French TV: Coccinelle

Show: French TV (unknown channel)
Release Year: 1988 (to be confirmed)

In 1988, Coccinelle, born Jacqueline Charlotte Dufresnoy, gave a candid and revealing interview on a French TV channel, discussing her remarkable journey as a pioneering trans woman. This conversation delved deeply into her personal experiences and broader societal issues, offering a unique glimpse into her life. Known for her trailblazing work as a cabaret artist and as one of the first well-known trans women to undergo sex reassignment surgery, Coccinelle's reflections were not just about her personal transformation but also about the larger cultural and political context that shaped her journey.

 

The host began by acknowledging Coccinelle's monumental influence, mentioning her contributions to French cabaret at iconic venues like the Olympia and the Carousel. Her career, which had spanned many years, was marked by her exceptional performances and her pivotal role in bringing the stories of transgender individuals to the stage. The host also noted Coccinelle’s return to the stage in Madame Arthur, a show that she was involved with at the time of the interview. Coccinelle, with her characteristic grace and poise, responded with a slight correction, stating that her performances occurred every night at precisely 8 p.m., a lighthearted yet affirming remark that reflected both her stage presence and her long-standing connection with her audience. She was asked directly about her role as a pioneer in the field of gender transition, and Coccinelle did not hesitate to claim her place as "the pioneer," reinforcing the idea that she was at the forefront of a movement that had not yet gained widespread recognition. Her transition, which occurred in the late 1950s, was groundbreaking, particularly for a time when the world had little understanding or acceptance of gender identity beyond the binary. 

 

The conversation then turned to her transition, with the host asking about the specifics of her surgery. Coccinelle revealed that it had taken place in 1958, almost 30 years prior to the interview, which marked a significant milestone in her life. The choice of Casablanca as the location for her surgery was explained by Coccinelle’s assertion that France, at the time, did not allow such surgeries. She expressed her disbelief and frustration at the French government’s stance on gender-affirming surgeries, calling it "incomprehensible" that a country so wonderful in so many ways would deny individuals the right to surgery if they were dissatisfied with their bodies. 

 

Her words carried a deep sense of both personal and collective pain: "I do not understand France, such a wonderful country, which I rediscover with great joy. I do not understand a country like France, which does not allow people who are not well in their skin to have surgery." She questioned why a country that was willing to perform cosmetic surgeries, like nose jobs, was unwilling to support people seeking gender-affirming care. This sentiment revealed a broader criticism of French society’s approach to transgender issues, and Coccinelle’s voice carried the weight of her own lived experience as well as the experiences of others she had encountered around the world. The interview also illuminated her optimism about the global progress of transgender rights. She shared the uplifting story of a Chilean woman who had undergone a similar transition and was living a fulfilling life. The woman had been accepted by her family, had a supportive partner, and was happily married. For Coccinelle, such stories of acceptance and happiness were common among the transgender community worldwide, except in France, where she felt there was still a long way to go. 

 

In a particularly poignant moment, Coccinelle discussed the process through which she gained official recognition of her gender. She described the medical and legal journey she went through to have her gender legally recognized, noting that she was granted a change of civil status after being examined by a government-appointed gynecologist. Reflecting on the process with a mixture of pride and amazement, Coccinelle recounted how, after the examination, she was legally recognized as a woman, with her new name, Jacqueline Charlotte Dufresnoy, officially published in the "official newspaper" of France. 

 

This moment marked the official conclusion of her transition, but she emphasized that her journey wasn’t just about the legal papers - it was about finally being recognized for who she truly was. "I did not pay, as we said at the time, a million. It was easy," Coccinelle said, hinting at the relative simplicity of her experience compared to the struggles many others faced. Her words highlighted a certain privilege in her situation, one that allowed her to navigate the bureaucratic hurdles of her time with relative ease. However, she did not shy away from acknowledging the challenges faced by others and called on society to embrace and support individuals going through similar experiences. Her reflections on this process were particularly striking because they emphasized the broader societal implications of her transition. "The gynecologist who examined me is not an idiot," she said, underscoring the professionalism and care with which her case was handled. For Coccinelle, the transition wasn’t just about receiving a new name and identity - it was about the recognition of her humanity, and the validation of her existence as a woman. 

 

Coccinelle’s plea for acceptance resonated throughout the interview, particularly when she addressed the parents of transgender individuals. She urged families not to reject their children who were undergoing gender transition, emphasizing that these individuals were often deeply unhappy with their bodies. She likened the experience of a child struggling with their gender identity to that of a drug addict, stressing the importance of offering help and support rather than condemnation. "Mothers, fathers who have a child in this case, do not reject them. They are unhappy. You have to help them," she said, her voice filled with compassion. This appeal for empathy and understanding was especially poignant given her own experiences of feeling rejected and misunderstood. She also spoke of the broader societal responsibility to support transgender individuals, urging society to be more inclusive and to offer resources for those who were struggling. The message was clear: transgender people, like anyone else, needed support to live full and happy lives, and that support had to come from both the family and society at large. 

 

The interview also touched on a more personal aspect of Coccinelle’s life: her fashion choices. Known for her glamorous appearances, Coccinelle offered a lighthearted yet insightful perspective on her personal style. When asked about her preference for glamorous outfits, she explained that it came naturally to her, as everything about her femininity felt organic. However, she firmly rejected the idea of ever wearing pants. "I hate my pants," she declared, making a humorous but also profound statement about the way clothing is tied to gender identity. For Coccinelle, pants represented a time in her childhood when she was forced to dress in a way that did not align with her true self. The rejection of pants symbolized her rejection of the gender roles she had been forced to conform to as a child. "For me, a pair of pants is an anguish," she said, highlighting the deep connection between her clothes and her identity. She made a comparison to the discomfort that men would feel if forced to wear a skirt, emphasizing the powerful connection between clothing and gender identity. "At the time of my childhood, I was forced to put on pants. I reject it now," she reflected. This rejection of pants was not just about fashion - it was a personal assertion of her identity, a statement that she would never again conform to something that did not align with who she was. 

 

Throughout the interview, Coccinelle also shared her reflections on the state of transgender rights in France. While she acknowledged the support she had received from the country and its role in her rise to international fame, she was critical of France’s slow progress in recognizing and supporting transgender individuals. "The French in 1958 took it wonderfully well," she noted, indicating that France had been more progressive than many other countries in terms of her transition. However, she also called for further progress, pointing to countries like Germany, where transgender individuals were automatically given legal recognition after surgery, and social security benefits were provided. "We are late. Gentlemen, we must work so that France rises a little," she said, emphasizing the need for continued progress in transgender rights and acceptance. 

 

In her 1988 interview, Coccinelle offered a rare and intimate glimpse into her life as a trailblazer in the transgender community. Her reflections on her transition, the challenges she faced, and the broader societal issues surrounding transgender rights were profound and resonant. Her words continue to echo as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of transgender individuals, and her advocacy for acceptance, understanding, and progress remains an important part of her legacy. Through her courage, artistry, and willingness to speak out, Coccinelle became not just a star in the cabaret world but a powerful voice for change and progress in society.

 

via: youtube

Image credits: YouTube