I Hate New York

Year: 2020

Runtime: 75 min

Language: English

Director: Gustavo Sánchez

Documentary

Four transgender activists navigate the complexities of New York City, facing societal pressures as they fight for self-expression and acceptance. The film explores their individual journeys and the challenges they encounter while striving to create a space for themselves within a vibrant, but often unforgiving, urban environment.

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In the restless rhythm of New York City between 2007 and 2017, a quartet of transgender artists carve out spaces for self‑expression amid towering skylines and shadowed alleys. Amanda Lepore, Chloe Dzubilo, Sophia Lamar and T De Long move through the city’s ever‑shifting landscape—its glittering clubs, gritty dive bars, and quiet night‑time streets—seeking acceptance while confronting the pressures that pulse through the metropolis. The film frames their lives as a tender yet unflinching portrait of a community that refuses to be silenced.

The world of the film feels alive with the raw energy of a handheld camera, capturing moments as they happen without scripts or rehearsals. This observational style pulls the viewer into a vibrant East Side that teeters between decline and renewal, where the aftershocks of 9/11 linger and the remnants of a once‑blazing punk‑disco‑rap scene still echo in underground venues. The city itself becomes a character—a sprawling, unforgiving backdrop that both challenges and inspires the activists to push their art and advocacy forward.

Each of the four protagonists brings a distinct voice to the collective narrative. Amanda radiates confidence through performance, while Chloe blends activism with a gritty, avant‑garde aesthetic shaped by her long‑standing fight against HIV stigma. Sophia navigates the delicate balance between personal longing and public visibility, and T De Long offers a contemplative lens on identity through music and visual art. Their interactions weave a tapestry of camaraderie, rivalry, and shared resilience, hinting at deeper stories yet to unfold.

A meticulously curated soundtrack—featuring the ethereal tones of ARCA, the evocative compositions of Ryuichi Sakamoto, the experimental pulses of Alva Noto, and the daring drag energy of Sharon Needles—underscores the film’s immersive mood. Together, the sights and sounds invite the audience to become confidants, bearing witness to the everyday triumphs and quiet battles of those forging their own place in an ever‑evolving urban canvas.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 01:10

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