In the summer of 2022, days before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a group of 500 high school girls gathered in Missouri for a mock government camp called Girls State. During this weeklong camp, the girls elected their own governor and seated an all-female Supreme Court to rule on issues related to their own bodies. Documentary filmmakers Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine chose to film this event as a follow-up to their award-winning 2020 film “Boys State.” The resulting documentary, “Girls State,” is a reflection of the national political discourse through the experiences of these coming-of-age teenagers.
The Girls State program, unlike the more well-known Boys State program, is funded by a separate organization, the American Legion Auxiliary, and has its own unique set of rules and structure. Despite not receiving the same level of funding and attention as Boys State, the young women who participated in Girls State found themselves navigating a system that had both limitations and opportunities. The film captures the bond that connects these young women, showcasing moments of tension, disagreement, and competition, as well as supportiveness and the need to connect with one another.
The documentary follows the journey of several young women, including Missouri teenager Emily Worthmore, as they navigate the political landscape of Girls State. Worthmore, an ambitious, conservative-leaning young woman, initially expected the program to be filled with passionate political debates. However, she soon realized that the system of Girls State was different from Boys State in several ways, including a stricter dress code and less emphasis on sports activities. Despite these differences, Worthmore and her peers found ways to engage with each other and reflect on the limitations placed on them.
Throughout the film, the young women of Girls State confront societal expectations and pressure to live up to certain standards. They grapple with the idea of perfection and the need to break free from stereotypical roles. The experience of failure and the realization that it is okay not to be perfect becomes a central theme in the documentary. Worthmore’s story of resilience and determination to address inequalities between the two programs through journalism highlights the transformative power of Girls State on its participants.
Following the release of the documentary and the discussions it sparked, some changes were made to the Missouri programs, such as relaxing the dress code, expanding athletic opportunities, and combining classwork for boys and girls. The filmmakers, Moss and McBaine, believe that the American political system would benefit from reflecting Girls State’s values of support, connection, and inclusivity. The film serves as a testament to the importance of amplifying the voices of young women and recognizing the significance of their perspectives in shaping the future of politics.
The impact of Girls State extends beyond the confines of the documentary, as participants like Nisha Murali and Emily Worthmore continue their academic and professional pursuits with a newfound sense of empowerment and engagement. Murali, now studying engineering and philosophy, reflects on learning how to fail and pivot after setbacks, while Worthmore, pursuing a degree in communications, embraces new opportunities and challenges. The legacy of Girls State lives on in the experiences and achievements of its participants, reminding us of the importance of empowering young women and ensuring their voices are heard in political discourse.
