Educational Media Reviews Online

On May 11, 2003, Sakia Gunn, a 15-year-old African American girl and four friends were waiting for a bus near Broad and Market Streets in Newark, New Jersey. They were on their way home after a night of partying in Manhattan. A car stopped near them and the occupants began to make advances to the girls. The girls stated they were gay and not interested. A fight began and Sakia Gunn was fatally stabbed by her 29-year-old assailant in this gay bias attack.

Although the title leads us to believe that the documentary is solely about Sakia Gunn, it tells a much wider story about the lives of Sakia and others who live similar lifestyles as aggressives, and the bias and potential violence they face. According to the documentary description, an aggressive is defined as a homosexual woman of color who dresses in masculine attire but does not necessarily identify as either lesbian or female-to-male transgender. The film also addresses gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning lifestyles, and their desire for a safe and affirming environment.

Sakia’s short life story is told through photographs and by her mother, grandmother, cousins, and aunt as they speak about her during her assailant’s sentencing hearing. The hearing is divided into sections, between which other speakers discuss gay and lesbian issues. One such issue is a lack of surprise at the paucity of media coverage for the Sakia Gunn case as compared to that given to the Matthew Shepard case. The co-founder of the Newark Pride Alliance speaks of the blame to be placed on society for not speaking up. In another instance, a teen speaks about living in Newark as an aggressive.

The documentary reminds us that LGBT youth are often dismissed, ignored, or rejected and frequently subjected to violence. They need safe spaces where they know they are not alone. As a speaker states, being gay or lesbian should not be a weapon to keep people from fulfilling their potential.

The Sakia Gunn murder was one of the subjects of a 2004 Washington Post series by Anne Hull entitled “Young and Gay in Real America.”

The quality of the documentary is good with music at appropriate spots. Resources are listed at the end of the film credits. There was only one instance of profanity. Some may find the gender images disturbing. The appreciation of the film is enhanced if accompanied by reading of supplemental news accounts of the event.