Introduction

In a candid conversation about their Netflix documentary *Will & Harper*, Will Ferrell and Harper Steele revealed an unsettling incident of transphobic microaggression that they experienced while visiting Texas. The moment, which was not included in the final edit of their film, occurred at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.

The Incident

During their visit, Steele recounted an alarming reaction from the diners after she made a toast referencing a trans rights bill. “As I said something about passing a trans bill, the room collectively recoiled, and I heard a boo. Then a woman shouted, ‘We still love you,’” Steele explained to *The New York Times*. She expressed discomfort with the phrase, interpreting it as a conditional form of acceptance tied to conformity regarding her identity. “It felt like she meant, 'We’ll still love you if you abandon your trans identity,'” Steele noted, emphasizing the painful context behind what was supposed to be a moment of camaraderie.

As the atmosphere shifted, Steele described feeling exposed and uneasy, “The room started to feel very wrong to me. I felt like my transness was on display, and suddenly, that made me feel not great.”

Will Ferrell's Reflections

Contributing to the gravity of the experience, Ferrell admitted to feeling “remorse” and “guilt” for putting his friend in a precarious situation. “I genuinely felt like I let you down,” he told Steele. He confessed he underestimated the intensity of the locale’s atmosphere and its potential impact on their experience. “I thought it would be a benign place just to enjoy a big steak, but upon entering, we were met with this overwhelming crowd. It hit me suddenly—‘Why are we here?’”

Context of Transgender Rights in Texas

Texas has been the center of controversy regarding transgender rights, particularly after Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 14, which bans gender-affirming care for transgender youth. This bill drew scrutiny and condemnation from various advocacy groups for infringing on the rights of vulnerable populations. Moreover, legislation in Texas has recently targeted drag performances and mandated that transgender student athletes compete according to their biological sex, stirring even more division.

About the Documentary

Directed by Josh Greenbaum, *Will & Harper* is not just a documentary about friendship; it is a poignant narrative exploring transition and the complexities of identity in contemporary America. The film follows Ferrell’s close friendship with Steele, who has been a part of his life for 30 years, as they embark on a cross-country road trip to navigate this new chapter in their relationship.

Steele transitioned publicly in 2022, sharing her journey with Ferrell and other loved ones, highlighting the deep bond and support that has lasted through decades of partnership, laughter, and now, personal transformation.

Conclusion

Will Ferrell and Harper Steele’s experience serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for acceptance faced by many within the LGBTQ+ community, especially in regions where transphobia persists.