Brooke Guinan is the first openly transgender firefighter in New York City. She’s proud that she followed in her father’s footsteps to become a firefighter, but her journey wasn’t easy. From a young age, Brooke struggled with her own gender identity – she originally thought she was gay before understanding that she was actually transgender. The FDNY is predominately white males, so, to them, a trans woman is a threat to the masculinity of the profession and she is bullied and outcast.
Woman on Fire is a heartbreaking and eye-opening documentary about one trans woman’s journey to be accepted by her conservative family, her peers, and a society that is relentless in its ostracization of trans people. Through the eyes of Brooke and anyone in her immediate circle, we’re exposed to all the different emotions that can be experienced during someone’s transition. In the end, we’re left feeling hopeful that change and acceptance is coming, not only for Brooke, but for all trans people.
Rating: 8.5/10
Screening on May 27, 2017 at 12 pm. More Info.
