Summer Within

Unsure of her place in her Italian American, Catholic family, Summer, a trans dancer from Staten Island travels to Italy, where her grandmother emigrated from.

There, she discovers an ancient transgender people, the femminielli. As the journey unfolds, Summer stumbles into an unexpected heartbreak that begs the question: what does it mean to be loved and to belong?

Summer Minerva, an independent researcher, multidisciplinary artist, public speaker, and educator from Staten Island takes us on a journey to southern Italy to connect with her ancestry. On this journey she discovers the Femminielli, an ancient folkloric third gender, and those who are keeping the Femminielli traditions alive and well in Napoli. Life affirming community and power is found as this identity has existed and been accepted for centuries.

This is a trans story about discovering one’s trans ancestry, weaving together personal, familial, and historical narratives. We watch as Summer learns about her ancient queer lineage and finds a greater sense of home in the process.