Saturday Church 2018

After the death of his father, fourteen-year-old Ulysses resides with his mother Amara and younger brother, all under the supervision of his stringent Aunt Rose. As he navigates the often-tumultuous terrain of adolescence, Ulysses faces bullying at school and harsh verbal attacks from Aunt Rose regarding his feminine traits. In the midst of this chaos, he discovers a sanctuary within himself, beginning to explore his true identity.

One pivotal night, Ulysses steps out into the city and stumbles upon a welcoming group of transgender and gay individuals: Ebony, Dijon, Raymond, and Heaven. They invite him to Saturday Church, a safe haven that offers food, shelter, and community to LGBT youth. Captivated by the vibrant world of voguing, he eagerly buys a pair of high-heel shoes to refine his newfound skills.

As Ulysses grows closer to Raymond, who has developed feelings for him, the dynamics of their relationships become more intricate. When Aunt Rose learns of Ulysses’s passion, she confronts him, forcing Ulysses to flee from his home environment. He seeks comfort at Saturday Church, but one evening when he arrives, he finds his friends missing.

In desperation and hunger, he finds refuge in a homeless shelter, where a lightbulb moment occurs: Ulysses vows to embrace his identity instead of bending to the will of others. The following day, an older man approaches him with an offer of food and a place to stay in exchange for companionship.

The subsequent Saturday, Ulysses returns to Saturday Church, where his friends provide him with much-needed comfort and a sense of belonging. Yet, he longs to reconnect with his mother Amara, who is anxiously searching for her missing son. Back home, Amara prepares to look for Ulysses, unexpectedly joined by Ebony, who aids in bringing him solace.

As tensions rise between Rose and Ebony, Amara stands up to her sister-in-law, defending Ulysses from further harm. The following day, Amara reaffirms her unconditional love for Ulysses, instilling in him the confidence to fully accept his true self. Empowered by this approval, Ulysses is ready to step into the spotlight at a ballroom scene club, prepared to vogue in drag, embodying pride and authenticity.