Finding My Voice: Why ‘A Girl Like Him’ is a Story Our World Needs Now

Growing up, I was different, and that was nothing to celebrate in a world that wanted me to be the same as everyone else. My evolution to the true me was long and lonely. I had to unlearn everything that was instilled in me from birth in order to find my unique voice and my own heart. I would discover that to accept myself, I had to find a way to love what made me different.

I was 16 years old when I knew what I would do with my life, and that was to give a voice to the voiceless and create relatable stories that helped shape the lives of young people.

On October 23rd, the Emagine Novi will host a special fundraising screening of my latest film, A Girl Like Him, in partnership with Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors United and Detroit’s own Humble Design. This event promises a night of powerful storytelling and meaningful action, and I’m inviting you to be a part of it.

Far too many LGBTQ+ individuals continue to experience violence and discrimination simply for being who they are, even in their own homes. Housing is more than just a commodity; it’s a basic human right that supports personal dignity, social justice, and the well-being of communities. True Colors United and Humble Design share these fundamental beliefs, working tirelessly to ensure housing is a human right for all. Their mission is essential to building inclusive societies where everyone has a safe and secure place to call home.

A Girl Like Him tells the story of a small-town, non-binary teen navigating the complexities of identity, love, and friendship. It’s a deeply personal project for me, continuing my commitment to telling socially relevant stories, much like my 2015 film, A Girl Like Her, which addressed the devastating effects of bullying.

We live in a world where nearly 4.2 million youth experience homelessness each year in the United States, and LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to find themselves without a home. These are not just numbers; they represent real lives at risk. True Colors United tackles this crisis by centering LGBTQ+ young people in the movement to end youth homelessness. Their work is vital, especially now, when hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills nationwide target the most vulnerable, particularly trans youth.

Ending homelessness is not just about providing shelter; it’s about breaking the cycle. Approximately 50% of families return to homelessness within a year of securing housing. Humble Design addresses this challenge by transforming empty houses into personalized homes for those emerging from homelessness, offering stability and hope. Their impact is profound—fewer than 2% of the families they serve have returned to shelters, demonstrating the power of compassion and the importance of a home that truly feels like one.

A Girl Like Him is a story that our world needs now more than ever, as our LGBTQ+ family faces intense backlash, especially trans and gender non-conforming individuals. My hope is that this film will open hearts and minds, fostering greater understanding and empathy. The screening at Redford Theater is not just a night at the movies; it’s a night of advocacy, solidarity, and community. And this film is more than entertainment; it’s an invitation to take a stand and support a cause that needs our collective voice.

We’re at a pivotal moment when empathy and action are crucial. I believe that every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and housed. Your participation in making this a reality matters. I invite you to join us on October 23rd at the Emagine Novi. Let’s watch, listen, and most importantly, let’s act. Together, we can be the difference.

Tickets are available now, but space is limited. For more information and to secure your seat, visit https://www.emagine-entertainment.com/movies/a-girl-like-him/. I look forward to seeing you there.

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By Amy S. Weber, A Girl Like Him director

Amy S. Weber is an acclaimed filmmaker known for her deeply personal and socially relevant films. Her previous work, A Girl Like Her, was a groundbreaking film streamed on Netflix that brought the issue of bullying to the forefront and resonated with audiences worldwide.