symbol of courage and knows what it means to fight. She’s flown over 60 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. She graduated at the top of her class at Test Pilot School. Her daring even helped inspire Top Gun: Maverick. Commander Shilling is the highest-ranking openly transgender line officer in the U.S. Navy. And now, as president of SPARTA—the only nonprofit for trans military service members—she’s leading another mission: the fight for the right to serve her country.
In 2016, Commander Shilling celebrated Trump’s election. Today, she’s fighting against the trans military ban enacted by the very administration she once believed in.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Paulo Batista is a face of joy, commitment, and resilience. He fulfilled both a lifelong dream and his father’s final wish when he joined the Navy after transitioning. Today, he supports global intelligence operations, racks up commendations, competes as a champion powerlifter, and leads the Color Guard in San Diego at Padres’ baseball games. His story is one of relentless hope—and a stark reminder of the talent being pushed aside.
Master Sergeant Rebecca Walker’s story shows the human cost of political decisions, where national service collides with personal sacrifice. Rebecca is a Farsi Cryptologic Language Analyst, leads 400 Airmen, and was named one of DC’s "Top 150 Most Powerful Women." Rebecca and her wife have 10-year old triplets. Any given weekend you can find Rebecca soccer mom-ing it up with the kids and making sure homework gets done on time.
In the first days of his presidency, Donald Trump signed an executive order barring transgender people—people like Emily, Paulo, and Rebecca—from enlisting and serving openly in the military, stating that being trans “conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle” and “is not consistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member.”
FIGHTING FORWARD plunges into the lives of Emily, Paulo, and Rebecca as they navigate career jeopardy, legal battles, and the rising emotional toll on themselves and their families. We’re filming at the front lines of history: inside courtrooms, with senior military leadership, and alongside national legal teams as lawsuits climb toward the Supreme Court.
PROJECT TYPE Documentary Feature
DIRECTOR Jen Rainin & Rivkah Beth Medow
PRODUCER Rivkah Beth Medow & Jen Rainin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Zackary Drucker
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