'CHECK IT' Documentary Features Gay African American Gang

'CHECK IT', a feature–length documentary about a gay African American gang struggling to survive in one of Washington D.C.’s most violent neighborhoods began its Indigogo funding campaign on March 5 and has so far raised over fourty-two thousand dolars towards completion of the film. Supported by actor Steve Buscemi, 'Check It' is an intimate portrait of 5 childhood friends as they claw their way out of gang life through an unlikely avenue–fashion.

At first glance, The Check It, our documentary subjects, seem to be unlikely gang–bangers. Some of the boys wear lipstick and mascara, some stilettos. They carry Louis Vuitton bags, but they also carry knives, brass knuckles and mace. As vulnerable gay and transgender youth, they’ve been shot, stabbed and raped.

Once victims, they’ve now turned the tables, and they're fighting back. Started in 2005 by a group of bulled 9th graders, today these 14-22 year old gang members all have long rap sheets riddled with various street crimes and many have done time in jail.

Led by an ex-convict named “Mo," The Check It members are NOW creating their own clothing label, putting on fashion shows and working stints as runway models. But breaking the cycle of poverty and violence they’ve grown up in is a daunting task. So when The Check It are not taking small steps forward on the catwalk, they too often take massive steps backwards. CHECK IT captures the struggles and setbacks, but also the progress and triumphs of these kids.

Life for The Check It can be brutal, but it’s also full of hope and an indomitable resiliency. At its heart, the film explores the undying friendship that exists between these kids–an unbreakable bond that is tested every day as they fight to stand up for who they are in a community relentlessly trying to beat them down.