"I Am the Queen," directed by Josue Pellot and Henrique Cirne-Lima, is a poignant documentary that delves into the world of young transgender Latinas participating in the Vida/Sida Cacica Pageant in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood. The documentary offers a unique perspective on the lives of these young women as they navigate personal, familial, and societal challenges while preparing for a transgender beauty pageant. Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s vibrant Puerto Rican community, the film provides an intimate look at the contestants' experiences as they balance their aspirations with the harsh realities of being transgender in a world that often marginalizes them.
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The Vida/Sida Cacica Pageant serves as a significant event for the transgender community in Chicago, particularly for the Puerto Rican residents of Humboldt Park. This event is more than just a beauty contest; it is a space where transgender individuals can find solidarity and celebrate their identity within a supportive environment. "I Am the Queen" focuses on three main characters - Bianca, Julissa, and Jolizza - who are at the heart of this journey. Each of these young women is on a deeply personal path of self-discovery, facing the complexities of their transitions, family relationships, and cultural expectations. The documentary opens with the contestants' preparations for the pageant, introducing viewers to their lives in the community. It becomes clear early on that the Cacica Pageant is not just about beauty; it's about resilience, self-expression, and defiance against the marginalization they face as transgender individuals. We are introduced to Bianca, Julissa, and Jolizza as they prepare for the pageant under the mentorship of Ginger Valdez, a seasoned transgender woman who has lived through many of the struggles these young women face.
Ginger Valdez, a key figure in the film, brings both wisdom and humor to the narrative. Having transitioned at a young age in Puerto Rico, when being transgender was illegal, Ginger’s story of survival and strength serves as both a source of inspiration and a sobering reminder of how much has - and hasn’t - changed for transgender people over the years. As the pageant coordinator and emcee, Ginger not only guides the contestants through the event but also offers insights into the transgender experience, sharing both personal anecdotes and the wisdom gained from her own trials. She speaks candidly about the violence she faced as a young transgender woman and the struggle for acceptance that continues today. Through the lens of these three young women, the film explores the intersection of personal identity, cultural heritage, and family dynamics. Each of the contestants has a unique journey with their family and community, which forms a key element of the narrative.
Julissa, 20, is a transgender woman who faced initial rejection from her mother when she came out as transgender at the age of 13. Despite her mother’s anger and refusal to speak with her at first, Julissa’s mother eventually recognized the importance of supporting her daughter. With her mother’s eventual acceptance and active participation in her transition, Julissa shares her experiences with heartfelt emotion. She recounts the struggles of growing up transgender and the relief that came with the eventual understanding from her family, even though the road was not without difficulties. The beauty pageant, she says, played a crucial role in helping her fully embrace her identity as Julissa. However, while her immediate family came to support her, the broader community’s acceptance remains an ongoing struggle.
Jolizza, 19, presents a more difficult story of rejection. When she came out to her mother as a transsexual, her mother, despite being a lesbian, could not accept her identity as a transgender woman and kicked her out of the house. Forced to fend for herself, Jolizza worked part-time while trying to finish high school. Through these struggles, Jolizza finds solace in her sister and a network of supportive friends in the LGBTQ+ community, whom she considers her chosen family. The film features moments of both humor and vulnerability, such as a scene where Jolizza proudly declares that no one can challenge her right to use the women’s restroom at school. Though confident and tough on the outside, Jolizza admits to moments of deep sorrow when alone, revealing the emotional toll that being transgender in an often unaccepting world takes on her.
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Bianca, the youngest of the trio, also faces significant obstacles in her journey. At just 18 years old when the film begins, Bianca has experienced severe familial rejection and emotional turmoil. After spending time in foster care due to early trauma, she was later reunited with her biological family, but acceptance of her gender identity remained a contentious issue. Bianca’s relationship with her family is strained, and she reveals that she has often had to rely on the support of friends and other transgender women to navigate her transition. The film touches on the instability in Bianca’s life as she prepares for the pageant, showcasing the emotional and logistical challenges she faces in her personal life. The documentary’s portrayal of Bianca, Julissa, and Jolizza’s stories is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of transgender youth. As the pageant draws closer, the women’s excitement and nerves intensify, reflecting the emotional rollercoaster they experience in their everyday lives. Their journey is fraught with both setbacks and moments of triumph, as they reflect on their growth and the significance of the pageant in their lives.
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The pageant itself is not without its challenges, with some contestants dropping out in the lead-up to the event, but the remaining participants are determined to see it through. In addition to the personal stories, the documentary also touches on the broader cultural context, highlighting the role of the Puerto Rican community in Humboldt Park. As the contestants navigate their transgender identities, they also contend with the cultural expectations and stereotypes that exist within their community. The film captures the vibrant energy of the neighborhood, showcasing scenes of the Puerto Rican flag, bomba dancers, and the rich cultural history of the area. These moments serve as a reminder of the intersection between cultural heritage and personal identity, particularly for transgender individuals who are often caught between two worlds. The final scenes of the pageant are both celebratory and bittersweet. The viewer becomes deeply invested in the contestants’ journeys, feeling the tension of the competition and the emotional weight of their stories. While the winner of the pageant is celebrated, the struggles of the other contestants - who did not win - are equally poignant, reinforcing the message that their worth is not defined by a single event. In this sense, "I Am the Queen" is more than just a documentary about a beauty contest; it is a celebration of resilience, community, and the power of self-expression.
In conclusion, "I Am the Queen" is a powerful and empathetic documentary that offers a rare and intimate look into the lives of young transgender Latinas in Chicago. Through the personal stories of Bianca, Julissa, and Jolizza, the film provides valuable insights into the struggles and triumphs of transgender youth, the complexities of family and community dynamics, and the importance of visibility and support. The documentary is a testament to the strength of these young women as they navigate the challenges of growing up transgender in an often hostile world. Through their courage and determination, "I Am the Queen" highlights the importance of creating spaces where transgender individuals can celebrate their identities and find the support they need to thrive.
Image credits: YouTube
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