“Crisp, concise, intimate.”

—Variety

“Profound…poignant…gripping…

A novel, accomplished documentary.”

— The New York Times

“A beautiful and moving film that does not exploit its subjects. It humanizes people who are either invisible or stigmatized and marginalized in the media. Even in its specificity, all men and women can relate.”

— Gay City News

“One helluva transcultural joyride, illuminating variety not only for people outside of the queer spectrum, but shining spotlights on variances within.”

— The Austin Chronicle

“In a movie that deals with controversial sexual, racial and class issues, the boldest observation is the most basic: that we each have the right to define our own realities, and live comfortably within them.”

— The Daily News

“Leaves audiences yearning to learn more about the lead characters and their fascinating lives.”

— Southern Voices

Daniel Peddle’s directorial debut, THE AGGRESSIVES (2005), is an immersive, unabashed and unapologetic film following the lives of trans men and masculine-presenting lesbians of color who eschew the language of the LGBTQIA+ world, and in doing so, give a voice to those who express their gender and sexuality in a wholly original manner. The film was awarded the Kinsey Honor from the Kinsey Institute and numerous “best documentary” awards at film festivals worldwide.

Filmed over the course of 5 years, from 1997 to 2003 in NYC, the featured “Aggressives” reveal their dreams, secrets, and deepest fears. From shared spaces, like the underground ballroom scene, to intimate private spaces, like kitchens and bedrooms, the film provides a nuanced portrayal of gender expression and the “AG” subculture.

For many in the queer family, THE AGGRESSIVES was the first time they saw trans men and masculine-presenting lesbians of color, along with their “femme” counterparts, represented on screen. Similar to PARIS IS BURNING, with which the film is often paired, THE AGGRESSIVES entered the canon of gender studies and became a treasured “must-see” within the LGBTQIA+ community. A testament to the film’s lasting power, it is still regularly screened around the world, continuing to spark a lively forum of exchange about gender identity.

Credits

To contact the filmmakers, click here