With transphobia rising, including hate crimes, the advocacy group White Ribbon wanted to build empathy for the trans community by showcasing the joys—and risks—that transgender people experience. Toronto-based Bensimon Byrne found the answer with “Short Life Stories,” a film that showed how transgender lives can be tragically cut short.

The video featured a fictional character named Vivian, with the plot based on real stories of trans people who had fallen victim to murder and violence. Vivian is shown dealing with daily hardships, including gaining family acceptance, as well as triumphs, including getting a new passport with a new identity. The film takes a dark turn at the end, depicting a violent confrontation, with the final scene showing a memorial service. 

“It can take years for a transgender person to begin their true life. It deserves to be a full one,” states the video, which also included contributions from Canadian agency Narrative. The soundtrack is  “Praise You” by Fatboy Slim, which was “licensed to us at a massively reduced rate,” according to Bensimon Byrne.

It was launched during Transgender Awareness Week and drove viewers to White Ribbon’s website, where visitors could get educational materials. The video earned significant news coverage and 3.8 million social impressions, according to Bension Byrne.

“The call to action was a clear and simple appeal to men and boys to help end the rising tide of hate and transphobia,” stated Bensimon Byrne.