"Bad Ally" is doing something that no series of its kind has ever done: showing the close, intersectional friendship of a white nonbinary trans person and a black, cis straight woman, all through a fabulously irreverent, comedic lens.
"Bad Ally" is doing something that no series of its kind has ever done: showing the close, intersectional friendship of a white nonbinary trans person and a black, cis straight woman, all through a fabulously irreverent, comedic lens.
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Story
Mission Statement
We're all about representation and inclusion. Mix and Harriet hold identities that are underrepresented in media. Beyond their individual identities, their friendship alone is is genre-bending and groundbreaking. "Bad Ally" doesn't just check many different identity boxes; it breaks them altogether.About The Project
In Femme We Trust
Despite the challenging political climate that we all find ourselves in, we are currently witnessing a revolutionary moment in media. We're truly beginning to see diverse stories being told, authentically, and with nuance. But along with the great power of this representation comes the huge responsibility of getting it right. Simply seeing (and rarely hearing) people of color on the screen is not enough. Simply having one-dimensional trans characters (often played by cis actors) is not enough.
In order for the media representation revolution to succeed, those who have been the most marginalized need to be at the forefront. We need to be in the writer's room, in the director's chair, and involved an all areas of production, from pre, to post, to distribution. We alone know how complex and compelling our stories are, and we should be given the agency to tell them.
The team behind Bad Ally is doing exactly that. With co-creators and co-stars whose identities match those of the characters they've written, we are being as authentic as possible in our representation. And with a black trans director, we have ensured that the artistic choices in the series are motivated by genuine understanding of the communities of which we are a part.
When done wrong, we become either tragedies, tokens, or incomplete caricatures of ourselves. This is evidenced by the fact that the type of friendship that Mix and Harriet hold is not currently represented anywhere else in media. It's not enough to just imagine the stories, someone has to actually create them. And if not us, who? If not now, when?
So, what do you mean by "Bad Ally"?
In a society where everyone has an opinion, why are we so afraid to say them? We're so petrified that we'll be seen as a bad ally, that we don't even try to be allies at all. This is a show that explicitly discusses the topics that polite society often considers taboo.
Let's be real. We're currently witnessing a backlash against PC culture. ‘Social Justice Warriors’ are attacked for their ‘precious snowflake’ feelings. 'Safe spaces’ are incorrectly diminished to being nothing more than a side effect of millennials' belief that ‘everyone deserves a trophy.’ It’s almost as if calling out ignorance is just as offensive as being ignorant. Really, queen?
In what world does that make sense? The irony of course is that by denying us ‘safe spaces,’ these same hateful people are only creating their own safe spaces in which they can spout their nonsense unchecked. Their own ‘snowflake’ feelings are put to the test when they have to contemplate their own implicit racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia head on.
In “Bad Ally” we hope to reclaim PC culture and safe space mentality, proving once again that bad a$$ b*tches who don’t put up with offensive politics do indeed have a sense of humor.
The series mixes the academic with the crude, the elevated with the nasty, and tells a compelling series of episodic stories through this underrepresented yet overstated, not-very-likely yet desperately necessary friendship.
Incentives
$10
Social Media Shoutout
You will receive a social media shoutout thanking you for your contribution on Facebook and Twitter. Your name will also be listed as a Contributor on our website.
$25
Video Message from Harriet
For a contribution of $25 or more, you can get a personalized, shareable, selfie-style thank you video from Daquisha, in character as Harriet. You'll also get the social media and website thank you.
$25
Video Message from Mix
For a contribution of $25 or more, you can get a personalized, shareable, selfie-style thank you video from Ariel, in character as Mix. You'll also get the social media and website thank you.
$50
"I'm Rooting for Everybody Black" Shirt
NEW INCENTIVE! For a contribution of $50, you can receive your very own "I'm Rooting for Everybody Black" T-Shirt, as seen being worn by Harriet in Bad Ally.
Desiner J.R. Morris' Company, Royal Peaces started out with "Keep Your Crown Up" wristbands that he gave to his students as a reminder of their royalty. They were low on resources so they sold the wristbands to raise money for field trips and outings. They were able to visit Sixers games and the Lest We Forget Museum.
One day Morris decided to make them T-shirts to wear as an incentive and before you knew it he had an apparel line. With each purchase you assist in spreading light, love, and laughter throughout a community that needs it the most!
$50
"Trans is Beautiful" Tank or T-Shirt
NEW INCENTIVE! For a contribution of $50, you can receive your very own "Trans is Beautiful" T-Shirt or Tank, as seen being worn by Mix in Bad Ally.
Inspired by Laverne Cox’s Trans is Beautiful project, designer Devin-Norelle along with zis friend Noah created custom designed vests and shirts for purchase. A portion of each sale goes towards the Werk Those Pecs Transgender Surgery Fund.
