My good friend sent me this trailer last night and I’ve been reading a lot about the case since. In 2006, a case like this wasn’t really on my radar. But now…it makes my blood boil. From the film’s synopsis:

On a hot summer evening in the gay-friendly West Village neighborhood of New York City, seven young women from New Jersey were verbally threatened and physically attacked by a twenty-nine-year-old man. In a not uncommon travesty of justice, the New Jersey Seven, as they came to be called, were sent to prison for defending themselves. The Fire This Time tells the story of the seven women’s trial and prison sentences, and the years-long fight by relatives and activists to get the women released. Along the way, the film reveals in devastating detail how the media, homophobia, and racism all work together in American culture to stigmatize and victimize gay people of color.

The film’s website has more information about the case, as does this blog and FIERCE—an amazing organization here in NYC. The film is still in production, and they are accepting donations at their site. You can also sign up for updates on the case and how you can support the women currently in prison.