Born Kicking

Queer photographer Jill Posener’s fearless compulsion to document provides us with intimate views of radical feminist London, Bay Area 90s lesbian culture, and contemporary unhoused East Bay communities. A lifelong rebel, she has always felt “at odds”, and now contemplates where she may fit for her final chapter.

Jill saw a need, and with no template, decided to fill it.

A history of immigration, housing activism, being a sexual minority, pushing the boundaries of censorship, and a touch of recklessness prepared Jill well for the little corner of societal brokenness she chose to take on, animal welfare and the institutions that intersect with it.

The non-profit Jill founded, Paw Fund, assists low income and unhoused people with pet care. Jill inspires us to challenge our assumptions about what animal welfare looks like, and who deserves help.

The animals may be warm and fuzzy, but Jill is not. She is a pragmatist. Harm reduction and meeting people where they are enables the work to happen. She stays in her “lane” and gets things done. Her own history as an outsider informs her value of dignity for all. She keeps that value of dignity in mind as she photographs the work, clients, and their beloved animals.

We all feel the weariness and hopelessness regarding poverty in our communities. After 15 years of front line work, at over 70, Jill deserves some rest. Easier said than done. How can she walk away? She grapples with the difficult economics of aging in the Bay Area, and where can the expat herself call home?

Producer/Director - Lauretta Molitor

Editor/Co-Producer - Asali Echols

Consulting Producer - Dawn Valadez

Camera - Kat McLain

Learn more: bornkicking.info