Sponsored by Deb Salls

In “Pier Kids,” homeless queer and trans youth of color — caught up in the precariousness of survival and self-preservation — hang out at Christopher Street Pier, forging their own chosen family. Genuine and charming, these eloquent teens must contend with overwhelming amounts of homophobia and abuse. Over three years, the filmmaker records the lives of his subjects who, after being kicked out by their families for their sexuality, have become homeless on the same street where the gay-rights movement began so long ago. The Hollywood Reporter writes: “Bratton aims to shine a light on a community within the community, specifically the 40 percent of queer youth who are both homeless and people of color. Bratton, himself gay and African-American, knows this life first-hand. He was kicked out of his home after coming out, then lived on the streets for several years before joining the Marine Corps. The subjects of ‘Pier Kids’ live in a perpetual state of precariousness. In calling attention to their struggles, Bratton honors their endurance and celebrates their existence.”

Pier Kids

A conversation between Cinema St. Louis artistic director Chris Clark and "Pier Kids" director-cinematographer Elegance Bratton and producer Chester Algernal Gordon.

Pier Kids Q&A

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