The 2018 documentary #JustAnotherDeadTranswoman, directed by Riley Del Rey, is a powerful political film that addresses the systemic violence, discrimination, and hardships faced by transgender women of color, particularly in New Mexico. Through compelling first-hand accounts, the film explores the pervasive epidemic of transgender murders in the United States, shedding light on the struggles transgender women face, from violent deaths to employment discrimination, homelessness, and the intersection of abuse and survival sex work. In an era marked by rising visibility and ongoing inequality, the documentary seeks to spark a necessary dialogue about the human cost of transphobia and the urgent need for social and political change.
The documentary frames the stories of transgender women, particularly women of color, within the broader context of an alarming national trend: the skyrocketing rates of transgender murders and suicides. Del Rey's film amplifies the voices of these often silenced individuals, offering a window into their lives and the brutal realities they face. Transgender women of color, who are disproportionately impacted by violence, are at the forefront of the conversation. Their experiences are brought to the surface not only to highlight individual stories but to underscore the broader societal patterns that have led to such a high incidence of violence against them. One of the core objectives of the documentary is to foster awareness about the everyday challenges faced by transgender women in the United States. From social and economic exclusion to outright physical violence, the film emphasizes how transgender people, particularly those from marginalized racial and ethnic backgrounds, experience systemic oppression. Their lives are often subject to intersecting layers of prejudice and violence, making them vulnerable in ways that cisgender individuals may not fully comprehend.
The documentary’s heart lies in the personal stories of transgender women who have endured the toxic intersection of discrimination, abuse, and marginalization. Through intimate interviews and raw testimonies, the film explores the far-reaching consequences of these experiences. For many transgender women of color, the reality is marked by unemployment, poverty, and homelessness. Stories of individuals forced to engage in survival sex work to meet basic needs are chillingly common, highlighting the economic vulnerability faced by the transgender community.
The documentary also delves into the impact of abusive romantic relationships, shedding light on how intimate partner violence disproportionately affects transgender women. Many of the women featured in the documentary reveal the terrifying consequences of their relationships, which often involve emotional, physical, and even sexual violence. These stories are not isolated incidents; they are representative of a broader cultural and societal issue that leaves transgender women vulnerable to exploitation and harm. Additionally, the documentary explores the pervasive discrimination within the workplace, a significant barrier to economic stability for many transgender individuals. One particularly poignant aspect of the film focuses on wrongful termination, highlighting the struggles of individuals who have been unjustly fired simply for being transgender. This part of the film is particularly significant because it draws attention to the role that political figures, such as Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham, have played in failing to protect the transgender community from employment discrimination.
The film also addresses the brutal murders of two transgender women, Zakaria Fry and Carrel Ray, whose deaths occurred in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in early 2018. The documentary focuses on their disappearances and the subsequent investigation - or lack thereof - by local authorities. Fry and Ray were reported missing in January 2018, only to be discovered a month later, their bodies showing signs of violent death. Despite the clear indicators that these women had been murdered, Albuquerque police refused to treat the killings as hate crimes, a stance that highlights the systemic indifference and lack of accountability for crimes against transgender individuals.
The documentary shines a light on how law enforcement's refusal to acknowledge the hate crime aspect of these deaths reflects a broader pattern of neglect when it comes to investigating crimes against transgender people. The lack of urgency and commitment to justice for Fry and Ray serves as a stark reminder of the ways in which transgender lives are devalued by both society and the justice system. This case serves as a microcosm of the larger problem of violence against transgender women. By bringing it into the spotlight, the film forces audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about the treatment of transgender individuals, especially those who are marginalized by both their gender identity and race.
One of the key components of the film is its call for political accountability. The documentary highlights the refusal of local leaders to hold political figures, such as Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham, accountable for their role in perpetuating a system that allows violence against transgender women to continue unabated. The film criticizes the political apathy that allows these issues to remain unaddressed and urges viewers to demand action from those in power. Riley Del Rey’s decision to include her own personal experience of wrongful termination, which was allegedly linked to political figures such as Lujan Grisham, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. This inclusion serves as both a personal testimony and a call to action, underscoring the pervasive nature of employment discrimination and the need for political figures to take responsibility for their actions - or lack thereof - in protecting marginalized communities.
At its core, the film is a direct action documentary that aims to provoke conversation and generate systemic change. The film pulls no punches, presenting graphic and unflinching depictions of violence, discrimination, and the human cost of transphobia. Its raw, honest approach is meant to provoke outrage and inspire a sense of urgency about the need for reform, particularly within the political and legal systems that too often fail to protect transgender individuals. The documentary serves as a call to action, urging viewers to demand greater protection for transgender people, particularly transgender women of color. By presenting these issues in an unvarnished, no-holds-barred manner, Del Rey hopes to inspire a nationwide conversation about the urgent need for economic, social, and political justice for the transgender community.
The film is not only a documentary but also a part of a broader campaign led by organizations like the Transwoman Empowerment Initiative, which operates out of the Chrysalis Beauty Center. This initiative is committed to raising awareness of the specific challenges faced by transgender women and advocating for their rights and safety. The documentary has become a critical tool in their efforts to highlight the violence and discrimination faced by transgender women of color and to ensure that these issues receive the attention they deserve in political and public discourse. By aligning itself with grassroots activism and advocacy efforts, #JustAnotherDeadTranswoman serves as both an educational tool and a rallying cry for change. It calls for solidarity with the transgender community, demanding justice for those who have been harmed, and pushing for systemic reforms that address the root causes of transgender violence.
In conclusion, #JustAnotherDeadTranswoman is more than just a documentary - it is an urgent call to action. Riley Del Rey’s unflinching portrayal of the discrimination, violence, and systemic neglect faced by transgender women of color shines a light on a national crisis that has been largely ignored. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of transphobia and the need for immediate and comprehensive change in our society. It is a compelling piece of advocacy that demands justice, visibility, and protection for transgender people, especially those most at risk. As the documentary continues to make waves in the public sphere, it is clear that its message will not be silenced. It is a critical part of the larger movement for transgender rights and justice, one that will continue to challenge the status quo and fight for a world where transgender individuals can live free from violence, discrimination, and fear.
Image credits: YouTube
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