The Man I Was Born to Be: From Jersey City to the National Stage
My name is Micky-Angelo Petrillo, and at 62 years old, I am finally living as the man I was always meant to. 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. Because of that overwhelming support, 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.
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. It feels like standing naked in a room of strangers, setting myself up for both acceptance and hate.
I’ve faced massive hurdles:
Financial Betrayal: $20,000 was stolen by a former producer, nearly stalling the project entirely.
Personal Heartbreak: Facing rejection from those who should have loved me most, including my own mother’s final words to me.
The Political Climate: Navigating a world that 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.
Why We Need You
We have already been blessed by over 100 contributors who believe in this vision. Now, we are entering the "Festival Phase." Your contributions today will go directly toward:
Post-Production: Polishing the short documentary for a professional festival standard.
Submission Fees: Getting our film in front of programmers at major festivals like 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.
Join the Journey
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.
Thank you for believing in me, in this project, and in the power of a story told with heart.
From my heart to yours
Micky-Angelo Petrillo
Perks
$50 gets you famous… at least on my Facebook page. Thank you for your support! We’ll give you a shout-out on our social media channels and list your name on our website.
Be in the credits — your grandkids will think you’re Hollywood. Your name will appear in the ending credits of the documentary — thank you for making this possible! You’ll also receive a private viewing link to watch the finished film for a 48-hour window once it’s released, . We’ll give you a shout-out on our social media channels and list your name on our website.
Step into the spotlight — Micky’s bringing the mic to you. Be part of the documentary itself! You’ll be interviewed and featured in the project, sharing your journey — how you experienced Micky’s change, your thoughts on transgender issues, and what this story means to you.
Includes all previous-level perks. Limited to 10 spots. (Participants will be asked to sign a standard release form to be featured in the film.)
Zoom with me — it’s cheaper than therapy and funnier than YouTube. Join the filmmakers for a one-hour private Zoom session — a great chance to ask anything you’ve ever wanted to know about documentary filmmaking, storytelling, or Micky’s journey. Perfect for groups, school classes, or organizations.
We’ll give you a shout-out on our social media channels and list your name on our website.
Credits + a personal video message from Micky thanking you by name. Proof you can start over — and get a shout-out while doing it. We’ll give you a shout-out on our social media channels and list your name on our website. You will be listed in the credits at the end of the show. What can be better than this?
Hall of Fame -- Congrats, you're an Associate Producer: it’s like being in the mafia… but with better lighting! At this level, you’ll receive an Associate Producer credit in the film, plus special recognition on our website. This is a big-league thank you for helping us bring this story to the world.
Executive Producer — which basically means you’re the boss of me. Congratulations! With gratitude, you’ll receive an Executive Producer credit on the documentary, Platinum Donor recognition on our website, and the knowledge that you’ve played a central role in making The Man I Was Born To Be possible.
SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY DECEMBER 6
The preview of "The Man I Was Born To Be " Will be premiering at the COPACABANA In NYC.
Doors open at 7pm show starts at 8pm with the fabulous Drag queen Vivian . The preview and then
"50 Shades of Gay Takes On The Holidays"
With every contribution of $30 or more for the campaign for "The Man I Was Born To Be" " you will get a ticket for the "The Man I Was Born To Be "
🎄 Ike Avelli's All-Star Supersize Holiday Spectacular at The Copa! 🎁
Get ready for a sleigh ride of sensational entertainment as award-winning comedian Ike Avelli and his dazzling All Star Supersize cast descend upon The Copa for a one-night-only holiday extravaganza! Expect an unforgettable evening
✨ Dress to impress in your favorite holiday attire and join the celebration that’s guaranteed to be merry and bright
Highlights
See all activity117Activity
$50 gets you famous… at least on my Facebook page. Thank you for your support! We’ll give you a shout-out on our social media channels and list your name on our website.
Be in the credits — your grandkids will think you’re Hollywood. Your name will appear in the ending credits of the documentary — thank you for making this possible! You’ll also receive a private viewing link to watch the finished film for a 48-hour window once it’s released, . We’ll give you a shout-out on our social media channels and list your name on our website.
Step into the spotlight — Micky’s bringing the mic to you. Be part of the documentary itself! You’ll be interviewed and featured in the project, sharing your journey — how you experienced Micky’s change, your thoughts on transgender issues, and what this story means to you.
Includes all previous-level perks. Limited to 10 spots. (Participants will be asked to sign a standard release form to be featured in the film.)
Zoom with me — it’s cheaper than therapy and funnier than YouTube. Join the filmmakers for a one-hour private Zoom session — a great chance to ask anything you’ve ever wanted to know about documentary filmmaking, storytelling, or Micky’s journey. Perfect for groups, school classes, or organizations.
We’ll give you a shout-out on our social media channels and list your name on our website.
Credits + a personal video message from Micky thanking you by name. Proof you can start over — and get a shout-out while doing it. We’ll give you a shout-out on our social media channels and list your name on our website. You will be listed in the credits at the end of the show. What can be better than this?
Hall of Fame -- Congrats, you're an Associate Producer: it’s like being in the mafia… but with better lighting! At this level, you’ll receive an Associate Producer credit in the film, plus special recognition on our website. This is a big-league thank you for helping us bring this story to the world.
Executive Producer — which basically means you’re the boss of me. Congratulations! With gratitude, you’ll receive an Executive Producer credit on the documentary, Platinum Donor recognition on our website, and the knowledge that you’ve played a central role in making The Man I Was Born To Be possible.
SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY DECEMBER 6
The preview of "The Man I Was Born To Be " Will be premiering at the COPACABANA In NYC.
Doors open at 7pm show starts at 8pm with the fabulous Drag queen Vivian . The preview and then
"50 Shades of Gay Takes On The Holidays"
With every contribution of $30 or more for the campaign for "The Man I Was Born To Be" " you will get a ticket for the "The Man I Was Born To Be "
🎄 Ike Avelli's All-Star Supersize Holiday Spectacular at The Copa! 🎁
Get ready for a sleigh ride of sensational entertainment as award-winning comedian Ike Avelli and his dazzling All Star Supersize cast descend upon The Copa for a one-night-only holiday extravaganza! Expect an unforgettable evening
✨ Dress to impress in your favorite holiday attire and join the celebration that’s guaranteed to be merry and bright
