Beyond the Aggressives: 25 Years Later

QFFU x TranScreen

Two decades ago, Daniel Peddle’s groundbreaking film The Aggressives showcased the remarkable stories of Chin, Octavio, Trevon, and Kisha—a watershed moment of visibility for masc-presenting BIPOC individuals. Now, nearly 20 years later, these iconic characters reunite in this new film to reflect on their past and envision new futures. Interwoven with fresh voices from today’s queer BIPOC community, the film delves into the evolution of language, culture, and visibility within the transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming community. It grapples with the complexities of gender identity, expectations, and expression. These intimate stories and testimonies reveal compelling insights into the queer experience and paint a deeply moving portrait of four trailblazing heroes. 

Already disliking the hopelessness the original ending conveyed, the idea for a sequel emerged when Peddle felt a renewed urgency amid the Trump administration’s attacks on the queer community. “Centering the humanity of ‘othered’ people,” he says, “seemed more critical than ever.”