Bright Lights Film Series: ‘No Ordinary Man’

American jazz musician Billy Tipton developed a reputable touring and recording career in the mid-20th century, along with his band The Billy Tipton Trio. After his death in the late ’80s, it was revealed that Tipton was assigned female at birth, and his life was swiftly reframed as the story of an ambitious woman passing as a man in pursuit of a music career. No Ordinary Man seeks to correct that misrepresentation by collaborating with trans artists. As they collectively celebrate Tipton’s story as a musician living his life according to his own terms, they paint a portrait of a trans culture icon. Discussion with writer and directors Aisling Chin-Yee and Chase Joynt to follow.

Tickets are FREE and will be available starting at NOON on Wednesday and will be available for viewing until Thursday at 7:00 PM EST. Register for screening at ArtsEmerson. Link to participate in Zoom Webinar discussion on Thursday at 7:00 PM EST HERE.