Werk Those Pecs was founded in 2012 by Jason Hill and Samuel Leon as a fundraiser to help provide much needed funding for transgender surgeries. Transgender people often have trouble affording surgery as several insurance providers do not cover transgender surgeries or surgeons do not accept insurance for surgery. Additionally, many transgender people do not have insurance at all. The Werk Those Pecs fundraiser helps offset costs for those who are affected by any of these circumstances. Devin-Norelle, Jason, Sam, and their colleagues, Ryley Pogensky and Tony Zosherafatin, are working diligently to launch the fund, as well as the Werk Those Pecs Binder Exchange Program. The fund is geared towards surgery for transmen, transwomen, and gender non-conforming folx.
$50
First Episode is YOURS!
For only $50, you will get access to a password protected rough cut of the first episode of Bad Ally! Just a heads up about this, the rough cut will not be very pretty; there will be no sound editing, color correcting, and there may be some choppy moments, but you'll get to see the episode as it currently stands, way before it gets released to the public.
$100
Dinner with Ariel or Daquisha
Depending on which city is easier for you, NYC or Philly, Ariel or Daquisha will take you out to one of their favorite restaurtants in the corresponding city. You'll enjoy a fabulous night of delicious fare and stimulating conversation.
*Transportation and lodging are not included for those outside of NYC or Philadelphia*
$200
Dinner with Ariel AND Daquisha
You'll have the opportunity to have dinner with BOTH Ariel and Daquisha, in either NYC or Philly (your choice,) at one of their favorite restaurants.
*Transportation and lodging are not included for those outside of NYC or Philadelphia*
$300
Don't Be a Drag, Just Be a Queen
For your generous contribution of $300, you'll get a one-night drag tour of NYC. Join Ariel on a fun and fabulous drag-stravaganza, as they take you to various drag events throughout the city.
*Note, this event will take place in NYC, and will be coordinated ahead of time. Any bar covers, drinks, and transportation costs will be covered by the participants themselves.
Claimed: 0 of 20
$500
Screen Bad Ally Early
You'll be offered two tickets to a preview screening of all six episodes of Bad Ally in advance of its release. There will be two screenings; one in NYC and one in Philadelphia. You'll be invited to attend the screening of your choice.
*Transportation and lodging are not included for those outside of NYC or Philadelphia*
You'll also get the social media and website shoutout, and will be listed as an "Associate Producer" in the end credits of the series.
$1,000
Executive Producer Credit
You will be listed as an Executive Producer on the series credits as well as on imdb. You'll also get two tickets to the advance screening of your choice (NYC or Philly), and 2 tickets to the VIP afterparty! Heyyyyyy.
*Transportation and lodging are not included for those outside of NYC or Philadelphia*
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Social Media Shoutout
You will receive a social media shoutout thanking you for your contribution on Facebook and Twitter. Your name will also be listed as a Contributor on our website.
$25
Video Message from Harriet
For a contribution of $25 or more, you can get a personalized, shareable, selfie-style thank you video from Daquisha, in character as Harriet. You'll also get the social media and website thank you.
$25
Video Message from Mix
For a contribution of $25 or more, you can get a personalized, shareable, selfie-style thank you video from Ariel, in character as Mix. You'll also get the social media and website thank you.
$50
"I'm Rooting for Everybody Black" Shirt
NEW INCENTIVE! For a contribution of $50, you can receive your very own "I'm Rooting for Everybody Black" T-Shirt, as seen being worn by Harriet in Bad Ally.
Desiner J.R. Morris' Company, Royal Peaces started out with "Keep Your Crown Up" wristbands that he gave to his students as a reminder of their royalty. They were low on resources so they sold the wristbands to raise money for field trips and outings. They were able to visit Sixers games and the Lest We Forget Museum.
One day Morris decided to make them T-shirts to wear as an incentive and before you knew it he had an apparel line. With each purchase you assist in spreading light, love, and laughter throughout a community that needs it the most!
$50
"Trans is Beautiful" Tank or T-Shirt
NEW INCENTIVE! For a contribution of $50, you can receive your very own "Trans is Beautiful" T-Shirt or Tank, as seen being worn by Mix in Bad Ally.
Inspired by Laverne Cox’s Trans is Beautiful project, designer Devin-Norelle along with zis friend Noah created custom designed vests and shirts for purchase. A portion of each sale goes towards the Werk Those Pecs Transgender Surgery Fund.
