"My Name Was January" is a poignant and powerful 25-minute documentary directed by Elina Gress and Lenée Son that explores the tragic murder of January Marie Lapuz, a trans woman whose life was cut short in 2012. At the heart of this film is a desire to give a voice to those whose stories are often overlooked - particularly trans women of colour - and to bring attention to the violence they face in a society that too often marginalizes them. Through a simple yet profoundly moving narrative, the film highlights not only January’s untimely death but also the lives of those who loved her and the social structures of oppression she faced.
On a fateful September night in 2012, January Marie Lapuz was brutally murdered in her own home in New Westminster, British Columbia. She was 26 years old. Her death sparked a deep emotional response from her community, but it was also a stark reminder of the often invisible dangers that trans women, particularly those from racialized and marginalized communities, face. January, an immigrant from the Philippines, had navigated a life shaped by poverty, the stigma surrounding sex work, and the harsh realities of being a transgender woman in a world rife with discrimination. Those who knew her described January as a vibrant and compassionate soul who brightened every room she entered. She was known for her fearlessness, her warmth, and her unwavering spirit. To her friends and family, she was more than a victim; she was a person - a daughter, a sister, and a friend. Her loss left a gaping hole in their lives. As the film reveals, January’s story is not just a recounting of her tragic death, but a celebration of her life, her energy, and her love.
The documentary’s creators, Elina Gress and Lenée Son, were drawn to this story because of the profound questions it raised. Why was January’s murder not covered more widely? Why had she been left to face violence without the widespread attention that other murders received? These are questions that persist throughout the film, asking viewers to consider why trans women of colour, particularly those involved in sex work, are so often treated as less valuable and why their deaths are not met with the same level of outrage and advocacy as those of others. As Gress explains, the film is not about generating fame or profit, but about raising awareness about the rights and lives of transgender individuals. It’s about creating a platform where trans women of colour can voice their experiences in a safe environment. There is no script in "My Name Was January" - it’s a raw and unfiltered look into the lives of those who knew January, with an emphasis on authenticity and the real, lived experiences of trans women. By sharing their stories, the film aims to affirm the importance of these lives and to send a message that trans women, especially trans women of colour, deserve dignity, respect, and justice.
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The impact of January’s death is felt deeply in the documentary, as friends and allies recount their memories of her. Through emotional interviews with January’s friends, including Josh Soronow, Ash Brar, Velvet Steele, and Pam Hayer, as well as her mother, Betty Lapuz, viewers gain insight into the woman January was beyond the tragedy. They reflect on how January’s kindness, energy, and empathy touched the lives of those around her. Their stories paint a picture of a person who, despite the hardships she faced, brought light into the lives of those fortunate enough to know her. In addition to her friends and family, the film also features perspectives from social activists like Kelendria Nation and Natasha Adsit, who discuss the broader issues of transphobic violence, systemic discrimination, and the intersectionality of race, gender, and class. These voices reinforce the idea that January’s death was not an isolated incident, but part of a larger pattern of violence against transgender women, particularly trans women of colour.
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While "My Name Was January" is brief in duration, its emotional impact is profound. The filmmakers, with the support of organizations like the Sher Vancouver LGBTQ Friends Society, have created a documentary that is both simple and deeply moving. The arrangement of the interviews and the way the stories are told evokes empathy and sorrow, compelling viewers to reflect on the injustice that January and other trans women face. The rawness of the storytelling is enhanced by the authenticity of the voices involved - each person’s account is heartfelt and sincere. In addition to its emotional weight, the film’s impact extends beyond the screen. "My Name Was January" has already won several prestigious awards, including the Best Documentary Short Film Award at the Aphrodite Film Festival, an Award of Recognition at the Best Shorts Competition in La Jolla, California, and Best LGBTQ Film at the Los Angeles Film Awards. It has also earned the Gold Award for Best Documentary at the LA Shorts Awards, demonstrating the power and resonance of the story it tells.
At its core, "My Name Was January" is a call for justice - not just for January, but for all trans women who have lost their lives due to violence and oppression. It serves as a powerful reminder that the lives of trans women, particularly trans women of colour, are valuable and deserving of respect. The film challenges viewers to consider the ways in which society perpetuates violence against marginalized groups and to take action to prevent further harm. The murder of January Marie Lapuz was a senseless and heartbreaking act of violence, but through the creation of this documentary, her memory is honored. By telling her story and the stories of those who knew her, "My Name Was January" keeps her light shining, ensuring that she is not forgotten and that her death sparks a larger conversation about the need for justice, equality, and safety for trans women. Ultimately, the documentary calls for solidarity and action. It challenges viewers to stand up for trans women, to acknowledge their humanity, and to work towards a world where no more sisters are lost to gender-based violence. As Lenée Son reflects in her statement, "My Name Was January" is both a memorial for January and a refusal to let another sister be lost to violence and hate. In remembering January Marie Lapuz, the filmmakers invite us to see beyond the tragedy and to honor the life of a woman who was, above all, loved, valued, and remembered.
Image credits: YouTube
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