On Feb. 7, All the Broken Pieces: The Marissa Miller Documentary made its Chicago premiere at the Center on Halsted (3656 N. Halsted St.) as part of the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Celebration. The film chronicles the life of Marissa Miller, a fierce advocate for transgender rights, as she shares her powerful story of resilience—growing up, transitioning and overcoming challenges, including living with HIV, addiction and incarceration.
Miller, who founded the National Trans Visibility March in 2019, has also served as executive director of Trans Solutions. Through her advocacy and activism, she continues to be a driving force for transgender rights and HIV awareness.
Despite the ongoing attacks on transgender rights by the Trump Administration, the evening was one of celebration and solidarity. Joli Robinson, CEO of the Center on Halsted, opened with powerful words, reminding attendees, “We are a community of overcomers [with] resilience and joy.” Kim Hunt, Executive Director of Pride Action Tank, echoed that message, wearing a “Black Joy” t-shirt and affirming, “Joy is liberation too.” The event also featured a stirring musical performance by Hasini Olujimi. Channyn Lynn Parker, CEO of Brave Space Alliance, then introduced the film’s director, Antonio Driver, Founder and President of Speak Out.
Following the screening, the audience honored Miller with a standing ovation before a panel discussion featuring Robinson, Zahara Bassett, CEO of Life is Work; activist and community health expert Sanford Gaylord; and moderator Hunt. The conversation centered on the power of vulnerability, the need for self-care in these challenging times and the urgency of preserving Black trans history.
“Self-care is a divine responsibility,” Gaylord remarked, underscoring how vital it is to protect both personal well-being and community narratives.
Miller then answered questions and received many comments on how she had helped shape and inspire people’s lives. The evening concluded with a powerful poem by Parker, about strength and resilience.
