"Whatever created my body simply made a mistake in the production process,” explains Kira. The 17-year-old was born a boy. Five years ago, she came out to her parents: "I’m a girl.” After the initial shock, Kira’s parents wondered how they could help their child—because puberty was just around the corner, with facial hair growth and a changing voice. "We asked ourselves: But what if it’s just a phase?” recalls Kira’s mother. Should they agree to medical interventions—or wait and see and do nothing? Both can cause harm. A dilemma.

Interventions involving hormone treatments and gender-affirming surgeries have side effects. That’s why children and parents should be certain that the trans identity is permanent before starting therapy. After all, there are also phases of adolescence in which children and teens experiment with gender roles—without being trans. How can you tell the difference? And what’s best for your own child?

This documentary explores the search for answers. Filmmaker Renate Werner accompanies three families as they navigate these difficult decisions. She approaches the adolescents with sensitivity and helps make their motivations understandable. She speaks with experts about the still-emerging field of trans research and what science currently knows about trans identity.