Oakland, California, is filled with all sort of people. Sasha is white, and recently came out as transgender to his family, his friends, and his small private school. She likes to wear skirts, and is involved in many activities. Richard is African-American, and lives in one of the rougher neighborhoods. His surroundings are rife with criminal activities, and he himself has been in trouble with the law before, spending almost a full year in juvenile detention.
The two of them might have never met. But one day, both of them found themselves on the 57, a bus that travels almost the whole length of Oakland. Sasha takes this bus as part of a two bus-ride daily trip to school. Richard is riding it with friends. Sasha is already asleep on the long bus ride in the late afternoon on November 4, 2013, when Richard notices what looks like a guy wearing a skirt. Goaded by his friends, Richard lights Sasha's skirt on fire, thinking Sasha will wake up and put it out. Instead, the skirt ignites, and Sasha's legs are engulfed in flames.
Richard leaves the bus but is quickly arrested, and during his interrogation without a parent or a lawyer present he mentions he is homophobic. While Sasha recuperates in the hospital and undergoes several painful skin grafts, Richard is charged with two hate crimes and is tried as an adult.
A true story, this intersection of two lives that became tied through reckless behavior demonstrates the impact that one person can have in another person's life.
The two of them might have never met. But one day, both of them found themselves on the 57, a bus that travels almost the whole length of Oakland. Sasha takes this bus as part of a two bus-ride daily trip to school. Richard is riding it with friends. Sasha is already asleep on the long bus ride in the late afternoon on November 4, 2013, when Richard notices what looks like a guy wearing a skirt. Goaded by his friends, Richard lights Sasha's skirt on fire, thinking Sasha will wake up and put it out. Instead, the skirt ignites, and Sasha's legs are engulfed in flames.
Richard leaves the bus but is quickly arrested, and during his interrogation without a parent or a lawyer present he mentions he is homophobic. While Sasha recuperates in the hospital and undergoes several painful skin grafts, Richard is charged with two hate crimes and is tried as an adult.
A true story, this intersection of two lives that became tied through reckless behavior demonstrates the impact that one person can have in another person's life.
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