When your film comes under criticism for 'whitewashing' and trans-erasure, there's only one thing for it. Quickly release a new clip putting a black drag queen at the centre.
That's exactly the move Stonewall's marketing team has taken, after nearly 25,000 people signed a petition against Roland Emmerich's upcoming gay rights drama.
The 50-second teaser introduces viewers to LGBT pioneer Marsha P Johnson who, along with friend Sylvia Rivera, was one of the first activists to start the 1969 Stonewall riots against police in Greenwich Village.
Otoja Abit plays Johnson, described in the clip as "the queen of queens herself" when she encounters lead character Danny (Jeremy Irvine).
Danny is a fictional, white, cisgender gay man. The petition argues that he is unfairly presented as the hero while other transgender and ethnic minority cast members appear secondary, despite being a crucial part of Stonewall's history.
The resemblance is uncanny... Thanks #Stonewall Movie for telling the story of our revolution so truthfully... pic.twitter.com/yGzjYC6jhd
— Jinkx Monsoon (@JinkxMonsoon) August 7, 2015
Petition creator Pat Cordova-Goff, who describes herself as a "transwoman of colour", wrote last month: "It is time that black and brown transwomen and drag queens are recognised for their efforts in the riots throughout the nation. From the preview alone, we know that will not be happening.
"Majority of characters are white actors, cis men play the role of transwomen and folks who began the riots do not seem to be credited with such revolutionary acts. Do not support a film that erases our history. Do not watch Stonewall."
Inspirational quotes about LGBT rights
Irvine responded to this criticism, releasing a statement on his Instagram page defending Stonewall and promising that it "represents almost every race and section of society".
It is, however, Irvine's character who is seen throwing the first brick through a window in the first two-minute teaser clip, with the official synopsis crediting him with birthing "a crusade for equality".
Director Emmerich has also addressed the petition, insisting in a Facebook post that when critics see Stonewall in full, they will see that it "deeply honours real-life activists who were there and all the brave people who sparked the civil rights movement which continues to this day".
Cordova-Goff concluded that she will "support Stonewall with the same passion [she's] used to criticise it", should the trailer prove "wildly misleading" upon the film's release.
Stonewall is due in US cinemas on 25 September with a UK date yet to be confirmed.
