Micky Angelo Petrillo
My Story:
The Man I Was
Born To Be
62 years in the making. Told with humor, radical honesty, and the courage to finally be seen.
In His Own Words
At 62, I’m finally living as the man I was always meant to be.
It only took me 59 years to figure that out.
But this project isn’t just about my transition — it’s about using humor and radical honesty to change the way the world sees the trans community.
In a time where our dignity and civil rights are under attack, I believe the most powerful weapon we have is visibility. My goal is simple: Before you judge a trans person, get to know one.
On March 5th, we held a preview screening of our 7-minute teaser in Jersey City. The theater was packed, the energy was electric, and the message from the audience was unanimous: This story needs to be told now.
“To tell this story authentically, I’ve had to be completely vulnerable — sharing the most intimate details of my life. It feels like standing naked in a room of strangers, setting myself up for both acceptance and hate.”
Micky Angelo Petrillo
The Road Here
This has not been an easy journey.
To tell this story authentically, I’ve had to be completely vulnerable — sharing the most intimate details of my life.
I’ve faced massive hurdles. Financial betrayal that nearly killed this project before it started. Personal heartbreak that cut deeper than anything. And a political climate that too often meets our existence with violence or ignorance.
“But nothing will stop me. This project is bigger than me — it is for every trans person who deserves to be seen, heard, and respected.”
These aren’t just my struggles. They are the struggles of an entire community. And they are exactly why this story has to be told.
Financial Betrayal
$20,000 was stolen by a former producer, nearly stalling the project entirely. It set us back — but it didn’t stop us.
Personal Heartbreak
Facing rejection from those who should have loved me most — including my own mother’s final words to me. Some wounds run deep.
The Political Climate
Navigating a world that often meets our existence with violence or ignorance. Visibility isn’t just important right now — it’s urgent.
Where We Are Now
From Jersey City to the National Stage
Because of that overwhelming support at our March 5th screening, we are pivoting. We are creating a short documentary to submit to film festivals across the country.
This is the fastest way to get our message out, build a national following, and attract the right investors for a full-length docuseries.
We have already been blessed by over 100 contributors who believe in this vision. Now, we are entering the Festival Phase. Your support today goes directly toward:
- Post-Production: Polishing the short documentary for a professional festival standard.
- Submission Fees: Getting our film in front of programmers at Frameline, Outfest, and Tribeca.
- Travel & Promotion: Ensuring we are in the room to meet the investors who can help us grow this into a full docuseries.
The Man I Was Born To Be — Coming Soon
“If you believe that humor can bridge the gap of ignorance, and that every human being deserves to live their truth, please join us. Whether you contribute $10 or $1,000, you are becoming a producer of change.”
Micky Angelo Petrillo
Join the Journey
Two ways to be part of this story
Whether you want to support the film or see Micky speak in person, there’s a place for you in this movement.
Support the Film
Become a Producer of Change
Whether you contribute $10 or $1,000, you are directly funding the post-production, festival submissions, and promotion that will bring this story to a national audience.
Support on Crowdfundr
See Micky Live
Upcoming Appearances
Micky speaks openly about his journey, identity, and why visibility matters. View upcoming events, screenings, and speaking engagements — or inquire about booking.
View Appearances“From my heart to yours.”
Micky Angelo Petrillo