Mainstream Hollywood often used cross-dressing and trans identity for shock value or comedy. The Trans/Romance Dilemma in Transamerica and Other Films
: Trans women in film have historically been reduced to two main archetypes: the "deceptive" transsexual (the villain) or the "pathetic" transsexual (the victim or figure of ridicule).
Trans representation has historically transitioned from desexualized caricature to more authentic storytelling.