Changing House 2009
In *Changing House (2009)*, Zavé Martohardjono crafts a poignant 18-minute documentary that chronicles the extraordinary journey of Rusty Mae Moore and Chelsea Elizabeth Goodwin, a transgender lesbian couple whose Brooklyn home became a sanctuary for trans women in crisis.
Director: Zavé Martohardjono
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Changing House (2009) about?
This short documentary follows a transgender couple who turned their Brooklyn home into a communal refuge for trans women in need. Over 15 years, their house became a lifeline—and later, a battleground—as the realities of care, overcrowding, and burnout threatened to tear apart their vision of shared sanctuary.
Who directed Changing House?
The film was directed by Zavé Martohardjono, a filmmaker whose work often centers on queer and transgender narratives with raw honesty and emotional depth.
Who stars in Changing House?
The documentary features Rusty Mae Moore and Chelsea Elizabeth Goodwin as the couple at its heart, alongside Chelsea Elizabeth Goodwin, Sylvia Rivera, and Cellia Blass, whose presence anchors the film's historical significance.
Is Changing House (2009) worth watching?
At just 18 minutes, *Changing House* packs a powerful punch with its intimate storytelling and real-world stakes. While it lacks a traditional IMDb rating, its themes of resilience and community make it a compelling watch for those interested in queer history or social justice narratives.
How long is Changing House?
The runtime for *Changing House* is 18 minutes.
About Changing House (2009) — The True Story of a Brooklyn Transgender Safe House
In *Changing House (2009)*, Zavé Martohardjono crafts a poignant 18-minute documentary that chronicles the extraordinary journey of Rusty Mae Moore and Chelsea Elizabeth Goodwin, a transgender lesbian couple whose Brooklyn home became a sanctuary for trans women in crisis. Their shared dream of creating a communal safe space unfolded against the backdrop of harsh realities—balancing idealism with the daily struggles of managing an overcrowded household. The house wasn't just a roof over heads; it was a vibrant hub for transgender civil rights activists, and in its final years, it sheltered Sylvia Rivera, a legendary Stonewall icon, during her final chapter. The film captures both the warmth of solidarity and the fractures of ambition as the couple's vision collides with the unrelenting demands of care.
This intimate portrait blends activism, resilience, and the personal cost of community-building, offering a rare glimpse into the lives behind one of Brooklyn's most vital—and fleeting—experiments in collective living. With a runtime tight enough to grip yet rich enough to resonate, *Changing House* stands as a testament to love, sacrifice, and the messy, human side of social change.