a 73-year-old trans woman activist is celebrated in “mama gloria”

With artist Tourmaline’s upcoming film exploring the life of Black trans woman, Mary Jones, through a series of short films, Black trans history is finding new light in the mainstream. Being billed as “an intimate portrait of aging about a trailblazing 73-year-old Black transgender woman who transitioned before Stonewall.” Mama Gloria tells the story of Gloria Allen, a 73-year-old Black transgender woman who founded a charm school for transitioning youths. In Chicago, Gloria immersed herself in drag ball culture, finding her people and her path. With the support of the women in her family, Gloria transitioned after high school. And, now, she pays it forward while providing love, support and guidance for young trans people on Chicago’s South Side.

Directed by Luchina Fisher, the Mama Gloria documentary is raising funds on Seed and Spark to bring this project to fruition. They’ve got a little less than 24 days, so to learn more about helping, click here.