Prodigal Sons 2010

Paul is celebrated as a high school superstar, excelling in everything from football to academics; he’s named “best looking” and stands as the class valedictorian. Yet, beneath this facade of achievement, Paul has long harbored feelings that something feels out of sync with the male identity assigned to him at birth. In a transformative journey of self-discovery, Paul embraces his true self, adopting the name Kimberly Reed and transitioning into a confident woman who also identifies as a lesbian. This journey of self-acceptance doesn’t go unnoticed, as Kim’s younger brother, Todd, also finds the courage to come out as gay.

With a passion for storytelling, Reed becomes a filmmaker. She embarks on an emotional voyage back to Montana, where she plans to document her experience at her high school reunion. Throughout this documentary, she candidly showcases her interactions with family, old friends, and classmates, all while striving to educate those around her about the realities of being transgender. A significant part of her journey involves addressing her complicated relationship with her adopted brother, Marc, who grapples with seeing Kim as female.

As Kim navigates these challenges, she uncovers remarkable revelations, including Marc’s unexpected connection as the secret grandson of legendary figures Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth. The documentary reveals the heavy emotional toll of sibling rivalry and takes viewers through a rollercoaster of twists that compel Kim’s family to confront deep-seated issues. As the narrative unfolds, Marc’s mental health deteriorates, culminating in his voluntary admission to a mental health facility. Concurrently, Kim embarks on a journey of acceptance, revisiting her past and the years spent living as male.

The film delves into the complexities of growing up transgender and how it shapes one’s development within the spectrum of family and societal interactions. It poignantly explores the intersection of mental health struggles and family dynamics, shedding light on the unique barriers that arise in understanding the evolving nature of modern relationships.

In a notable appearance, Kimberly Reed and her mother, Carol, shared their story on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” titled “Transgender Transition” on February 11, 2010, inviting the world to witness the challenges and triumphs of their journey.