In 1993, Danielle Metz was labeled a drug kingpin and sentenced to triple life in California, many miles away from New Orleans and her two children. Metz's sentence was commuted 23 years later. Now back home, she is stepping into a different reality. The film traces Metz's journey in confronting the wounds of incarceration, and to finding purpose, love and unification with her two grown children.

This is the life story of Gloria Allen, a 73-year-old Black transgender woman from Chicago. Mama Gloria explores Gloria's journey - from her realization that she was a girl to her gender reassignment surgery and career as the proprietor of a charm school for young trans people. The film highlights the unconditional love Gloria received from her family and the love she gives to her chosen children.