My name is Violeta

Director: David Fernández de Castro and Marc Parramon
Release Year: 2019
Original title: Me llamo Violeta

"My Name is Violeta" is a poignant documentary directed by David Fernández de Castro and Marc Parramon, produced by Mediapro and Polar Star Films. This film tells the intimate and challenging stories of two transgender children: Violeta, the daughter of adult film stars Nacho Vidal and Franceska Jaimes, and Alan, a young transgender boy whose tragic end highlights the difficulties transgender youth face. Through these personal narratives, the documentary sheds light on the complex journey of transgender children and their families, exposing the delicate balance between societal acceptance and rejection.

 

The documentary begins with a simple yet profound question: "How do I know you're a boy or a girl?" This question, which seems straightforward, opens a conversation about the struggles faced by transgender children in a world that often doesn't understand them. Violeta, who was born as Ignacio, surprised her parents at the age of six when she expressed her desire to live as a girl and adopt the name Violeta. This revelation came with both support and challenges, as the documentary explores the emotional, medical, and legal obstacles that Violeta and her family faced. Violeta’s story is contrasted with the tragic story of Alan, a transgender teenager who, despite receiving support from his family, ended his life in 2015 at the age of 17 after enduring bullying and rejection. Alan’s heartbreaking journey serves as a reminder that not every transgender experience is met with the same level of support, and the challenges faced by transgender youth can sometimes lead to devastating outcomes. Through Alan’s story, the filmmakers highlight the need for greater awareness, support, and understanding of transgender issues. 

 

The film’s primary aim is to educate and inform. According to David Fernández de Castro, the documentary’s purpose is to help parents who may not know how to react when their child comes out as transgender. “We want to reach a general audience to provide a more accurate understanding of the reality these children face, as there is still very little information on this subject,” Fernández explains. This intention is particularly crucial in a time when societal perceptions of transgender people are still evolving, and misinformation or lack of awareness can lead to harmful misunderstandings. Throughout the film, the audience is introduced to the complexity of the transgender experience through the eyes of Violeta, her parents, and other transgender families. 

 

Violeta's story, in particular, illustrates the legal and medical hurdles that many transgender children face. Although public perceptions of transgender people in Spain have gradually shifted toward greater acceptance, the process of transitioning remains fraught with difficulties. Legal battles, medical treatments, and societal prejudice still make the journey challenging, even for families that are fully supportive of their transgender children. In the film, the director emphasizes a paradox that speaks to the broader issue of societal inequality: While Violeta’s story is told, her face remains hidden due to legal restrictions imposed by the juvenile prosecutor’s office. This decision, based on the fact that Violeta is a transgender girl, highlights the complex legal landscape surrounding transgender minors. 

 

As the director points out, it is ironic that the faces of non-transgender children in similar situations can be shown, but Violeta’s cannot. This decision becomes a powerful commentary on the ways in which transgender children are treated differently, even when their stories are ones of self-realization and love. Violeta’s parents, both public figures in the adult film industry, faced their own challenges as they supported their daughter’s transition. Nacho Vidal, Violeta’s father, speaks candidly in the documentary about the frustrations they encountered. 

 

One of the more poignant moments in the film occurs when Nacho criticizes the legal system for making Violeta wait for three years before her name could be legally changed on her identification card. He argues that it is unreasonable for someone who does not know his family or their situation to dictate the name his daughter can use. This emotional moment underscores the ongoing fight for transgender rights and recognition. The contrast between Violeta’s experience and Alan’s tragic end reveals the stark realities that transgender children face. While Violeta’s story is one of hope and gradual acceptance, Alan’s life serves as a painful reminder that not every child is fortunate enough to receive the love and understanding they need to thrive. "My Name is Violeta" does not shy away from this darker reality. It acknowledges that the journey of transitioning is not always smooth, especially for minors who may not have the support of their peers or society at large. In addition to these personal stories, the film explores the broader social context of transgender issues. 

 

The documentary highlights the role of society in shaping perceptions of gender and the obstacles transgender individuals face in a world that often demands conformity. Violeta’s experience serves as an example of the courage it takes for transgender children to assert their identities in a society that can be slow to accept diversity. As Nacho Vidal wisely states in the film, “Diversity feeds the world.” This sentiment reflects the broader message of the documentary: that accepting and embracing differences is essential for creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. While "My Name is Violeta" is an important and necessary film that shines a light on transgender youth, it also raises some questions about the way transgender issues are presented. 

 

Some critics have pointed out that the documentary takes an emotional approach to the subject matter, potentially glossing over some important aspects of the transgender experience. For instance, the documentary does not fully explore the distinction between being transgender and being transsexual, which could have provided a more nuanced understanding of these terms. Additionally, the film avoids delving into more difficult questions, such as the potential role of the state in regulating the age at which transgender minors can undergo medical procedures or legally change their gender. 

 

Despite these critiques, "My Name is Violeta" remains a powerful and emotional exploration of the transgender experience. It presents a narrative of hope and resilience through the stories of Violeta and other transgender children while also acknowledging the harsh realities that many of them face. Ultimately, the documentary serves as a call to action, urging society to better understand and support transgender youth as they navigate their identities and fight for acceptance in a world that is still learning how to embrace them. Through its intimate portrayal of Violeta’s journey, "My Name is Violeta" reinforces the idea that diversity, in all its forms, is what makes the world richer and more vibrant.

 

via: youtube and equal-eyes.org

Image credits: YouTube