All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Pose star Hailie Sahar is making the leap to the big screen in a new upcoming biopic about trailblazing trans performer Sir Lady Java, according to a report from Deadline. The film will be written and directed by Anthony Hemingway.
When we say legend, Java is what we mean. Before Stonewall, she was a popular performer in Los Angeles nightclubs, performing with Redd Foxx, Sammy Davis, Jr., Lena Horne, Richard Pryor, and James Brown, among others.
She became so popular, that the LAPD felt threatened and started to enforce the infamous "Rule Number Nine" aganst her, which banned people from wearing clothes of the "opposite sex." She teamed up with the ACLU to fight the law, arguing that it was unconstitutional and prevented her from earning income.
While the case was ultimately thrown out, she got a lot of attention in the media, and brought trans visibility to a community that desperately needed it. Without Sir Lady Java, trans performers today wouldn't be the same, and wouldn't have the same opportunities. She is a true icon.
In the video below, Hemingway talks to not just Sahar, but the Lady Java herself (who is still alive) about being trans in the 60's and the battles they fought, plus what viewers can expect from the film.
"I feel it's necessary to tell [my story,]" Java said, "because many of my brothers and sisters got killed in my time. So I don't care who doesn't like it, I'm gonna tell it." She knows she's put in the hard work, and she wants to share that with the world. "I was fighting for a man to have the right to wear what they wanted to wear," she added, "and I won."
"Now that people are paying attention to me, I'm able to be a creator and share more stories to uplift the community," Sahar said, "I have the microphone, what am I going to say with it?"
Sahar is most known for her role as Lulu Abundance on FX's Pose, and also can be seen in Freeform's Good Trouble. This marks her first starring role in a film. She will also be producing.
Hemingway is the Emmy winning director behind Genius: Aretha Franklin. He's also directed episodes of tv shows like Shameless, Glee, American Horror Story, and American Crime Story: The People vs. OJ Simpson. His first feature film was 2012's Red Tails.
RELATED: Finally, 'Pose' Is Going to Start Filming Season 3 Again
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
39 male celebs who did full frontal scenes
28 actors who showed bare ass in movies & TV shows
These pics prove that Maluma is still our supreme thirst trap king
26 LGBTQ+ reality dating shows & where to watch them
18 times male celebrities had to say they weren't gay
15 queens who quit or retired from drag after 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
15 Unforgettable Gay Kissing Scenes From TV & Movies
25 LGBTQ+ movies we can't wait to watch in 2024
45 steamy celebrity Calvin Klein ads we'll always be thirsty for
Latest Stories
Want to see Tessa's Testicles? 'Global All Stars' queen is now on OF
87 LGBTQ+ athletes we'll be rooting for at the 2024 Olympics
Here's why fans think Lady Gaga will perform at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Tom Daley shows off how sturdy his Olympic Village bed is
That epic, queer 'House of the Dragon' kiss wasn't scripted
Oil up! Our fave shirtless Olympic flag bearer confirms he's headed to Paris
Charli XCX declares Kamala Harris IS brat & our next President's campaign agrees
Homophobes are mad about 'Love Island USA' stars Aaron & Rob's bromance
July 22, 2024
How pro-LGBTQ+ is Kamala Harris?
BREAKING: Joe Biden has officially dropped out of the 2024 Presidential Election
Trending stories
Most Recent
Recommended Stories for You
Mey Rude
Mey Rude is a journalist and cultural critic who has been covering queer news for a decade. The transgender, Latina lesbian lives in Los Angeles with her fiancée.
Mey Rude is a journalist and cultural critic who has been covering queer news for a decade. The transgender, Latina lesbian lives in Los Angeles with her fiancée.