Director: Savio Debernardis
Release Year: 2017
Release Year: 2017
"Alyha Love" is a documentary that explores the complex and transformative journey of Alyha Love, a trans woman of color, as she navigates the intersectionality of her identity while attempting to carve out her place in the world. Directed by Savio Debernardis, the film takes viewers on a deeply personal and emotional exploration of Alyha's experiences, reflecting the challenges and contradictions of being part of Generation Y, a generation grappling with passion, self-identity, societal expectations, and the pursuit of love. The documentary unpacks Alyha's journey as she overcomes geographical, cultural, and gender-related barriers to find herself, landing in Berlin where she finds solace and belonging within a community of like-minded individuals. Through this exploration, the film paints a portrait of a young woman trying to reconcile the various parts of her identity while facing external judgments and the complexities of being a trans woman of color in today's world.
Alyha Love’s life and identity are marked by the intersection of race, gender, and societal expectations. She hails from a mixed-race background, with a Vietnamese father and a Native American and white mother, embodying a blend of cultures and histories. From an early age, Alyha recognized that her path would not be linear, and her identity was far from conventional. She initially pursued studies in San Francisco, but eventually dropped out to follow her passions, particularly in the nightlife scene, which became a significant part of her journey. Alyha’s move to Berlin marks a pivotal moment in her story, as she seeks both artistic expression and personal growth. She arrives in Berlin two years ago, driven by a desire to explore her music career and establish herself within the city's vibrant party and creative scene. But beyond this ambition lies a deeper quest for identity, acceptance, and belonging. In Berlin, Alyha is surrounded by a progressive community that allows her to explore her identity with more freedom than she had felt back in the United States.
Throughout the documentary, Alyha candidly discusses the challenges and complexities of being a trans woman of color, acknowledging the multiple layers of discrimination and prejudice that she faces daily. The intersection of race and gender means that Alyha stands at the crossroads of marginalization, and her experiences of these intersecting oppressions shape much of her outlook on life. One of the most striking parts of the film is Alyha’s reflection on what it means to be a trans woman of color in a world where societal beauty standards are overwhelmingly shaped by white, cisgender norms. Alyha speaks of the struggles she faces when trying to navigate her identity in a world that often refuses to accept her for who she is. She recognizes that being a trans woman of color means confronting systemic barriers such as employment discrimination and social ostracization.
In particular, Alyha points out the unfortunate reality that many trans women of color, including herself, are often forced into sex work due to the lack of job opportunities and societal acceptance. Despite the difficulties, Alyha continues to find strength in her identity, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another within the community, especially for those who need someone to understand and listen to them. In one particularly poignant moment, Alyha speaks on the concept of "white feminism" and how it often ignores the struggles faced by women of color, particularly those who are trans. For Alyha, it is essential for cisgender women, especially white women, to stand in solidarity with women who face multiple layers of oppression. Feminism, she argues, should be inclusive of all women, including trans women, women of color, and disabled women. This call for intersectional feminism becomes a central theme in the documentary, as Alyha’s own journey serves as a testament to the importance of recognizing and addressing the complexities of identity.
Alyha’s move to Berlin represents both a fresh start and a continued struggle to find herself amidst the pressures of societal expectations. Initially, she found it difficult to connect with others in Berlin, having left behind a close-knit community of trans individuals in San Francisco. In her new city, she faced the challenge of navigating the nightlife scene, which, while offering a sense of freedom, could also be isolating. However, after two years in Berlin, Alyha finds a group of friends who accept her for who she is, providing her with the sense of belonging she had long sought. Berlin’s nightlife scene, especially within its LGBTQ+ community, offers a refuge for those who exist at the margins of mainstream society. The city’s inclusive environment allows individuals like Alyha to fully express themselves without fear of judgment. Yet, as Alyha reveals, not all aspects of the nightlife scene are as inclusive as they seem. While Berlin may be known for its progressive attitudes, Alyha speaks about the ongoing challenges that marginalized groups continue to face, particularly within queer spaces that are predominantly dominated by white, cisgender individuals. In response, Alyha is determined to create a space for people like herself, a space where trans women of color can thrive and feel seen.
Throughout the film, Alyha also opens up about her past relationships and the difficulties she has faced in romantic and sexual encounters. As a trans woman, Alyha’s experiences with love are complicated by issues of acceptance, rejection, and discrimination. In particular, she discusses the emotional toll of being fetishized or treated as a secret, where some men express desire for her in private but refuse to be seen with her in public. This emotional disconnect is something that Alyha refuses to tolerate, and she shares how she takes the opportunity to educate others who exhibit these harmful behaviors. Through her experience, Alyha emphasizes the need for mutual respect, understanding, and the willingness to accept someone for who they truly are. One of the most striking and heartbreaking elements of Alyha’s story is the violence and fear that trans women face in intimate situations. Alyha recounts an incident where a man who did not know she was trans became angry and confused when he discovered her identity. Thankfully, the situation did not escalate into violence, but it remains a poignant reminder of the risks that trans individuals face in their personal lives. Alyha reflects on the fear of being "discovered" and the constant worry of facing rejection or violence, which serves as a sobering reality for many trans women.
Representation is another crucial theme that runs throughout the documentary. Alyha expresses frustration with the lack of visibility and representation of trans women of color in mainstream media, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. She speaks of her desire to create spaces and platforms where people like herself can be seen and celebrated for who they are. In her work as a DJ and party organizer, Alyha seeks to bring visibility to the trans and queer community, creating spaces where people can express their authentic selves without fear of judgment or discrimination. The importance of allyship also comes through in the documentary, as Alyha discusses the role that allies play in supporting trans individuals. She encourages cisgender individuals to actively listen, learn, and stand up for the rights and dignity of trans people, particularly those who face the compounded challenges of race, gender, and sexuality.
Ultimately, "Alyha Love" is not just a documentary about one individual’s journey - it is a reflection of the larger struggles faced by trans women of color, and a call for empathy, understanding, and solidarity across communities. Alyha’s journey is one of self-acceptance, resilience, and the constant pursuit of love and happiness in a world that often marginalizes her. By sharing her experiences, Alyha invites others to join in the fight for greater acceptance, representation, and equality, and to recognize the beauty of diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. Savio Debernardis’s "Alyha Love" is an essential contribution to the growing body of work that centers the voices and experiences of trans women, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Through Alyha’s story, the documentary offers a powerful message of empowerment and a reminder that, in the face of adversity, it is possible to find community, love, and a sense of belonging.
via: IMDB
Image credits: IMDB
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