An emotional reunion decades in the making brings together two longtime friends for an intimate conversation about transitioning at 59, finding happiness later in life and the powerful message behind the documentary “Call Me Micky.”
Some interviews are about promoting a film. Others become something far more meaningful.
When Micky Angelo Petrillo joined host Alan Locher on the popular entertainment interview series The Locher Room, it wasn’t simply another conversation about a documentary. It was a reunion between two longtime friends whose connection dates back to their high school days.
Decades later, the two reunited for a deeply personal conversation about Petrillo’s extraordinary journey, his decision to begin living openly as a man at age 59, and the remarkable documentary that is bringing his story to audiences across the country.
Now 62, Petrillo is the subject of CALL ME MICKY, an intimate, funny and refreshingly honest documentary about courage, identity, reinvention and the possibility of beginning again at any age.
WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON THE LOCHER ROOM:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMlkv_jXVxM
A High School Friendship Comes Full Circle
What makes this particular interview so compelling is the personal history between Petrillo and Locher.
The two go all the way back to high school, long before Petrillo’s life became the subject of a documentary and before Locher established his successful entertainment interview platform.
Their reunion creates an opportunity to explore not only the extraordinary changes in Petrillo’s life but also the experiences, relationships and decisions that helped shape the person he is today.
During their conversation, the longtime friends explore Petrillo’s transition, the people who supported him, the challenges he encountered and the unexpected circumstances that led to the creation of CALL ME MICKY.
The conversation also introduces audiences to the humor, honesty and unmistakable personality that have made Petrillo such a compelling documentary subject.
“I Demand Respect, Not Acceptance”
At the heart of Petrillo’s story is a message that challenges conventional conversations about transgender identity.
“I demand respect, not acceptance.”
For Petrillo, the distinction is important.
His message isn’t about seeking permission or approval from others. It’s about recognizing that every individual deserves dignity and respect, regardless of whether others understand or agree with their personal journey.
That philosophy runs throughout CALL ME MICKY, a documentary that refuses to define its subject solely through struggle.
Instead, the film celebrates a man determined to embrace his identity, enjoy his life and make up for experiences he once believed might never be possible.
Petrillo’s candid approach, infectious humor and refusal to apologize for being himself give the documentary a distinctive voice.
“CALL ME MICKY” Brings an Extraordinary Life to the Screen
Directed by Andrew Rasmussen, CALL ME MICKY is a 22-minute documentary chronicling Petrillo’s transition at 59 and the new chapter of life that followed.
The film also features acclaimed actress and transgender advocate Dominique Jackson, internationally recognized for her portrayal of Elektra on FX’s groundbreaking television series POSE.
Through intimate conversations, humor and moments of emotional honesty, the documentary explores the freedom of living authentically and the realization that it is never too late to change the direction of your life.
The film has been making its way through the independent film festival circuit, introducing audiences to Petrillo’s unforgettable story.
Its next major screening is scheduled for November 7, 2026, at the Teaneck International Film Festival in New Jersey.
The screening represents a particularly meaningful homecoming for Petrillo, whose personal and professional life has deep roots in Bergen County.
From Bergen County Business Owner to Author and Documentary Star
Raised in Ridgefield and currently residing in Fort Lee, New Jersey, Petrillo has been a successful entrepreneur for more than three decades.
He is the longtime owner of Baskets-N-Beyond, a gift basket business based in Oradell, New Jersey.
Beyond his business achievements, Petrillo has also shared his life experiences through his memoir, Walking the Earth: First as a Woman, Then a Man, offering readers an unfiltered look at his personal transformation and the experiences that shaped his remarkable journey.
Now, with the growing attention surrounding CALL ME MICKY, he is reaching an entirely new audience.
His appearance on The Locher Room adds another dimension to that visibility, giving viewers an opportunity to hear his story through a conversation with someone who knew him long before the cameras began rolling.
The Locher Room: Where Entertainment Meets Meaningful Conversation
Created and hosted by Alan Locher, The Locher Room launched in 2020 and has become a popular destination for interviews with television stars, actors, filmmakers and entertainment personalities.
The series has featured conversations with familiar names from television and entertainment while also highlighting personal stories and important social issues.
Locher’s ability to connect with guests through thoughtful, engaging conversations has helped establish the program as a welcoming platform for stories that extend beyond traditional celebrity interviews.
His reunion with Petrillo is especially meaningful because of their shared history.
What begins as two old friends reconnecting becomes a conversation about identity, personal freedom, second chances and the courage required to live life on your own terms.
A Story That Deserves to Be Heard
At a time when transgender stories remain at the center of public conversation, CALL ME MICKY offers something deeply human: a portrait of an individual who spent decades discovering the courage to live authentically.
Petrillo’s journey reminds audiences that transformation doesn’t have an age limit and that personal happiness should never depend on the approval of others.
His reunion with Alan Locher provides a powerful introduction to the man behind the documentary and the message he hopes audiences will take away.
Respect isn’t something anyone should have to earn by being accepted. It is something everyone deserves.
WATCH MICKY ANGELO PETRILLO ON THE LOCHER ROOM:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMlkv_jXVxM
UPCOMING FILM FESTIVAL SCREENING
CALL ME MICKY
Teaneck International Film Festival
November 7, 2026
Teaneck, New Jersey
ABOUT THE LOCHER ROOM
The Locher Room is an entertainment interview series created and hosted by Alan Locher. Launched in 2020, the program features conversations with actors, television personalities, filmmakers and individuals with compelling personal stories. The series is available on YouTube and major podcast platforms.
Website: https://www.thelocherroom.com
ABOUT MICKY ANGELO PETRILLO
Micky Angelo Petrillo is a New Jersey entrepreneur, author and transgender advocate whose extraordinary transition at age 59 inspired the documentary CALL ME MICKY. Raised in Ridgefield and currently residing in Fort Lee, Petrillo has owned Baskets-N-Beyond in Oradell for more than three decades. He is also the author of Walking the Earth: First as a Woman, Then a Man. Through his documentary, memoir and public appearances, Petrillo encourages others to embrace authenticity and live without apology.
Documentary Website: https://www.callmemickyfilm.com
Watch the Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMlkv_jXVxM
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