Both sides of a murder are analyzed and contrasted in a case where transgender panic was used as a legal defense strategy. The director illustrates conflicts that exist for all parties. Interviews are included with defense attorneys, advocates and the District Attorney assigned to prosecute the case during both trials.
Filmed on location, footage of many of the actual events is included along with rare clips of Gwen Araujo during her younger years. Through these images, the audience is treated to a glimpse of Gwen's gradual development as she boldly and honestly chooses to face her gender conflict and accepts transsexual status.
Gwen's murder and story have led to the adoption of legislation signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006. The Terminator's controversial "Girlie-Man" comment is also included in the film. The Gwen Araujo Justice For Victims Act (AB 1160) amends jury instructions and prohibits jurors from accepting testimony based on a gay or transpanic defense.
Trained in the Ways of Men challenges viewers to consider how they might react or respond to the knowledge that their g/f or b/f is or was transgender.
The stories and reactions of three Post-op transsexual female women are woven into the movie and foster a better understanding of the real people behind the otherwise mysterious lives of those who change or wish to change their sex.