The creators of a short animated musical with a trans-positive message yesterday released it widely on YouTube and Vimeo. The film’s release coincides with Transgender Awareness Week.
Pacemaker has already picked up awards when it hit the LGBTQ+ film festival circuit earlier this year. However, it’s now available for everyone to watch online for free.
It features Alex Newell, who earlier this year became the first non-binary performer to win a Tony Award for acting, and Grammy-winning singer and actor Philip Lawrence.
Pacemaker centers on a grandfather who’s awaiting a procedure to get a pacemaker. Cody is their trans grandson, although the older man is still calling them by their old name.
Cody visits his grandpa wanting some advice about love. Grandpa is horrified to discover that Cody has a crush on a girl. However, he remembers back to how he met the woman he later settled with, and how some people didn’t approve of the relationship. He concedes that one must follow the rhythm of one’s heart, even if others disapprove or struggle to understand.
Watch.
Composer Christopher Lennertz wrote the original song featured in the story and the screenplay. He says he was inspired by his own trans son.
“This film is a love letter to my own family’s journey towards understanding and accepting the identities and purposes of all individuals, Lennertz said in a statement.
“Inspired by my son Tobi and our shared love for classic animated musicals, we set out to create a film that captures the essence of beloved classics but delivers a fresh message of love and pride for families within the LGBTQIA+ community and the world. Love emerges victorious when we follow the rhythm of our hearts.”
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The little cartoon was fine. The quality was good. It did not really promote children transitioning in that it never mentioned it. Cody, for all we know is just a little lesbian. No harm, no foul.
I hate non-binary pronouns. Don’t think they were used in the cartoon though.
Most rational adults understand that children are screwed up in general as they try to figure out who they are. I have no problem with them questioning who they are, or even trying out swapping genders for a time as part of their rebellion to the rules. I do agree that children should not be medically transitioned. I don’t think adults should put those ideas in kids’ heads. There are too many medical risks and kids are clueless little bastards who do things for bad reasons all the time.
DarkZephyr, Not true. I can support real trans people, adults who transition, but still feel children should not because as Lumpy said below, they don’t know who they are yet. As far as “non-binary” people, well I don’t have to partake in their delusions.
A good comment about understanding and acceptance, Mister P.
A nasty, insulting comment from abfab – who obviously insults and condemns ALL (!!!) Republican and… has become filled exclusively with bigoted hate for an entire class of people. Sadly, abfab seems just another bigot of a different flavor. He/She/afbab needs to unclench, go silent and allow the blood to return to their brain.
Did abfab learn nothing when Hillary snatched defeat from the jaws of victory spewing similar hate at all non-supporters by calling them a “basket of deplorables”? Some are awful, most just want a better life and are tired of these tired old war choices.
This is great but it would be even better if Queerty allowed us to comment affirmatively and positively on a real life Black person, Marlon Wayans, who is strongly supporting his trans child. That’s REAL, happening right now, and will do incalculable good in the long term.
Beautiful movie. It’s so important that kids feel accepted.
It’s unfortunate that trans activists are ruining their future by defacating on the English language with forced language they them, women’s sports locker rooms and showers, the American flag particularly the LGB flag. America has noticed the stench and isn’t having it. The backlash is like a deadly scorpion sting to the movement. And the lemming followers just sit there doing nothing, crying in their popcorn as their movement burns to the ground.
Though i will say Buck Angel and Blair White are trans activists with the right message. They are doing their best to set a good example without sticking needles in the publics eyes.
This negative TNBactivist behavior is more Trump fascist autocrat than democratic and America is banning this movement out of existence. Rightly so.
Kudos to grandpa. I hope his grandson finds a better tomorrow asap. Right now that kid is unfortunately, toast.
They Them have always been pronouns used in the English language.
The rest of what you said is just delusions you tell yourself to keep your world flat while the rest of the world moves on from your hateful views.
”It’s so important that kids like DIPLOMAT feel accepted.” What does he know about the feelings of others. ZILCHO!
The only stench we smell is coming from DIPLOMAT. It left for a while and now it’s back. Awful. You are serioulsy an OLD FART. I was going to say get out more, but really, you should continue staying in. You’re toxic.
When you cure your dikphoria you’ll most likely calm down and learn to not explode on these issues when you’re told NO. Not holding my breath that that will ever happen.
One does not quell “hate” with more hate. Where were these haters when we gays stood up, stepped out of the closet and organized family and friends around compassion, acceptance and equality?
Let’s lead with more truths (as presented in the cartoon) knowing that strength comes from organizing, compassion and acceptance, not just escalating more fervent hate. I’m ashamed to ask friends and family to come to queerty with so much hate being tossed around. That is YOU abfab, DZ and shaverC. Your “enthusiasm” should do more than just trigger hate.
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ShaverC
Wow… Truly terrible.
Matt in SD
As though you even watched it before jumping in to say something nasty.
ShaverC
I watched it. Bad animation, bad song and promoting children transitioning.
DarkZephyr
@ShaverC, so you hate trans people?
dbmcvey
It’s not shock that this anti-LGBT troll wouldn’t like that.
Of course, he also didn’t watch it.
abfab
ShaverC…..”wow, truly terrible”………… (He says each morning while looking in the mirror).
How your poor husband (wife) puts up with you, we’ll never know.
LumpyPillows
The little cartoon was fine. The quality was good. It did not really promote children transitioning in that it never mentioned it. Cody, for all we know is just a little lesbian. No harm, no foul.
