Chi-Raq

Lysistrata launches the sex strike after experiencing a series of traumatic events: a shootout at Demetrius's concert, an arson attack on their home, and the devastating death of young Patti (Irene's daughter) in a gang-related shooting. These events, combined with her conversations with Miss Helen Worthy about Leymah Gbowee's successful sex strike during Liberia's civil war, inspire her to organize the women of Chicago's South Side to withhold sexual relations until the gangs agree to lay down their arms.

Patti, Irene's daughter, is killed in a gang-related shooting. Later in the film, Jamel Dupree (Demetrius's relative) confesses to being responsible for her death, revealing the devastating role he played in this tragedy that ultimately helps convince Demetrius to finally agree to sign the peace accord.

Lysistrata and her allies infiltrate and capture a military armory without a fight. Seventy-five unarmed women hold the facility while the military and police surround it but cannot take action since no hostages are held. This bold act generates national attention and global solidarity, with women worldwide starting their own sex strikes in support.

Demetrius initially refuses to sign the peace accord, but Miss Helen Worthy shares the story of losing her own daughter to violence. This emotional plea, combined with Jamel Dupree's confession that he killed Patti (Irene's daughter), breaks through Demetrius's resistance. Overcome by guilt and the weight of these revelations, he chooses to surrender and agree to lay down his weapons.

After three months of the sex strike, both gangs begin to waver from the lack of intimacy and have time to reflect on their lives. Cyclops announces that the Trojans are ready to disarm first during the final confrontation, making him the first gang leader to commit to peace. This pivotal moment clears the way for the formal peace signing with Lysistrata and local leaders.

Lysistrata organizes women from both the Spartans and Trojans to collectively withhold sexual relations from their men until the gangs agree to cease hostilities. The movement adopts the slogan "No Peace, No Pussy" and grows into a city-wide initiative. Despite overwhelming support from women, the gangs initially remain unyielding, but the prolonged boycott eventually creates enough pressure to force negotiations.

After the arson attack on her home and Patti's death, Lysistrata seeks solace and guidance. She moves in with Miss Helen Worthy, a passionate advocate for peace and non-violence who introduces her to Leymah Gbowee's story, how Gbowee led a sex strike during Liberia's Second Liberian Civil War to compel men to stop fighting. This history becomes the foundation for Lysistrata's own peace movement.

After three months of the boycott, Demetrius agrees to meet with Lysistrata. They broker a wager deal: the two lovers will be in bed together, and whoever achieves climax first must concede to the other person's demands. However, before the wager can be carried out, Cyclops interrupts to announce that the Trojans are ready to disarm, changing the course of the negotiation.

Following an emotional funeral for Patti where Fr. Mike Corridan critiques the socioeconomic systems profiting from South Side violence, Lysistrata realizes the issue extends beyond gang disputes. She and her allies infiltrate a military armory as a bold tactical move to demand attention and force political action, believing that controlling military resources would give them leverage in the peace negotiations.

A violent shootout erupts during a concert hosted by Demetrius (Chi-Raq), demonstrating the extreme volatility of the gang rivalry even at social events. This incident shocks the community and contributes to Lysistrata's growing disillusionment with the endless cycle of violence affecting their lives.

While Demetrius and Lysistrata share an intimate moment at home, their residence is struck by a devastating arson attack. This horrific event further deepens Lysistrata's disillusionment with the gang lifestyle and the constant violence that has now invaded even their most private moments, pushing her toward seeking a different path.

The Mayor's wife becomes influenced by the women's boycott movement, adding political pressure on Mayor McCloud. This influence, along with the involvement of the First Lady of the United States, helps push the peace negotiations forward and creates additional leverage that eventually leads Demetrius to agree to meet with Lysistrata and consider ending the violence.