MANIFESTO

"We can seize the violence inscribed in the trans body and turn it into a reconstructive force."

Reflecting on outside death threats while a member of Olivia Records, Sandy published a Manifesto in 1987, The Empire Strikes Back: A Posttranssexual Manifesto. It sent a tsunami through the international feminist, queer and social justice movements; new activist discourse and academic fields were born overnight, specifically Trans Studies, which lead to Gender Studies, Masculinity Studies, etc. One of Stone’s primary arguments was that trans people have power together when they are out rather than “pass” or assimilate into society. She was correct, and the manifesto paved the road for out trans people to take their place in society as leading artists, musicians, actors, writers, activists, professors, attorneys, parents, business professionals, scientists, doctors, political leaders, etc. Though difficult to trace because of the nature of Creative Commons, the Manifesto has supposedly been translated into 27 languages. Taught every semester at universities around the globe, it continues to be referenced in thousands of books, academic articles, conference papers, films, magazines, podcasts, radio programs, and newspapers.

Complimentary to the film, the Manifesto will be re-released as a graphic novel and audiobook, with numerous new sections alongside the original text. Edited and produced by the film’s director, Marji Vecchio.