Before life-saving AIDS drugs, an entire community was abandoned — until compassion stepped in.
This film has been years in the making, created with my co-director
@iam_chrisoconnell and
@carterfeuerhelm , and it’s deeply personal to me.
Before there were life-saving cocktail drugs, I was on the front lines in San Francisco during the AIDS crisis, watching friends and entire communities be decimated. At that time, one of the only things keeping people alive was c
@nnbis . What I once assumed was “just about legalization” revealed itself to be something far more profound: compassion, resistance, and survival.
“Join the Club” is an award-winning documentary about the extraordinary life of Dennis Peron—one of the boldest, most daring, and most overlooked social justice heroes of the last 50 years.
Alongside a fearless, motley crew of activists, Dennis transformed history by fighting for compassionate, life-saving access to cann
@bis during the AIDS crisis—through the LGBTQ+ community and a movement rooted in care, dignity, and survival.
Most people have no idea where this movement truly began.
Dennis stood up to the most conservative governments, defied federal policy, and used his voice to fight for people who were criminalized, ignored, and left to die. He did it with unmatched charm, media savvy, courage—and an unshakable belief in dignity, equality, and love.
For those who know my work, you know I’m drawn to stories about using your voice to stand up for justice—replacing oppression with liberation. This film aligns with that mission in every way.
After winning multiple awards, it feels especially meaningful to finally have our San Francisco premiere (for SFIndie Fest)—where it all began.
This story is funny, heartbreaking, rebellious, traumatic, joyful—and ultimately, deeply inspiring.
If you believe in equality, liberation, and honoring all beings, this film is for you.
In the spirit of Dennis Peron—who lived with joy, compassion, and fearless love—I’ll end with his final words in the film:
“Love wins. Love wins.” ❤️
(SF premiere at the SFIndie Fest this Saturday, 6pm at the ROXIE. Update-it’s already sold out but will have waiting list at door