The Aggressives

Shot over the course of 1997 to 2004, this documentary is an incredible snapshot of a vibrant array of butches, studs, and masc folks of color from the New York City ballroom and nightlife scene who are claiming their own space and identity. The film offers profiles of six “Aggressives” or “AGs,” including trans actor and activist Marquise Vilson, who pass as male through a wide range of masculine identities. By turning the camera on them and hearing them speak about their lives, it becomes clear where language fails to fully capture each individual’s lived experience and nuanced gender identity.

Join us for a post-screening Q&A with Kisha Batista and Chin Tsui, both featured in the film, moderated by filmmaker and independent curator Anto Astudillo.