Werk Those Pecs was founded in 2012 by Jason Hill and Samuel Leon as a fundraiser to help provide much needed funding for transgender surgeries. Transgender people often have trouble affording surgery as several insurance providers do not cover transgender surgeries or surgeons do not accept insurance for surgery. Additionally, many transgender people do not have insurance at all. The Werk Those Pecs fundraiser helps offset costs for those who are affected by any of these circumstances. Devin-Norelle, Jason, Sam, and their colleagues, Ryley Pogensky and Tony Zosherafatin, are working diligently to launch the fund, as well as the Werk Those Pecs Binder Exchange Program. The fund is geared towards surgery for transmen, transwomen, and gender non-conforming folx.
$50
First Episode is YOURS!
For only $50, you will get access to a password protected rough cut of the first episode of Bad Ally! Just a heads up about this, the rough cut will not be very pretty; there will be no sound editing, color correcting, and there may be some choppy moments, but you'll get to see the episode as it currently stands, way before it gets released to the public.
$100
Dinner with Ariel or Daquisha
Depending on which city is easier for you, NYC or Philly, Ariel or Daquisha will take you out to one of their favorite restaurtants in the corresponding city. You'll enjoy a fabulous night of delicious fare and stimulating conversation.
*Transportation and lodging are not included for those outside of NYC or Philadelphia*
$200
Dinner with Ariel AND Daquisha
You'll have the opportunity to have dinner with BOTH Ariel and Daquisha, in either NYC or Philly (your choice,) at one of their favorite restaurants.
*Transportation and lodging are not included for those outside of NYC or Philadelphia*
$300
Don't Be a Drag, Just Be a Queen
For your generous contribution of $300, you'll get a one-night drag tour of NYC. Join Ariel on a fun and fabulous drag-stravaganza, as they take you to various drag events throughout the city.
*Note, this event will take place in NYC, and will be coordinated ahead of time. Any bar covers, drinks, and transportation costs will be covered by the participants themselves.
Claimed: 0 of 20
$500
Screen Bad Ally Early
You'll be offered two tickets to a preview screening of all six episodes of Bad Ally in advance of its release. There will be two screenings; one in NYC and one in Philadelphia. You'll be invited to attend the screening of your choice.
*Transportation and lodging are not included for those outside of NYC or Philadelphia*
You'll also get the social media and website shoutout, and will be listed as an "Associate Producer" in the end credits of the series.
$1,000
Executive Producer Credit
You will be listed as an Executive Producer on the series credits as well as on imdb. You'll also get two tickets to the advance screening of your choice (NYC or Philly), and 2 tickets to the VIP afterparty! Heyyyyyy.
*Transportation and lodging are not included for those outside of NYC or Philadelphia*
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Daquisha J. Jones, (Co-Writer, Co-Star)
Daquisha is an Indiana transplant who moved to New York City after graduating from Hanover College. Now residing in Philadelphia, Daquisha is practicing and expanding her art in both cities. She started the blog “Pussy Politica,” a forum for millennial women of color exploring sexuality, identity, and the political climate. She also volunteers within the Philadelphia community with local Black and Women organizers and artists. Jones is unapologetically political and will upset any dinner table she chooses. With a deep understanding of the racial tensions in this country she questions who built the table you’re leaning into. Bad Ally is Jones’ first film project. “I’d rather be erased than misrepresented. Fortunately, we live in a time where I don’t have to choose either outcome.”
Ariel Mahler (Co-Writer, Co-Star)
Ariel a filmmaker and LGBTQ+ rights advocate, is an out (and proud) “social justice warrior.” In 2016, Mahler self-produced their first original web series called “Façades,” which, tackled the relationship between a nonbinary trans person and a drag queen and explored the thin lines between gender as identity and gender as performance. Since that production, Mahler has also been working in the film industry as a Production Assistant, Assistant Director, and Director on various projects. Mahler feels that trans visibility is in-and-of itself a political act, and infuses advocacy into everything they do, especially in terms of media creation. “Seeing yourself reflected in the media you consume is one of the most fundamental identity-forming experiences you can have,” say Mahler.
Nyala Moon (Director)
Nyala is an aspiring actor, writer and producer. She is recently finished her bachelors of arts at Baruch College this past May. Nyala has always been a performer at heart but didn’t think it was space for a black transgender woman like herself. Nyala is a New York native with southern roots. Nyala has had a love affair with cinema ever since she first saw Casablanca and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly with her grandparents. Now that Nyala has finished her education, she is ready to openly pursue her love affair with cinema by telling queer stories because she believes little black trans girls shouldn’t grow up and not see a reflection of themselves in the media.
Jonathan Alvares (Director of Photography) is a New York native attracted to film production because of the creative technicalities about the profession. He is well versed in both camera and lighting departments and he enjoys working with new technology such as virtual reality. Jonathan has a particular interest in telling stories about science, arts, and humanities.
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