How did BGDM come to exist?
While attending Good Pitch New York in October 2015, Iyabo Boyd was shocked: though the majority of documentary events (at the time) were predominantly white, she found herself surrounded by so many other documentary professionals who were also black women! She recognized the usual suspects (Tabitha Jackson, N’Jeri Eaton, Sonya Childress, Rahdi Taylor), but the multitude of new faces sent a rush of excitement through her. During the event, Iyabo approached each woman, introducing herself and wrangling them to join her for a drink afterwards. By the end of the event, about a dozen black women gathered at a nearby bar, each of them equally thrilled to be in each other’s presence. We took a picture to commemorate the occasion.
That night, Iyabo posted it on Facebook with the tagline “First meeting - Black Girls Doc Mafia”. The post blew up with Likes and excited comments from the doc community. It also inspired South Asian filmmakers Farihah Zaman and Senain Keshgi to form a “Desi Girls Doc Mafia” of over 25 South Asian filmmakers (plus Iyabo) in less than 24 hours! Iyabo quickly realized we were more powerful together than apart and suggested a name change to “Brown Girls Doc Mafia,” combining our efforts and opening up the potential for all women and non-binary people of color to build community together. The group operated underground for two years and grew exponentially with each member inviting someone they knew. After going public at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, and now with over 3,300 members all over the world, the rest is history.
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Transgender self-realization: artistic journeys through different forms of art
In recent years, adult entertainment, particularly webcam platforms, has become a space where transgender individuals can reclaim agency over their bodies, desires, and sexual expression in different shows like tranny sex chat. Webcam performers have the freedom to express their authentic selves, embracing and celebrating their gender identities without judgment. By engaging with viewers through live streaming, transgender individuals on webcam platforms can connect with others, challenge stereotypes, and promote self-acceptance and empowerment.