QUEER POSSIBILITIES:
A CONVERSATION ON INTERGENERATIONAL SOLIDARITY


“Coming into intergenerational community, I have been confronted with the fact that I have never done anything fully alone. We come from a long lineage of badass people who have demanded their humanity; and that that act enables our lives now.” -Sammie Ablaza Wills

INTRODUCTION

Queer Possibilities is a short film capturing a discussion between Sammie Ablaza Wills & Vince Crisostomo, two trans and queer Asian and Pacific Islander activists of different generations. In this mini-documentary, Sammie and Vince connect over the power of intergenerational solidarity, mistake-making, and moving beyond the binary. 

In publishing this live dialogue, we aim to encourage further discussion about what it means to connect across differences, show up in our humility, and build relationships that make our lives possible. In the compound crises of this time, connecting intergenerationally gives us purpose and perspective. Vince & Sammie ask us to consider: how can we dig into our differences, and emerge more wise, more connected, and more resilient? 

Read on for more themes and prompts to discuss with your group or in your community.

THEMES

Throughout Queer Possibilities, Sammie and Vince touch on a few key themes. As you watch, consider what these themes mean to you, and how you aim to practice them in your communities and organizations.

Intergenerational Solidarity

Chosen Family

Breaking the Binary

Healing

Chenchule & Interdependence

DISCUSSION PROMPTS

After watching the film, consider these questions and reflect on your own or with others through discussion, journaling, or making art!

  1. What initial feelings or responses are coming up for you? What concepts moved you? What was most challenging? 
  2. What has friendship and chosen family made possible for you? Talk about any ways that you’ve transformed, released pain, or healed through connection. 
  3. In the film, we learn how the organizing demands of 2019 reflected those of the 80s. What issues today are just as pressing for trans, queer, & API communities as they were in the 80s? What issues have shifted? 
  4. Vince shared, “a lot of the hurts we faced had to do with this very binary system.” What binaries exist around you or in your communities? How have these systems impacted you? 
  5. At the beginning of the film, Sammie shares: “For so many queer and trans people, I think we’re told we do not have legacy and we do not have future. Having intergenerational community has given me family.” Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine yourself frozen in time, surrounded by those who came before you, and those who will come after you. Who do you see? What are their stories? How are you connected to them, or how would you like to connect with them? 
  6. Vince shares about Chenchule, a CHamorro value centered on communal work, in which there is a role for everybody to play in community; a way for everybody to show up as their best. Discuss your role in your communities, organizations, and relationships. What does it look like to show up as your best? 
  7. What does intergenerational solidarity mean to you?