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Los Angeles, CA, December 16, 2024 - Today, BET+ and MegaMind Media announced the biopic of Detroit native Dwen Curry, “Fighting To Be Me: The Dwen Curry Story.”  First featured in the BET+ hit unscripted series "American Gangster: Trap Queens," the film reunites executive producers Tressa Azarel Smallwood and Judge Greg Mathis.

Dyllón Burnside (Pose) is set to lead alongside D.B. Woodside (9-1-1: Lone Star) and A.J. Johnson (Baby Boy) in supporting roles.  The biopic was written by La Jill Hunt.  

Born amid the infamous Detroit riots of the late sixties, and raised during the height of the eighties crack cocaine epidemic, Dwen Curry’s story is a layered and complex true-crime drama that redefines what it means to be Gay, Black, and Gangster, in America.  Love, identity, and family collide, in this gripping tale dripping with Oakland swagger, when celebrity stylist and fashion icon, Dwen Curry, secretly finances a lavish lifestyle by fraudulently acquiring millions to build a criminal empire and survive the violent street lifestyle. 

Dwen Curry, Donte Lee, and Delece James also serve as executive producers on “Fighting To Be Me: The Dwen Curry Story,” with Joe Carroll on board to direct.  Vanda Lee, Kristin Iris Johnson, and Smallwood are producing the film for MegaMind Media.

The first biopic based on the “American Gangster: Trap Queens" series, “First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story,” also executive produced by Smallwood and Mathis, earned nominations for Outstanding Original Television Movie and Outstanding Directing In A Television Movie (Vivica A. Fox), for BET+ at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards.

SYNOPSIS:
Based on a powerful true-life story, Detroit native Dwen Curry moves to Oakland, California as a teen in the early 90s and overcomes depression, suicidal thoughts and drug addiction. There he finds success as a salon owner and celebrity stylist to LisaRaye McCoy, Mariah Carey, YoYo, Missy Elliot, DMX, and more. Fueled by his desire for a lavish lifestyle and a drive to take care of those around him, Dwen leads a secret life as the criminal mastermind of an underground organization known as the Gay Gangsters, making millions from fraud. Dwen’s life is even more complicated by his sexuality, identity, and struggles with self-acceptance as Dwen journeys from being a gay man to fully accepting herself as transgender. Dwen’s rise to celebrity is followed by her fall when she is convicted for wire fraud and sent to prison. This coming of age tale is filled with glitz, glamor, and gangster moves as we witness Dwen’s trials and eventual triumphs to not only survive but to stand strong in her authentic truth.  Note: pronouns used align with Dwen’s preferences at different times of her life.

DYLLÓN BURNSIDE BIO:

Dyllón Burnside is best known to audiences for his performance as ‘Ricky’ in Ryan Murphy’s Emmy-nominated FX series “Pose.” He has also appeared in Ryan Murphy’s series “Monster” opposite Evan Peters and the “American Horror Stories” anthology series. On stage, Dyllón most recently appeared in London's West End production of "Black Superhero" at the Royal Court and on Broadway in the play "Thoughts of a Colored Man" by Keenan Scott II, directed by Steve H. Broadnax III.  Dyllón made his Broadway debut in 2014, starring in  “Holler if Ya Hear Me,” a hip-hop musical inspired by the music and lyrics of Tupac Shakur. Dyllón hosted and produced “Prideland,” a one-hour special and short-form digital series for PBS that won a Daytime Emmy and received a GLAAD Award nomination.