Portraits of Queerness: A CSI X Queer Voices NYC Film Series

Celebrate Trans Day of Visibility and Women’s History Month with a powerful day of films, discussions, and community at Portraits of Queerness. This special collaboration between the College of Staten Island and highlights impactful films by Staten Island filmmakers, an industry panel powered by GLAAD Media, and a screening of the award-winning documentary Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story, followed by a talkback with director Lucah Rosenberg-Lee.

In addition to compelling cinema, enjoy a vibrant disco party, light bites, and community partner tables throughout the day. Whether you stay for the full event or drop in for select sessions, there are plenty of opportunities to be part of the experience. This event is free and open to the public!

This in-person gathering offers a unique space to experience powerful storytelling, engage in thought-provoking conversations, and connect with fellow film lovers. At a time when transgender communities face increasing challenges, it is more important than ever to find strength in diverse queer narratives and honor those who have paved the way.

Event Details

📍 Location: Center for Performing & Creative Arts (Building 1P)
🎬 Screenings: Media Culture Screening Room (Room 223)
🎉 Disco Party & Community Partners: East Lounge

Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story

Synopsis: "Tell her that I'm happy. Tell her that I'm gay. Tell her that I wouldn't have it any other way." From invitations to perform across the US and Canada, at the precipice of huge fame and undoubted success, 1960s R&B soul singer Jackie Shane disappeared from the spotlight. But why?

Through never-before-heard phone conversations, beautiful rotoscope animated reenactments with Sandra Caldwell as later-life Jackie and Makayla Couture as younger Jackie, and a fabulous soundtrack by Jackie herself, directors Michael Mabbott (The Life and Hard Times of Guy Terrifico) and Lucah Rosenberg-Lee (Passing, Frameline39) reconstruct this fascinating life and immense talent that is sure to knock your socks off and get your feet tapping. Hot off its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival, this documentary — executive produced by Elliot Page — takes on the investigation to reveal a Black transwoman who prioritized her authenticity above all else and will continue to inspire trans folks to live their truths loudly.

Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story will be the third annual recipient of the Out in the Silence Award, which is given to an outstanding film project that highlights brave acts of LGBTQ+ visibility in places where such acts are not common. Join us as we present the award to the filmmakers at the Palace of Fine Arts.

Info: Baby Teeth Film Festival, Pride Center of Staten Island, Queer Voices NYC Film Festival, and more will be announced!

Info: Panelists: Jayae Riley – Actor (Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest), Nayala Moon – Filmmaker (GLAAD Media Alum), and Lana Lenord – Journalist (GLAAD)

Info: Let's boogie! Refreshments will be served.

Info: Jackie Shane was one of music's pioneering Black trans performers. On the edge of stardom, why did she disappear? Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story hands the mic over revealing her extraordinary journey, in her own unmistakable voice.

Host or Publisher Queer Voices: NYC Film Festival