CHARLOTTE—Dozens filled Theatre Charlotte Sunday to watch an 8-minute film about transgender Charlotte teenager Blake Brockington.
Filmmakers from Elon University shot brocKINGton last year, weeks after Brockington was crowned the homecoming king of East Mecklenburg High School. It aired at the GayCharlotte Film Festival the month after his suicide.
"We were totally shocked. I almost dropped my phone when I heard what happened,” filmmaker Mason Sklut said.
He describes Brockington as a leader, someone who lit up a room, and says Brockington’s death made them even more determined to share his story.
"To promote tolerance. We should love everyone for who they are and I think this film just especially shows that,” filmmaker Sergio Ingato said.
"As more trans people come out, more people get to know them, and it's just this snowball effect where affirmation is just going to come more naturally now,” Charlotte Pride spokesman Matt Comer said.
To help with that goal, the filmmakers say they're now working to get schools to show the documentary.
"I didn't hear the word transgender in middle school or high school. It's not something you hear in the classroom. You should be taught in that in health class, you should be talking about it,” Ingato said.
"I definitely think blake's story can affect lives still. Yeah, without a doubt,” Sklut said.
The filmmakers are fundraising to help share Brockington's story. To donate, visit the Go Fund Me website setup for the cause.