Tommy Dorfman to Produce Film Adaptation of Torrey Peters’ "Detransition, Baby"

Tommy Dorfman, acclaimed for her work as an actor, director, and advocate for transgender visibility, is set to bring Torrey Peters’ bestselling novel "Detransition, Baby" to the big screen. Good Girl Productions, Dorfman’s company, has officially secured the film rights to the novel, which has been widely recognized as a landmark work in contemporary LGBTQ+ literature .

The announcement was confirmed via Dorfman’s official Instagram account, where she shared the news, noting that the production is currently in search of a writer and director for the adaptation . Kevin Cotter will join as producer alongside Good Girl Productions, with development efforts already underway .

"Detransition, Baby," written by Torrey Peters and published by Random House in 2021, explores the intersecting lives of three women—two transgender and one cisgender—whose paths cross in unexpected ways following an unplanned pregnancy. The novel has been celebrated for its nuanced portrayal of gender, parenthood, and the complexities of queer relationships, and was named one of The New York Times’ 100 Best Books of the 21st Century .

The book has garnered numerous accolades, including the Pen/Hemingway Award, and was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Awards, the National Book Critics Circle Awards, and the Gotham Book Prize .

In a statement to Deadline, Dorfman expressed a deep personal connection to the novel: “When I read Detransition, Baby, Torrey Peters’ story instantly resonated with me. The novel is smart, funny, and unflinchingly honest about the realities of trans life and the complexities of family. It is exactly the kind of story I want to see on screen” .

Dorfman, who rose to prominence with her breakout role in Netflix’s "13 Reasons Why," recently made her feature directorial debut with "I Wish You All the Best," which is set for theatrical release through Lionsgate later this year .

The adaptation of "Detransition, Baby" comes at a time of heightened visibility and ongoing challenges for transgender communities in media and society. A film version of Peters’ novel is seen by many as a vital step in expanding authentic transgender narratives in mainstream cinema and providing opportunities for trans talent both on and off screen .

The novel’s exploration of gender transition, detransition, and the bonds of chosen family has resonated widely, prompting critical conversations about identity, acceptance, and the evolving definitions of parenthood within LGBTQ+ communities .

Torrey Peters, herself a transgender woman, has been at the forefront of new voices in queer literature, and her work has been lauded for candidly addressing the lived experiences of transgender people—stories often underrepresented in both publishing and Hollywood .

With the search now on for a screenwriter and director, industry watchers and LGBTQ+ advocates are closely following the project’s development. Dorfman’s commitment to centering transgender voices throughout the adaptation process has been met with optimism from advocacy groups and readers alike .

No casting decisions have been announced, and the timeline for production remains undisclosed. However, Dorfman’s track record and public statements suggest that the project will prioritize inclusive hiring and authentic representation, both in front of and behind the camera .

The announcement has also sparked renewed interest in the novel, with bookstores and online retailers reporting increased sales and discussions about the book’s themes across social media platforms .

As development progresses, "Detransition, Baby" is positioned to become a milestone in LGBTQ+ film. The project’s high profile and the pedigree of its creative team have generated significant anticipation, with many in the community hopeful that the adaptation will set a new standard for trans-centered storytelling in mainstream media .