Eisha Love is a 29-year-old trans woman with profound stories to tell about her life in Chicago and its justice system. Her life is under current reconstruction after being incarcerated. And now, there’s a documentary that tells her story and exposes lack of justice in Chicago when it comes to trans women, specifically trans women of color.
“The documentary reflects me trying to get back on my feet,” said Love at the screening of Chicago Love, a documentary about trans women in the Windy City. “Now, I want to be a voice for other trans women in Chicago who has been abused by the justice system. These topics are not just about women in Chicago, these injustices happen to trans women around the world.”
Chicago Love highlights things about injustice toward trans women in Chicago, especially those with criminal records, like Love. The documentary touches on situations like instances when some trans women are held without trial, put in unsafe jails and experience discrimination in court.
On Feb. 20, the American Civil Liberty Union of Illinois (ACLU) hosted a screening and discussion on Chicago Love—one part of the three-part documentary series called Trans In America. The event took place at the Chicago Urban League that evening, with nearly 70 people in attendance. A panel discussion after the film featured other transgender Chicagoans speaking on injustices their community experiences in society, especially within the workforce and criminal justice system.
“It’s clear that transgender individuals and non-binary individuals are under across the country and this has really ramped up during the Trump administration,” said Max Bever, communications director at ACLU Illinois.
“It is very important for the ACLU to highlight people of all ages and from all walks of life in this documentary series,” said Bever. “It is important for us to help people tell their stories. We are highlighting the many areas that need to improve where we need real legislation and real policies to be able to help these issues including housing, job discrimination, police interaction and much more.”