Watch I Hate New York

"I Hate New York" is a 2018 documentary that takes the viewer on an emotional, rollercoaster journey through the lives of four legendary transgender activists and artists. The movie follows the lead performers- Amanda Lepore, Sophia Lamar, Chloe Dzubilo, and T De Long, who have been at the forefront of the LGBTQIA+ movement in New York City for decades.

The director, Gustavo Sánchez, takes a deep dive into the lives of these four individuals, the circumstances that drove them to become who they are, and the impact they have had on the queer community with their art, politics, and personalities. The documentary is shot in raw, gritty footage that reflects the rawness of the lives of the performers.

Amanda Lepore, the most recognizable of the four leads, is a transgender icon known for her striking looks and interviews with the likes of David LaChappelle and Jay Leno. Sophia Lamar, a Cuban immigrant, is a Goth-inclined artist whose music and penchant for outrageous performances have brought her both fame and acrimony. Chloe Dzubilo, a poet, performance artist, and musician, has always pushed against barriers–all while battling addiction, AIDS, and discrimination.

While the movie is a documentary about the transgender movement in New York City, it is also a reflection of New York City itself, and how it has evolved and impacted the people that inhabit it. It is a reflection on how people try to find where they belong in the city, what defines them, and how they choose to represent themselves.

The movie showcases not only the good but also the bad and the ugly side of living in New York. It explores how the city does not always accept the unique, creative, and the different. It shows how people can be rejected or tolerated in the city, but few are truly accepted for who they are.

For those that have never been to New York City or experienced the vibrancy of the queer community, the documentary acts as a window into this world. It immerses the viewer into the lives and struggles of the performers and takes us on a journey we may not have imagined otherwise. It educates, informs, and inspires.

While the movie provides an insight into the world of the performers who became activists, it also sheds light on the limitations of the movement. It highlights how the transgender community is still marginalized, how discrimination against them is still prevalent, and how many struggles they still face in society. The documentary also dives into how the performers’ personalities and career paths inspired them to push for change within the movement and speak more openly about their sexuality.

The documentary is not just a tribute to the performers but also highlights the contributions of other transgender individuals in New York City, including scholars, activists, and policymakers. The movie also features interviews with close friends, family, and loved ones of the performers, providing a well-rounded and realistic portrait of their lives.

Overall, "I Hate New York" documents the lives and the transformative power that the transgender community can have. It highlights the strength of individuals and the importance of community in creating change. The movie is an ode to the complicated lives that these individuals and many others have led, but also a beacon of hope in a world that can often feel intolerant and unkind.

I Hate New York is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.