In the 1980s, an Army wife-turned-glamorous party girl named Tish ruled New York City’s downtown nightlife, often out on the scene with the likes of Michael Musto. Just a few years later, after more than a decade as a woman, Tish transitioned back to being Brian. Now, in his sixties, Brian reflects on the unique and fascinating turns his life has taken as he’s learned how to feel comfortable in his own skin.
Brian never fit in with other boys. As far back as he could remember, he was soft, feminine, and rejected any masculine traits. Picked on by his own parents, he searched for love wherever he could find it and discovered that dancing to music in the stores while out shopping with his mother gained a lot of attention, the only admiration he’d ever received. Constantly ridiculed, Brian suppressed his inner femininity for many years until he decided to start living as a trans woman. After meeting a nice man who eventually joined the military, Brian, who became Natalia, married him and transformed into a military wife but soon after boredom set in and it was over.
She moved to New York City and enveloped herself into the club scene. She became an icon performing at the hottest clubs like The Palladium, Limelight, and Danceteria under the name Tish. Eventually, her life would spiral down as she started using drugs and alcohol. As she began to age, she thought about her future and decided it would be easier to live out her life as a gay male than a trans woman and transitioned back to male. Living as a gay man, Brian had to figure out who he was without the big personality, the feminine body he attained through years of hormones and silicone injections and most importantly, how to accept himself.
This documentary takes you on the journey of a young man searching for love and acceptance, navigating life in many stages, and ending up in a place where he can finally feel belonging. I really enjoyed this documentary, it is exciting, touching, emotional and I can’t wait to read his book called ‘My Journey from Boy to Girl to Woman to Man.’
“I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” recently had its World Premiere at DOC NYC 2019
