The BET+ Original Film, “Fighting To Be Me: The Dwen Curry Story” will premiere on Thursday, February 27th, exclusively on BET+.
Celebrity stylist and fashion icon, Dwen Curry, secretly finances a lavish lifestyle by fraudulently acquiring millions of dollars using her criminal organization, The Gay Gangsters, all while grappling with family, love, identity, and trying to survive the dangers of leading a criminal life
Based on the powerful true-life story, Detroit native Dwen Curry is forced to move to Oakland, California in the early 90s to overcome drug addiction and depression. There he finds success as a salon owner and celebrity stylist to LisaRaye McCoy, YoYo, Missy Elliot, DMX, Mariah Carey 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, glamour, and gangster moves as we witness Dwen’s trials and eventual triumphs to not only survive but to stand strong in her authentic truth.
Story Concept by: Dwen Curry and Directed by Joe Carroll.
Executive Producers: Tressa Azarel Smallwood, Donte Lee, Judge Gregory Mathis, Dyllón Burnside, Dwen Curry, & Delece James
Meet The Cast:
Dyllón Burnside as “Dwen Curry” – Dwen begins as a teenage drug addict struggling with his sexuality. Once he moves to Oakland his journey of sobriety and self-acceptance as an openly gay man begins. Dwen is a deeply caring person who grows his wealth through fraudulent credit card activity which turns into a lucrative business with his gang of GGs (Gay Gangsters). With that wealth he not only lives a fashionable life with designer clothes, accessories, and luxury homes; but he also takes care of his friends and supports his family. While secretly building millions through fraud Dwen also becomes a celebrity stylist and fashion icon. Eventually, Dwen realizes he identifies more as feminine and starts taking hormones to transition. As flashy as Dwen is, she is no-nonsense in her demeanor and commands respect without saying a word.
DB Woodside as “Uncle Leon” – Dwen’s uncle, is a former drug addict turned addiction counselor who guides Dwen to sobriety and self-acceptance. Uncle Leon is more than a father figure to Dwen, he’s a confidante, motivator, and Dwen’s biggest cheerleader. His support is constant throughout Dwen’s ups and downs.
AJ Akua Johnson as “Cynthia Curry” –Dwen’s mother, Cynthia, is loving but firm. Initially, Cynthia’s relationship with Dwen is very strained due to his drug addiction and sexual orientation. With time it evolves into a loving and supportive relationship. Cynthia is initially concerned about Dwen’s illegal activities but as it becomes more and more beneficial, she accepts it, having been a hustler herself. Dwen’s overall success, both legal and illegal, makes Cynthia proud.
Mike Rob as “Jihad” – A close friend to Dwen, Jihad is an original GG (Gay Gangster). He’s well-connected in the streets and brings a lot to the table. Dwen thinks of him as a nephew and the two look out for one another throughout the years. Even after Jihad has an affair with the love of Dwen’s life, Zaire, she forgives him because they’re family.
Greg Mathis Jr as “DJ” – DJ is initially introduced to Dwen as a potential romantic partner, however, they quickly acknowledge that they are not suited for dating and become best friends. Opposite in the complexion, fashion style, and mannerisms of Dwen, DJ is extremely conservative. DJ helps Dwen start legitimate businesses and Dwen helps DJ embrace his own sexuality.
Maurice Alpharicio as “Zaire” – Zaire is a devout Muslim, successful rapper and music producer, and Dwen’s true love. Zaire is sexy, handsome, caramel complexion and devoted to his faith, which causes a rift in their passion filled love affair.
Erika Norrell as “LisaRaye McCoy” – LisaRaye McCoy is a model and actress who not only becomes Dwen’s styling client, but a best friend. Dwen introduces her to the “Balls” and when Dwen goes through legal troubles, LisaRaye stands by her side.
Rodrick Covington as “Butchie” – Butchie is a nurturing, caring and larger than life personality. Butchie is Dwen’s first real friend in Oakland and a natural protector. Openly gay himself, Butchie mentors Dwen and helps him embrace living in his truth and self-acceptance. The two of them, along with Jihad, form a unique friendship.
Chantal Maurice as “YoYo” – YoYo is a young, hip hop star on the rise. Dwen teaches YoYo how to take her career to the next level by being fashionable and creating a lane for herself. The two become great friends and YoYo uses her influence in the music world to introduce Dwen to other celebrities, including LisaRaye, which kicks off Dwen’s styling career.
David Hammond as “Piper” – Piper is a muscular with a quiet manner but a protective personality. What starts out as Dwen’s random acquaintance, Piper’s becomes Dwen’s personal security. Piper genuinely cares for Dwen and always Dwen’s best interest at heart.
Chanel Mack as “Sherrie” – Sherrie is a female member of the GGs who introduced Dwen to smuggling drugs into prison to Dwen’s boyfriend Tookie. Sherrie is a fiery women, smart, and loyal.
Jesse Lewis as “Devine” – Devine is a Drag Queen and a host of the “Balls”. She is Dwen’s friend and confidante.
Monroe Alise as “Auntie Jazzy” – Auntie Jazzy is a transgender inmate who comforts Dwen after her sexual assault and becomes a friend. Auntie Jazzy is regal, motherly, nurturing, and well r
Dominique Toney as “Kimora” – Kimora is one of Dwen’s early mentors. She owns a fashion boutique and encourages Dwen to open his own salon and run his own business.Todd Kim Sue as “Tookie” – Tookie is inmate Dwen met and fell in love with during his first stint in jail. They continue their relationship after Tookie is released and Dwen starts smuggling drugs to him in jail.
Devin Nikki Thomas as “Monica” – Monica is a single mother and reality star who befriends Dwen then turns on her when she refuses to let Monica shoot a reality show at their home. Monica’s betrayal gets Dwen sent back to prison for the same crime she was already convicted for.
Unique Jenkins as “Yvette” –Yvette is a heroin addict and good friend of Dwen when he lived in Detroit. Yvette works with Dwen to get cash, even stealing items from Dwen’s mother for dope money.
Sal Rendino as “Dr. Nobles” – Dr. Nobles is compassionate and kind to Dwen as he helps her on her journey to get approved for hormones and finally feel comfortable in her body.
Faith Malonte as “Robber”
Check Out The New Trailer!
