Happy Birthday, Marsha! (2018)

In the sweltering heart of June 1969, under a sun that beats down on the concrete jungle of New York City, Marsha, a proud and vivacious Black trans woman, throws herself a birthday party. As a self-proclaimed "street queen", she dreams of performing at a local club, her heart filled with hope and anticipation. Yet, disappointment seizes the day when no one shows up to celebrate her birth. Simultaneously, Sylvia, Marsha's best friend and fellow Latina "street queen", grapples with the fallout of a failed introduction between her lover and family. Distraught and seeking escape, Sylvia succumbs to the allure of intoxication, completely forgetting about Marsha's party. The day takes both women on a rollercoaster ride of micro-aggressions, from the prickling annoyance of street harassment to the chilling tension of encounters with the police. However, in the end, their paths converge at the Stonewall Inn, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of their lives. They are there to finally celebrate Marsha's birthday, their spirits undeterred by the day's trials. But the night takes an unexpected turn when the police arrive to raid the bar. Marsha and Sylvia, unyielding and resolute, are among the first to rise and fight back. Their courage and determination ignite the Stonewall Rebellion, an event that would forever shift the landscape of LGBT politics. Happy Birthday, Marsha! is an immersive tale of friendship, resistance, and the ripple effect of seemingly ordinary choices. It is a testament to the bravery of two best friends, and their unwavering commitment to fight for their rights. Their everyday decisions, made under the shadow of adversity, carve a path that would change the course of history.

Happy Birthday, Marsha! is a drama movie featuring Mya Taylor and directed by Sasha Wortzel.

Happy Birthday, Marsha! is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy Happy Birthday, Marsha! on Amazon Video.