I hate non-binary pronouns. Don’t think they were used in the cartoon though.
Most rational adults understand that children are screwed up in general as they try to figure out who they are. I have no problem with them questioning who they are, or even trying out swapping genders for a time as part of their rebellion to the rules. I do agree that children should not be medically transitioned. I don’t think adults should put those ideas in kids’ heads. There are too many medical risks and kids are clueless little bastards who do things for bad reasons all the time.
All in all, the cartoon was fine.
abfab
Lumpy, that was such a great observation and critique. x
dbmcvey
Shaver does hate trans people.
And he didn’t watch it.
ShaverC
DarkZephyr, Not true. I can support real trans people, adults who transition, but still feel children should not because as Lumpy said below, they don’t know who they are yet. As far as “non-binary” people, well I don’t have to partake in their delusions.
abfab
Just focus on your own delusions, Shaver. And please take your time.
dbmcvey
Shaver is just outright lying now. The whole reason he comes to this site is to be anti-trans.
ShaverC
dbmcvey, Absolutely not true. Adults who have been diagnosed as trans and go through the change, I have no problem with.
abfab
And to tie himself into endless knots.
dbmcvey
No Shaves, we have your entire history to show that you’re lying.
Mister P
It’s very sweet. Watching it might soften some hearts of those who don’t understand.
abfab
The Radical Right don’t have hearts.
Ronbo
A good comment about understanding and acceptance, Mister P.
A nasty, insulting comment from abfab – who obviously insults and condemns ALL (!!!) Republican and… has become filled exclusively with bigoted hate for an entire class of people. Sadly, abfab seems just another bigot of a different flavor. He/She/afbab needs to unclench, go silent and allow the blood to return to their brain.
Did abfab learn nothing when Hillary snatched defeat from the jaws of victory spewing similar hate at all non-supporters by calling them a “basket of deplorables”? Some are awful, most just want a better life and are tired of these tired old war choices.
Kangol2
This is great but it would be even better if Queerty allowed us to comment affirmatively and positively on a real life Black person, Marlon Wayans, who is strongly supporting his trans child. That’s REAL, happening right now, and will do incalculable good in the long term.
quantum
If I had a guess, they’re covering this more because it’s an animated than because of its content.
abfab
@Kangol 2 Does “INTO” have comment options, if any? Dunno.
Mister P
Children and adults are transitioning whether you approve or not.
abfab
The sky is falling!!!!!!!!!! RUN!
Diplomat
Beautiful movie. It’s so important that kids feel accepted.
It’s unfortunate that trans activists are ruining their future by defacating on the English language with forced language they them, women’s sports locker rooms and showers, the American flag particularly the LGB flag. America has noticed the stench and isn’t having it. The backlash is like a deadly scorpion sting to the movement. And the lemming followers just sit there doing nothing, crying in their popcorn as their movement burns to the ground.
Though i will say Buck Angel and Blair White are trans activists with the right message. They are doing their best to set a good example without sticking needles in the publics eyes.
This negative TNBactivist behavior is more Trump fascist autocrat than democratic and America is banning this movement out of existence. Rightly so.
Kudos to grandpa. I hope his grandson finds a better tomorrow asap. Right now that kid is unfortunately, toast.
ZzBomb
They Them have always been pronouns used in the English language.
The rest of what you said is just delusions you tell yourself to keep your world flat while the rest of the world moves on from your hateful views.
dbmcvey
And here’s Diplo with another dishonest comment.
abfab
”It’s so important that kids like DIPLOMAT feel accepted.” What does he know about the feelings of others. ZILCHO!
The only stench we smell is coming from DIPLOMAT. It left for a while and now it’s back. Awful. You are serioulsy an OLD FART. I was going to say get out more, but really, you should continue staying in. You’re toxic.
LumpyPillows
Diplo bothers to write something longer than a nasty snipe, the usual crew post nasty snipes. Its Pavlovian.
abfab
Here..something short and sweet for you both…..go bite someone.
LumpyPillows
Abby, did you hear a bell ring? Lol.
abfab
Yes, The Bells of Saint Mary’s. xo
Diplomat
When you cure your dikphoria you’ll most likely calm down and learn to not explode on these issues when you’re told NO. Not holding my breath that that will ever happen.
dbmcvey
Very sweet. Really lovely with good Disney style music.
abfab
Very!
LumpyPillows
Trans – check
Non-binary pronouns – check
Interracial – check
No white people – check
No entitled gay men – check
Hamas love – fail
I guess there will have to be a sequel.
Kidding, just poking the bear. I’m sure it’s a nice story. I will have to watch it later.
abfab
Don’t bother. It’s truly terrible.
LumpyPillows
Abby, I had to watch it, I was not certain it didn’t mention Hamas.
I was wrong in that it didn’t do silly pronouns, and really said nothing about being trans.
It was fine.
abfab
I thought it was really nice, too. (see the first comment from the big troll…he sure knows how to set the stage).
Ronbo
One does not quell “hate” with more hate. Where were these haters when we gays stood up, stepped out of the closet and organized family and friends around compassion, acceptance and equality?
Let’s lead with more truths (as presented in the cartoon) knowing that strength comes from organizing, compassion and acceptance, not just escalating more fervent hate. I’m ashamed to ask friends and family to come to queerty with so much hate being tossed around. That is YOU abfab, DZ and shaverC. Your “enthusiasm” should do more than just trigger hate.