“Mama Gloria” is an intimate portrait of a trailblazing 73-year-old black transgender woman who transitioned before Stonewall, started a charm school for transgender youth in her 60s, and is aging with joy and grace.
This film explores the life of Gloria Allen, a Transgender woman who became an icon educating and guiding youth in the LGBTQ community. Recounting her difficult childhood struggling with self-acceptance, discrimination, and violence growing up in the ’50s, Gloria finally came into her own with the love and support of her mother who was a showgirl and grandmother who designed costumes for male crossdressers.
With horrific violence and crime against the LGBTQ community, Gloria never imagined she would live past 40 years old. In order to share her knowledge and inspire the youth, she opened up a charm school passing along lessons she learned on how to be a respectful lady in society. Now in her 70s, Gloria continues to grow old gracefully and enjoys her years living in solitude. This is such an inspirational film about life struggle, self-acceptance, and the beautiful transition of women aging gracefully.
“Mama Gloria” opens Season 13 of AfroPoP on Monday, April 5th
