Lana and Lilly Wachowski — the writers and directors behind “The Matrix” — are auctioning off props and memorabilia from movies they’ve made to raise money to support trans youth.
The auction includes more than 180 items from “The Matrix Revolutions,” “V for Vendetta,” “Sense8″ and “Speed Racer“, among other films. All proceeds benefit the Protect and Defend Trans Youth Fund, which supports a series of organizations across the country that advocate for or serve trans youth.
The fundraiser comes as a wave of anti-trans policy has been moving through state legislatures across the country. Earlier this month, the Alabama legislature voted to ban gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth, while in Texas Gov. Greg Abbot has sought to have certain forms of gender-affirming care investigated as possible child abuse. In March, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed what opponents are calling the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The bill bans public school teachers from holding classroom instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through grade 3.
In 2020 — after long speculation by fans — Lilly Wachowski confirmed in an interview with Netflix that the popular film, “The Matrix,” was layered with trans themes. Both Wachowskis are trans women, but had not come out publicly when the movie was first released.
“I’m glad that it has gotten out that, you know, that was the original intention, but the world wasn’t quite ready – the corporate world wasn’t ready for it,” Lilly said of the trans narratives in the films.
