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Heightened Scrutiny Film Screenings

August 18, 2026
Watch a powerful documentary on anti-trans laws and media with community organizations in Arizona.

The ACLU of Arizona is excited to kick off Arizona’s Heightened Scrutiny screenings in collaboration with Empowerment Lab, Rainbow Coalition, Arizona Democracy Resource Center, and Valley Unitarian Universalists.

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Heightened Scrutiny follows Chase Strangio, ACLU attorney and the first out trans person to argue before the Supreme Court, as he fights a high-stakes legal battle to overturn Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth (United States v. Skrmetti).

The film exposes the dangerous role of mainstream media in fueling anti-trans legislation, uncovering how biased coverage drives hate, endangers lives, and threatens democracy itself. With insights from journalists like Jelani Cobb, Lydia Polgreen, and Gina Chua, and activists like Laverne Cox, the story dismantles anti-trans disinformation and highlights its devastating real-world impact. With the dangerous SCOTUS decision upholding the ban on life-saving healthcare, Heightened Scrutiny is an urgent call to action against bigotry and injustice.

Upcoming Screenings

Sept. 12, 4 - 7 PM

Watch the film in Phoenix with the ACLU of Arizona.

Join the ACLU of Arizona in a screening and discussion of Heightened Scrutiny, a documentary following ACLU civil rights lawyer Chase Strangio as he fights a high-stakes legal battle to overturn Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth (United States v. Skrmetti). The film explores the dangerous role of mainstream media in fueling anti-trans legislation, uncovering how biased coverage drives hate, endangers lives, and threatens democracy itself.

After watching the film, we will hold a discussion about the screening, hear from impacted community members, and issue a call to action to support efforts in protecting Arizona's trans youth.

RSVP Now
Event thumbnail for the ACLU of AZ's Heightened Scrutiny screening.

Sept. 17, 5 - 8 PM

Watch the film in Phoenix with the Arizona Democracy Resource Center.

Join the ARDC in a screening of Heightened Scrutiny, a documentary following ACLU civil rights lawyer Chase Strangio as he fights a high-stakes legal battle to overturn Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth (United States v. Skrmetti). The film explores the dangerous role of mainstream media in fueling anti-trans legislation, uncovering how biased coverage drives hate, endangers lives, and threatens democracy itself.

RSVP Now
Event thumbnail for the ADRC Heightened Scrutiny screening.
Event thumbnail for the Empowerment Lab and Rainbow Coalition's Heightened Scrutiny screening.

Sept. 24, 5 - 8 PM

Registration link coming soon!

Sept. 26, 5 - 8 PM

Watch the film in Chandler with the Valley Utilitarian Universalist.

Join the VUU in a screening of Heightened Scrutiny, a documentary following ACLU civil rights lawyer Chase Strangio as he fights a high-stakes legal battle to overturn Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth (United States v. Skrmetti). The film explores the dangerous role of mainstream media in fueling anti-trans legislation, uncovering how biased coverage drives hate, endangers lives, and threatens democracy itself.

RSVP Now
Event thumbnail for the VUU's Heightened Scrutiny screening.