Against the Grain 2011
Distributed by Third World Newsreel, 545 Eighth Avenue, Suite 550, New York, NY 10018; 212-947-9277
Produced by Betty Yu and Seyi Adebanjo
Directed by Betty Yu and Seyi Adebanjo
Streaming, 6 mins
Middle School - General Adult
African-Americans; Gender Identity; Queer Studies
Date Entered: 09/17/2020
Reviewed by Delphia Williams, Acquisitions Coordinator/Social Work Program Liaison, California State University NorthridgeAgainst the Grain is a short, intimate look into the life of a Black, gender non-conforming individual. Seyi tells their story in a very matter of fact way with simple explanations and lots of positive energy. They invite the audience into their support group for an open and honest conversation about being a gender non-conforming person of color. Seyi shares their experience with hormone therapy, allowing the audience into their bathroom to see firsthand. They candidly discuss the changes in their body. The film is well recorded with brightly lit rooms, upbeat background music and Seyi’s easygoing manner while talking to the audience. This film would play well with middle school and high school students when discussing gender non-conformity. This film is highly recommended.