The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson Page #10

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she was lobbying for legislation

to protect the rights

of this most despised of minorities.

[all chanting] Trans rights now!

Trans rights now!

Doubtless, there will be many stories

told about Sylvia.

Some true, some pure myth.

That happens with great leaders.

And make no mistake tonight,

Sylvia Rivera is the mother

of our movement,

-a great leader of our people.

-[audience applauding]

[Xena Grandichell] I'm tired of people

assaulting and murdering trans women.

I want it changed, and it's gonna change.

'Cause we're gonna keep pushing the issue

until it does.

Nobody's prosecuting

these people properly.

They don't get

what any other murderer would get.

They get a pat on the wrist

and a little bit of time and let go.

This judge and DA have to do

the right thing.

Prosecute him

like you would a regular person.

[indistinct chatter]

[judge] As everyone is aware,

we're here today for sentencing.

First, the People are gonna be reading,

I understand, a statement.

[prosecutor] I'm going to be reading

a statement that was sent to me

by the biological father of Islan Nettles.

He had asked me personally

to read this on his behalf.

[clears throat]

"There was a very outgoing,

free-spirited, young, promising individual

that had a very bright future,

that had the potential

to make a mark in the world.

And it came to a screeching halt

by an individual that was upset

because he was clowned by his friends,

because he didn't know

the women he was trying to holler at

was actually a transgender woman.

He made a conscious decision

to beat a transgender woman to death

because of who she was

and the embarrassment

he felt he had suffered.

I was extremely proud

of the person she became.

But no matter

what amount of time this man gets,

it will never fill the hole in my heart

that a person that had

such a magnificent future

and was my only child

and a lifelong gift had once filled."

[judge] Mr. Dixon, I hereby sentence you

to a determinate sentence of imprisonment

with a term of 12 years.

All right, we're adjourned.

[indistinct chatter]

[woman] You're crushing us.

You're killing us.

This young man is only going to end up

doing ten and a half years,

learn nothing,

come back out and do this again.

This needs to stop.

We're not letting none of this go anymore.

[Marsha] Really,

everybody goes sooner or later.

Tomorrow's not promised to anyone.

I learned that in church

when I was five years old.

And I've never forgotten it.

So, uh, every day counts. [chuckles]

[sniffles]

Come on, girl.

Chin up. [sniffles]

[grunts and sniffles]

[exhales]

[dramatic music playing]

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