About CHECK IT

A group of bullied ninth graders in D.C. have finally had enough, and form the first LGBTQ+ gang called Check It that soon attracts over 200 members. But building a feared reputation is tough. When four key members are offered a way out of the violence, they set their eyes on something that unifies them instead: fashion. Learn more about the film at www.checkitfilm.com.

• Type: Feature Film
• Genre: Documentary
• Length: 1 hr 30 min
• Parental Warning: Contains strong language, as well as some depictions of violence and underage drug use and sex work
• Available On: See IMDB for options, or for purchase on iTunes

About the EduGuide

This EduGuide walks viewers through some of the film’s most important themes and asks them to think critically about the lives and stories they see. It’s perfect for a GSA group or club meeting, during family night, in a classroom, or anywhere inclusivity is encouraged. It’s intended for those in middle or high school, but can be adapted for audiences of all ages.

Bonus Material

Check out these great It Gets Better videos from some of the film’s main subjects, available as a playlist on our YouTube channel. 

DC METRO RESOURCES

For Homeless Youth

Wanda Alston House is solely dedicated to offering pre-independent living and support services to homeless or at risk LGBT and questioning youth ages 16-24 in all 8 wards of the District of Columbia.

Casa Ruby is the first multicultural community, social, and resources center run by LGBT, queer, gender nonconforming, and trans people in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.

Sasha Bruce Network helps young people find safe homes, achieve and maintain good physical and mental health, create and strengthen supportive and stable families, and explore opportunities in education and careers.

For Health Related Services

Whitman Walker Youth Services provides health-related services to youth ages 13 to 24.

HIPS promotes the health, rights, and dignity of individuals and communities impacted by sexual exchange and/or drug use due to choice, coercion, or circumstance. HIPS provides compassionate harm reduction services, advocacy, and community engagement that is respectful, non-judgmental, and affirms and honors individual power and agency.

For Law Enforcement Issues

The LGBT Liaison Unit is building trust between the Metropolitan Police Department and the LGBTQ community. For info, please contact Jessica Hawkins, Sergeant MPD at (202) 727-5427

For Youth Mentoring

SYMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders) started in 1984, when local youth service professionals and community activists organized a conference on LGBT youth issues.

The Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs is a permanent, cabinet-level office within the Office of Community Affairs in the Executive Office of the Mayor, established by statute in 2006 to address the important concerns of the District’s LGBTQ residents.