Review: We Are the Radical Monarchs

I never joined Girl Scouts. Yearly purchases of their cookies have been the entirety of our relationship. Perhaps if I had a group like the Radical Monarchs, I would have been more likely to engage. Directed by Linda Goldstein Knowlton, We Are the Radical Monarchs premiered at SXSW in Austin, Texas. It follows a group of Oakland based girls as they form their own alternative organization to the Girl Scouts. Founded by two queer women of color, Anayvette Martinez and Marilyn Hollinquest, the Radical Monarchs provides a place of safety and education for young girls of color.

The documentary follows the Radical Monarchs over the course of 3 years that proceed and follow the 2016 election. We’re introduced to the organization through interviews with the founders and the members of the inaugural troop. We watch these girls grow as the organization grows. Their focus isn’t on sewing or selling cookies: They move through units and earn badges in Black Lives Matter, Radical Beauty, being a LGBT ally and disability justice. These aren’t only academic concepts; they are tangible through carefully chosen speakers and participation in marches and rallies. Watching these young girls soak up these lessons that even adults struggle with and apply them is so inspiring to watch. The Radical Monarchs are growing into our future leaders and they will have a strong background in social justice.

The organization was started as a way for Martinez’s daughter to be part of something that centered her as a girl of color. Scene after scene emphasizes that the aim of this group is to uplift girls of color. It hasn’t been an easy journey. The documentary doesn’t shy away from showing the many criticisms the organization receives from being called racist to indoctrinating young minds with dangerous ideas. The founders are frank about all the work they have to put in while still holding full time jobs. While the endeavor is worthwhile, it’s hard managing it all with only the two people and no funding.

The founders and the girls tell us how being part of the Radical Monarchs has affected change within themselves and the community. Not only are these girls learning how to be more inclusive, they also found a place where they are welcomed and celebrated as girls of color. They share their thoughts about feeling isolated or bullied in their schools but finding acceptance with the Radical Monarchs. A particularly poignant moment happened when they visited the state capital and some of the girls came to the realization that they could be lawmakers in the future.

As we follow the girls through the years, we see how current events affect them. The Black Lives Matter unit was in response to the protests in Ferguson. After the election of President Trump, Martinez and Hollinquest not only gave the girls space to share their emotions but also brainstorm what they should do next to combat the change. The girls marched in the Women’s Parade. Their lessons come with practical applications. There’s no assumption that these girls are too young for this subject matter. The premise is to better prepare the girls for the world they live in and give them the tools to be more compassionate members of society. We Are the Radical Monarchs gives us a peek into their world. The documentary is heartwarming and encouraging when I think of what the future will be like in the hands of these young girls.

 

8/10