The Stroll 2023

As Director Kristen Lovell (Kristen Lovell) recounts her own journey of self-discovery and transition in 1990s New York City, she also sheds light on the often-overlooked stories of transgender women of color who lived and worked in the city’s Meatpacking District during that era. The neighborhood, known as “The Stroll,” served as a sanctuary for these resilient individuals, who found solace and strength in their camaraderie and shared experiences.

Through Kristen’s intimate narration and interviews, THE STROLL brings to life an astonishing array of archival material from the 1970s to the early 2000s. This poignant account not only honors the lives and struggles of transgender sex workers but also serves as a powerful testament to the devastating effects of gentrification on these communities. When Rudy Giuliani took office, his “quality of life” initiatives led to increased policing in the city, emboldening wealthy activists to push out trans women from the Meatpacking District.

Tragedy struck when Amanda Milan, one of The Stroll’s own, was brutally murdered. This senseless act galvanized Sylvia Rivera, a legendary trans activist and co-founder of STAR - Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries, to lead the community in demanding their rights. Through this civil rights movement, bridges were built across generations of trans sex workers, paving the way for future activism.

The September 11th attacks had a profound impact on the city, leaving Kristen and her sisters struggling to survive amidst increased policing and homelessness. To revitalize the economy, newly elected Mayor Mike Bloomberg championed luxury development and introduced a “three strikes and you’re out” law that expanded incarceration. The neighborhood’s transformation was complete: the girls of The Stroll were forced out, their presence erased from the city’s fabric.

Despite these formidable forces, Kristen and her sisters refused to be silenced. They fought back against the encroaching gentrification, their resilience forged in the fires of adversity. Today, they stand at the forefront of a movement to protect their rights, their struggles serving as a testament to the indomitable spirit of trans women of color.

In this era of growing visibility and awareness, Kristen and her community remind us that it is these very individuals who paved the way for future generations. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, sisterhood, and unyielding determination in the face of adversity.