Jennifer Lopez shares short film about transgender relative Brendon

‘It’s a story that’s very close to my heart because it was a family affair,’ singer states

Jennifer Lopez has shared a short film on Instagram about her transgender relative Brendon, saying their story is one that “very close” to her heart.

The film, which is titled Draw with Me, documents Brendon’s story of coming out to their family as transgender, while also detailing how they use art as an outlet.

Brendon, who uses they/them/their pronouns, is Lopez’s nibling, a gender-neutral term used as an alternative to niece or nephew.

In her Instagram post about the film, Lopez delivered an short introduction in which she outlined the significance it has in her own life and on a wider scale.

“Draw With Me is a short film about a transgender youth and their journey of coming out to their family and also engaging in their art to help them cope with the feelings they were having during this time,” the singer said.

“The film is important and timely in its story and message and can have a huge impact on those of us who watch and experience what Brendon and their family is going through in this time of acceptance and admission.”

Lopez stated that Brendon’s story is one that is “very close to my heart because it was a family affair”.

“It’s about accepting change and challenges with love and knowing that when we do, anything’s possible. Also because, Brendon is my nibling,” the 51-year-old added, beaming at the end of her introduction.

Brendon, born in 2001, is the child of Lopez’s sister, Leslie Lopez, and brother-in-law, Rob Scholl.

In the film, Brendon recalls being in 8th grade when they first felt comfortable saying they were trans.

Brendon came out to their parents after Leslie found their binder in the laundry, they state in the film.

A binder is an item that is used to help reduce the appearance of breasts.

While Brendon states that they feel accepted by their friends and family, they explain that they have experienced mental health struggles over the years.

In the film, it is revealed that at one point, Brendon attempted to take their own life.

“I shouldn’t have to be scared to tell people who I am,” Brendon says.

Mermaids is a charity that supports transgender and gender-diverse youth, children and their families. If you are in need of support, you can contact the organisation’s helpline by calling 0808 801 0400, Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm. You can also text MERMAIDS to 85258 for free crisis support across the UK, 24/7.