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Meet Andre Perez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andre Perez.

Hi Andre, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a Latinx trans man growing up in the South, I was steeped in a conservative culture that never imagined his existence. I felt forced to leave and assimilate into urban queer life, which meant giving up aspects of who he was to find a sense of belonging. In 2007, I founded the Transgender Oral History Project to connect with elders.

Over the next decade that project would grow into a national collective with people in 6 states and it would take many forms – 100 interviews, a traveling multimedia exhibition, 2 residencies, and numerous public events. I saw the power of storytelling to change how people saw themselves and help connect people across a fractured community.

After working at Storycorps, the largest oral history project in North America, I went on to direct America in Transition, a Sundance-backed docuseries focusing on BIPOC trans folks. I’m always inspired to share stories highlighting trans folks in ways that challenge how people see our communities and that highlight the legacy of trans folks in the South who have been here all along.

When I heard about Frankie Gonzales-Wolfe running for office in a state where some of the most oppressive anti-trans laws were being proposed, I knew I wanted to help share her story. A Run for More is a documentary about a Latina running to become the first openly transgender elected official in Texas.

A Run for More is about more than one race – it’s about working towards a world where people who are shut out of our democracy can reclaim their voices, build collective power, and create the conditions to thrive.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I grew up in an abusive household and was homeless as a young person because I didn’t have the support of my family. I was a first-generation college student when I realized that I was trans.

Other queer people saw me before I saw myself, and they supported me in growing into myself. Being trans really helped me connect with the community and make a place for myself in the world.

That’s probably why I’m drawn to telling stories about people who are in the process of becoming who they are and navigating the complexities involving the community, family, and social change.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Latinx filmmaker, educator, and community organizer. I founded the Transgender Oral History Project in 2007.

I recorded 500 interviews as part of StoryCorps (2012-2015), including 50 broadcasted segments. The Association of Independent Radio named me one of the voices that will change the face of public media in 2015. In 2016, I appeared on NewCity’s 50 influential filmmakers in Chicago.

I directed America in Transition (2019), a Sundance-backed documentary series exploring community, family, and social issues with BIPOC trans folks. The series screened at over 100 venues internationally.

I created a social impact campaign that brought difficult conversations to the South and Midwest by partnering with colleges, community organizations, and cultural institutions such as Allied Media Conference, Creating Change, and MIT.

I’m now working as a Producer of A Run for More, which just debuted at Frameline and I’m also Producing Desire Lines, an experimental documentary film exploring trans men in gay male spaces.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
A RUN FOR MORE will be screening at Outfest in os Angelos on JULY 17th and at Cine Festival in San Antonio on JULY 9th.

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