Future Character Analysis in When They Call You a Terrorist

Future is a genderqueer Black Lives Matter Toronto leader. After Patrisse stopped seeing JT, Future became Patrisse’s romantic partner. Given their geographic distance, Future and Patrisse developed a deep friendship virtually for a year and met in person for the first time during the summer of 2015, when Patrisse was leading the #SayHerName campaign in the wake of Sandra Bland’s death. Their attraction to each other was immediately apparent, and when JT emotionally withdrew after Patrisse told him she was pregnant, Future stepped in to become her primary partner. They fell deeply in love, connecting over their shared commitment to the BLM movement. Future also experienced a tough childhood: they separated from their siblings and went into the foster care system due to their mother’s mental illness. Patrisse and Future got engaged when Patrisse was five months pregnant and visiting Future in Toronto. After some challenges with Future’s immigration status, they got married in LA when Patrisse was nine months pregnant and moved in together in West Hollywood. Future was present with Patrisse through health complications during her pregnancy and through Shine’s birth, showing Patrisse that it was possible to trust again.

Future Character Timeline in When They Call You a Terrorist

The timeline below shows where the character Future appears in When They Call You a Terrorist. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Intersectionality of Identity Theme Icon

...know how to respond—they had talked about having a baby—so she goes outside to call Future. Future is genderqueer and a leader of BLM Toronto (where unarmed Black people are also... (full context)

Family, Community, and Healing Theme Icon

When Patrisse told Future about her relationship with JT and the potential baby, they were respectful. They talked about... (full context)

...that she can do this and that she already loves the baby. Later, she asks Future if they will be present at the birth, and they say of course. They talk... (full context)

...home with JT and couch surfs for three months, spending some time in Toronto where Future cares for her through nausea and exhaustion. They are in love, and this is the... (full context)

After leaving the hospital, Patrisse and Future decide to go back to LA early. Patrisse gets through security fine, but Future is... (full context)

In Patrisse’s ninth month of pregnancy, she and Future get married in Malibu. (After the immigration challenges, they decided to have their wedding sooner.)... (full context)

...know how they will survive a Trump presidency—and how will she protect Shine? She and Future head home. It’s hard for Patrisse to move on from the grief and the fear... (full context)

...fight for basic rights. In Canada, they’ve just elected Justin Trudeau—Trump’s polar opposite—and Patrisse and Future almost consider moving to Toronto. Meanwhile, Trump immediately starts talking about how he will end... (full context)

...doesn’t want to leave the organizing work that needs to happen in the U.S, and Future agrees to stay. The BLM chapters are all doing critical work in their locales, including,... (full context)

...by Gabriel, she also has fun—roller-skating, hosting park days, and more. She spends time with Future and with Shine, a child who teaches her that so much is possible. If Shine—or... (full context)