Director's Notes

When I saw Sakia’s very brief news story on the local news, I was immediately alerted to the gender issues not mentioned in the story.  I wondered, is Sakia a girl or a boy? Of course, nothing was said in the news story about whether this kid was lesbian or gay and to me that was egregious.  Because in my heart of hearts I knew she was killed because of her sexuality. As Black or Gay people when we walk out into the world we walk out into a hostile environment – the world isn’t safe for us.  This is true especially for Black GLBT.  The less a part of the mainstream you are, the less safe you feel.  This is real.  People will kill you because of who you are still…in America.

I remember being Sakia’s age and the angst caused by my ambiguous gender.  I remember feeling like I was cut off from amongst my people.  My father had great disdain for me and my girlish ways and figure, on which he and my brother freely commented.  No child should be subjected to the kind of fear and loathing I experienced, and no child should be murdered because of who he or she is.  My past and love for my Black LGBT sisters and brothers strengthens my resolve to produce this film in the name of Sakia Gunn.

- Chas Brack