Nerds That Geek Documentary Review: ‘Love, Jamie’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Photograph of Gabriel Joffe (left) and Jamie Diaz Courtesy of American Masters

We are living in quite the fascinating time when it comes to how our fellow human beings are perceived. Simply because there is a grandiose, generational battle, taking place when it comes to this. Wherein the old guard is determined to keep prejudice and negative connotation alive while the new guard… wants all to be accepted and viewed as people over anything and given every chance to grow with that perception. And of course, this battle is locked in a stalemate at the moment, since for every gain every side makes, there are setbacks and more battles to be fought. Leaving all of us to wonder… how the new guard will win. 
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Because sadly, keeping the old garbage thriving also helps others pick up that mantle and fight the fight and let’s be honest… this is a battle that seems endless. Since there have been different versions of this fight for as long as humans can remember. But believe it or not, there are ways to settle this, and ways to finally help people understand the problem with prejudice and negative connotations and one way to do that… is through storytelling. The kind that showcases how stigmas are stupid and how we all share in journeys that are profoundly moving and inspirational and that is why, a brand-new documentary on PBS is of note, because Love, Jamie manages to accomplish such feats.

Courtesy of a powerful story that revolves around the power of friendship/chosen family, and how creativity binds us and should be celebrated and how we should never be ashamed of who we are, and all of those elements come to life in this story, courtesy of an introduction to Gabriel. A transgender individual who is close friends with Jamie. A Mexican American transgender individual that is incarnated and well… was struggling when the two met in 2013. But through letters and phone calls, they built a bond, figured out how to support one another and Gabriel figured out how to make Jamie’s dreams come true. For Jamie is also a talented artist and sent many a sample of her fine work to Gabriel over the years, the kind they compiled and helped to bring to show at a gallery. Giving rise to Jamie being seen… and heard… through her work. 

​Which really is… quite the powerful story. One that speaks to how chosen family does indeed matter since they will support us through thick and thin, and how creativity is food for all and tells amazing stories we can relate to, a story that Jamie was finally able to tell through Gabriel’s efforts. One that showcases the wonderful person she is and the journey she’s been upon. But truly, this incredible moving story is powerful for reasons that go beyond those elements. For starters, it is in fact, a technical marvel. For this is that rare documentary that doesn’t walk us through what we are seeing. It immerses us in moving moments that express raw emotion, so that this documentary can indeed accomplish what it sets out to do.

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“Our Flaming Queer Hearts Will Not Be Denied 2020” Courtesy of Jamie Diaz and Daniel Cooney Fine Art.

In that… it tears down stigma, it tears down walls, courtesy of a story that at its core… is just about the human condition and the wonder we all share in and the ties that bind all of us. One that is free of labels, stigma and stereotypes. Certainly, there is acknowledgement that Gabriel and Jamie are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, but that is necessary to place here, to really point out how we are in fact, all the same, we all harbor in similar experiences. Such as supporting each other in our dreams and in life, and we simply put labels around people for reasons that do not make sense… when we should not. For what matters more here is the powerful journey that this duo goes upon and what they learn on that journey and how we should attentively hold to that over anything else.

Because when we listen, we learn, we understand, and we bond. And that… is how we combat the noise, and that… is how we silence the voices that cry difference where there is none. Which makes this a poignant and stunningly important LGBTQIA+ story, one that rightfully belongs in the Pride Month pantheon, and that people should see immediately and share with others. So that learning can take place, so we can celebrate the majesty of experiences that do differ from our path, and so that others can be privy to this inspirational story about two individuals that came together across the silly roadblocks we put up, to accomplish wonders. For that is the true wonder of the human condition and that is what we should be striving for. 

An Update on Jamie’s Story: In January 2024, Jamie experienced a major stroke and was transferred to a prison medical facility. As of May 2024 she served 29 years in prison. Jamie's stroke has impacted her mobility, dexterity, and communication. She is improving everyday and hopes to return to painting soon.

She was recently granted parole early and was released this past Friday, May 31st, just days before the June 3rd premiere of the film on American Masters. The film’s co-subject Gabriel Joffe met Jamie at the gate as she was released. On Sunday, June 2, Jamie and Gabriel went to the Pride festival in Dallas. This was Jamie’s first time ever at a Pride gathering.

Watch ‘Love, Jamie’, part of the PBS American Masters series, here.

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