Pier Kids Screening and Panel Discussion on December 9

A very moving and powerful discussion left a group of local people with an enhanced appreciation for themselves and their life journeys. The POV Season 34 feature film Pier Kids was shown at The Zone Dance Club on December 9, 2021, exploring the lives of homeless queer and trans youth of color on Christopher Street Pier in New York City. Director Elegance Bratton and Producer Chester Algernal Gordon use the film as a vehicle to transport viewers to an historic area where an underground community of homeless Black youth navigate the streets to find safety and stability.

Following the intimate screening of the film, WQLN PBS and local partners hosted a panel discussion that helped the audience feel supported enough to make themselves vulnerable and ask some tough, yet important questions. These difficult points of discussion included topics such as homelessness, found families, mental health, and physical health.

The beautiful setting provided by The Zone and the incredible food provided by La Bella only added to the welcoming atmosphere and long-lasting conversation amongst friends old and new alike.

This event is presented in partnership with Erie Gay News, TransFamily of NWPA, and Greater Erie Alliance for Equality. WQLN also thanks our gracious moderator and panelists: Dana Rasmussen from TransFamily of NWPA, Angelica Spraggins from Journey to a Trauma Informed Life, Tammie Johnson from SafeNet, and Leroy Oglesby from Erie's Public Schools.

This program is made possible by a grant from American Documentary | POV, with funding provided by the Open Society Foundations.

Photos by Raven Cammarata and Michael Mahler