Fighting to Be Me: The Dwen Curry Story

A glittering rise-and-fall true story that pulls you into glamour, crime and hard-won self-acceptance with raw emotional force.

Directed by

Joe Carroll

Genres

Drama

Starring

A.J. Johnson, Dyllón Burnside, D. B. Woodside

Overview

Based on a powerful true-life story, Detroit native Dwen Curry moves to Oakland, California as a teen in the early 90s and overcomes depression, suicidal thoughts and drug addiction. He finds success as a salon owner and celebrity stylist to LisaRaye McCoy, Mariah Carey, YoYo, Missy Elliot, DMX, and more. Fueled by his desire for a lavish lifestyle and a drive to take care of those around him, Dwen leads a secret life as the criminal mastermind of an underground organization known as the Gay Gangsters, making millions from fraud. Dwen's life is even more complicated by his sexuality, identity, and struggles with self-acceptance as Dwen journeys from being a gay man to fully accepting herself as transgender. Dwen's rise to celebrity is followed by her fall when she is convicted for wire fraud and sent to prison. This coming of age tale is filled with glitz, glamour, and gangster moves as we witness Dwen's trials and eventual triumphs to survive and stand strong in her authentic truth.

How it feels

Earnest, melancholic, dark and campy. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Identity, addiction, ambition, crime

Content

Strong language. Mild violence and sexual content. No gore.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)