Proud Woman (A)

MEI (40s), a transgender Singaporean woman, helps an elderly woman, XIA HONG (80s), take a shower and remove the curlers from her hair in preparation for the arrival of Xia Hong's daughter, XUE MEI (50s).Upon Xue Mei's arrival that afternoon, it's clear that she and Mei haven't met before. As Mei attempts a friendly introduction, Xue Mei's mood shifts from unimpressed to slightly horrified at the thought of this person caring for her mother. Knowing she might be in a tricky situation, Mei decides to keep a low profile around the house. While making tea in the kitchen, she overhears Xue Mei questioning her mother about hiring a different caretaker.

During the conversation, Xia Hong refers to Mei as being 'just like another daughter'. Confused by her mother's apparent lack of awareness regarding the hiring of a transgender caretaker, Xue Mei decides to act. In the kitchen, Xue Mei corners Mei and threatens to expose her as a 'man' if she doesn't leave immediately. Mei, in an act of defiance, proceeds to work on the grounds. Eventually Xue Mei, on her way out to get lunch for her and her mother, finds Mei sweeping the driveway. She throws Mei her purse and demands all the keys she has to the house.As Xue Mei backs out of the driveway, Mei seizes her chance to confess to Xia Hong what she's been hiding all along. She sprints to the end of the driveway and slams the gates together, locking Xue Mei on the opposite side. Mei bursts through the front door of the house, bolting the door behind her.

She sits down with Xia Hong, telling her the hard truth of the matter only to find that the old woman accepts her as she is. When Xue Mei finally breaks in through the back door, she's fuming; however, Xia Hong asks her daughter to come back another day.Later that day, Mei and Xia Hong sit together on the porch eating donuts and reading beauty magazines. Mei is struggling to sound out the words; however, Xia Hong listens carefully, providing positive reinforcement.

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