Transformistas (2022), directed by Chad Hahne, is a deeply moving and poignant documentary that provides an intimate look at the transformative lives of Cuba’s pioneering drag queens. Through the lens of this remarkable film, we are introduced to a group of Cuban artists who have not only navigated the complexities of life under the island’s strict social and political constraints but have also redefined the very essence of queer expression in Cuba. Transformistas explores the resilience of this community, which has faced extreme challenges, including a brutal government crackdown, the devastation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and pervasive social stigma.
The term transformistas refers to the Cuban drag queens who, in the face of adversity, formed a vibrant underground drag culture. At the heart of this movement is the oldest gay bar in Cuba, El Mejunje, located in the town of Santa Clara. In the 1990s, a group of brave individuals - who would become known as El Futuro ("The Future") - began performing drag shows there, marking the first public drag performances on the island. This group’s audacity to celebrate their identities in a time of homophobia and political surveillance was revolutionary, creating a safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals and offering a beacon of hope for marginalized communities in Cuba. Despite the oppressive environment, El Futuro brought joy, expression, and a sense of community to their fellow queers. As they created their own costumes and makeup, often out of necessity due to limited resources, they defied the constraints imposed on them, carving out a space for Cuban drag that would eventually serve as the foundation for future generations of performers.
Transformistas was shot in an extremely challenging environment. Cuba’s tightly controlled media laws meant that Hahne and his small crew had to film under intense secrecy, using an iPhone to capture footage. The film’s unassuming style is a direct result of these constraints, lending it an authentic, raw quality that perfectly complements the stories of survival and self-expression it portrays. Hahne’s journey into Cuba’s queer community began five years ago when he traveled to the island on vacation. Initially, he had no intention of making a documentary, but after learning about the queer culture in Cuba and the stories of its people, he was compelled to take action. His first encounter with the LGBTQ+ community came through a visit to El Mejunje and a chance meeting with Omar Martin, a local who would eventually become the film’s producer. Through Martin, Hahne was introduced to the drag queens who would become the film’s central subjects. One of the most compelling stories is that of Samantha, a drag queen who had been quarantined in an HIV sanitarium for five years. Her emotional return to the stage is one of the film’s most powerful moments, showcasing both her personal resilience and the larger, often unseen history of Cuba’s LGBTQ+ community. Another key figure is Omega, a former Miss Trans Cuba, who tragically passed away shortly before filming began. Her untimely death added an even greater layer of poignancy to the narrative.
For Hahne, gaining the trust of the community was essential. Being a queer person himself, he felt a kinship with the individuals he met in Cuba, despite the cultural and political differences that separated them. However, the process of making a documentary in such a tightly controlled environment was far from easy. “It wasn’t just about making a film,” Hahne reflects. “It was about telling stories that had never been heard before and doing so in a way that honored the courage of these individuals.” The level of intimacy that Hahne and his team were able to achieve with the queens was crucial to the film’s success. Shooting with minimal equipment and working closely with local contacts allowed the filmmakers to capture moments of incredible honesty and emotional depth, which might have been impossible under more conventional conditions.
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While Transformistas is primarily a celebration of drag culture in Cuba, it also addresses the larger historical context of LGBTQ+ life on the island. One of the most striking elements of the film is its exploration of the HIV/AIDS crisis and its impact on Cuba’s queer population. In the 1980s and 1990s, many people living with HIV were quarantined in special sanitariums, and the disease was met with harsh stigma. Through the eyes of the film’s subjects, particularly Samantha, we are reminded of the immense hardships faced by Cuba’s LGBTQ+ community during these dark years. The Cuban government’s response to the AIDS epidemic was initially marked by denial and isolation, and those living with HIV were often marginalized. In Transformistas, we witness firsthand the struggles of those affected by the epidemic, as well as the cultural shifts that slowly began to take place over time. While Cuba’s government maintained a harsh stance toward queer people for many years, the tide began to change thanks in part to figures like Mariela Castro, the daughter of Fidel Castro, who advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and helped bring attention to the struggles of the community.
At its core, Transformistas is a documentary about the power of community and the importance of preserving history. The queens of El Futuro created not just art but a movement - a beacon of hope in a country where visibility and self-expression for queer people were previously unimaginable. The film also explores the evolution of Cuban drag from the underground resistance of the 1990s to the more visible LGBTQ+ rights movements of today. Through the lives of these extraordinary performers, Transformistas provides a rare glimpse into a hidden world that is often overlooked by both mainstream cinema and historical accounts of LGBTQ+ struggles. The queens’ resilience and passion have made them icons of Cuban culture, and their stories continue to inspire new generations of performers.
Chad Hahne’s previous work in television and documentaries - such as his involvement with the Academy Award-nominated How to Survive a Plague and Emmy-winning RuPaul’s Drag Race - informed his approach to Transformistas. Having worked in both entertainment and social justice spheres, Hahne was able to use his platform to amplify the voices of marginalized individuals, particularly those whose stories might otherwise remain untold. The making of Transformistas was not without its financial and logistical challenges. Hahne and his team struggled to secure funding, but through crowdfunding and personal investment, they were able to complete the film. This determination and dedication to the cause are evident in every frame of the documentary. Transformistas is not just a film; it is a testament to the courage of the Cuban drag queens who risked everything to tell their stories.
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Transformistas is a groundbreaking film that introduces audiences to a side of Cuba that has long been hidden from view. It sheds light on the country’s LGBTQ+ history, from the early days of El Futuro to the current struggle for equality and visibility. It also challenges assumptions about Cuban life, offering a rich and nuanced portrayal of a community that has always existed, albeit in the shadows. As Chad Hahne continues to work on new projects, including a possible series based on Transformistas, it is clear that the film has opened the door to a broader conversation about queer identity and visibility in Cuba. For those who have followed Cuba’s LGBTQ+ struggle from afar, Transformistas is an essential and eye-opening documentary that gives voice to a community that continues to fight for its right to exist, thrive, and be seen. With its raw authenticity, intimate storytelling, and commitment to social change, Transformistas stands as a powerful reminder of the power of art and resistance in the face of adversity.
Image credits: YouTube
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