We are saddened by the passing of Jai Jai Noire, a longtime anarchist, musician, filmmaker, and cherished member of the Bay Area radical community.
Jai Jai’s political and creative life took bloom in the nascent punk scene of the late 70s and early 80s, where she embraced anarchism, proudly asserted her lesbian identity, and performed in bands including Inverted Triangle and Lesbian Snake Charmers. Music remained a lifelong passion, but she also found her calling behind the camera.
Through Mighty Small Films, Jai Jai devoted decades to documenting radical movements, preserving queer history, and amplifying voices too often ignored. Her work explored worker cooperatives, collective living, grassroots organizing, and struggles for social justice. She produced numerous videos for PM Press and other radical organizations, approaching every project with care, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to her principles.
Jai Jai believed in building a better world through cooperation, creativity, and solidarity. She didn’t just advocate those values, she lived them.
We will remember her fierce independence, generous spirit, love of animals and nature, and dedication to documenting the people and movements working toward liberation.
Rest in power, Jai Jai. Your work, your music, and your spirit live on.
