ABOUT THE FILM
SYNOPSIS
“He is among the most visible and accomplished advocates for safety and equality of GLBT people in Michigan history... a hero and living legend.” Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm
For many Americans, it may seem as though the recent waves of change in Gay Rights happened overnight, but this is not so. A brutal road against vicious intolerance and opposition was slowly paved for decades, by generations of activists across the nation who fought hard for every step.
This is a feature-length documentary film about the life and impact of one such leader.
In 1985, a young man was killed outside of a bar in Detroit. After the funeral, his boyfriend was horrified to learn that police were not even going to investigate the murder.
To them, it was 'just another gay killing', and not worth the resources.
Jeffrey Montgomery became a man with a mission.
In 1991 he co-founded the Triangle Foundation to fight back against anti-gay violence and support victims of hate crime attacks and abuse. Undeterred by death threats, vandalism, sabotage, or even being placed on the hit-list of the Aryan Nation, he wielded his own fierce intellect and razor wit to confront politicians, testify at court hearings, and push local/national media to better report on gay issues. Through advocacy and legal support, Triangle grew to encompass other needs of the community such as job discrimination, housing discrimination, social representation, and more.
By 2003, far from the coasts, it would become the
4th largest statewide LGBT organization in the country.
In 2007 Montgomery retired in controversy, with his health in decline but his radical voice intact. This film illuminates the path, and sacrifices, between a time when local law enforcement ignored gay lives as disposable, to one when Detroit police liaisons to the gay community dance in Pride marches.
Despite recent progress, the gay community prepares to face renewed opposition, and new attacks. This story examines the fate of progressive leaders who devote their lives to tireless work on behalf of others, and how individuals can impact the lives of those around them. That by organizing strategically, with focus, the flame of that influence can be made to grow ever larger.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
AMERICA YOU KILL ME is a feature documentary about
gay rights warrior Jeffrey Montgomery.
The project was initially imagined as a memoir told entirely in his own words, and a long interview (conducted by former WDET radio host Craig Fahle), became the foundation of the picture. It quickly became clear this was a much larger tale, and so we reached out to other voices, including fellow activists and politicians, as well as those he impacted, enraged, or inspired. For the rest of his life we continued to capture his thoughts on current events, and what's needed to sustain and propel progress.
The original tangible goal had been to launch a speaking tour, kicking off a new phase in Montgomery's long career as an advocate, but with his passing that ending is sadly no longer possible. This is not a hagiography. He made mistakes, and he made enemies, and from the start of the project he was adamant about never being involved in the post-production editorial process.
While this film centers on an individual, it intends to raise awareness of other leaders who, like Montgomery, made sacrifices and fought hard to create a better world than the one they found.
Jeffrey Montgomery died on July 18, 2016 at the age of 63, but his legacy lives on.