State of Firsts

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State of Firsts

Jun 2026

1h 33m

Documentary

Biography

LGBTQ+

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6 Reviews

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With incredible access, State of Firsts follows Sarah McBride's history-making campaign as the first transgender person ever to be elected to Congress during this time of heated political opposition to the trans community.

Pat Mullen

POV Magazine

Jan 14

A vérité doc like State of Firsts marks a radical departure from films like Framing Agnes, No Ordinary Man, and The Nest that mix traditional documentary elements with drama and performance to question fissures in recorded history, among other themes.

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Sarah Vincent

Sarah G Vincent Views

07/06/2025

Chase Joynt’s second solo feature is more conventional, but as Rep. McBride barrels forward to victory, the story becomes an intimate microcosm of Presidon’t and his supporters’ immediate threat to all Americans, which includes Presidon’t’s supporters

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Valerie Kalfrin

AWFJ.org

06/27/2025

Though it lacks depth, STATE OF FIRSTS still provides the sense of expectation and difficulty at being a trailblazer—and how McBride is trying to figure out how to navigate this for herself.

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Frank J. Avella

Edge Media Network

06/18/2025

B

McBride's grace, steadfastness, and perseverance are the stuff of true heroism. Joynt captures this essential moment of LGBTQ+ history with dignity and respect.

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Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

06/16/2025

4.5/5

State of Firsts should be required viewing for every member of Congress.

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Stephen Silver

The SS Ben Hecht

06/13/2025

A worthwhile examination of a compelling subject

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Chase Joynt

Director

Sarah McBride

Self

Rachel Lears

Writer

Chase Joynt

Producer

Justin Lacob

Producer

Bill Harnisch

Executive Producer

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Synopsis

With incredible access, State of Firsts follows Sarah McBride's history-making campaign as the first transgender person ever to be elected to Congress during this time of heated political opposition to the trans community.

Director: Chase Joynt
Producer: Chase Joynt, Justin Lacob
Screenwriter: Rachel Lears
Distributor: Suncatcher Productions
Production Co: Level Ground Productions, XTR, Optimist
Genre: Documentary, Biography, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 26, 2026, Limited
Runtime: 1h 33m