Chicas por sentimiento

2001, Barcelona, Spain, Spanish,

Director: Kaiton Kalaitzidis
Release Year: 2001
Alternate title: Girls of Sentiment (English); Dziewczyny z wyboru (Polish)

Synopsis:

Chicas por Sentimiento (2001), a documentary directed by Kaiton Kalaitzidis, presents an intimate and complex exploration of the lives of five transsexual women living in Barcelona. Through personal interviews and candid reflections, the film offers a rich tapestry of experiences, showcasing the diversity of trans identities and the social, psychological, and emotional challenges that accompany the journey of gender transition. Each woman featured in the film presents her own unique perspective, shaped by different histories, societal attitudes, and personal choices. What binds them together is a shared courage to redefine their lives and assert their identities in the face of both personal and societal obstacles.

 

Barcelona, often regarded as a "Mecca" for transgender people, provides a vibrant backdrop for the film. The city’s dynamic cultural scene and relatively progressive atmosphere make it an important space for LGBTQ+ visibility and activism, yet the stories of these women reveal the complexities of living as a transsexual in Spain. Through the lens of Kalaitzidis' documentary, we gain insight not only into their personal narratives but also into the shifting landscapes of sexuality, gender, and identity in a post-Franco era.

 

One of the central figures of Chicas por Sentimiento is Maria Jose, who opens up about her personal history and the psychological toll of her transition. Maria Jose's story is deeply reflective, focusing on the years she spent before fully embracing her gender identity. She poignantly recalls her past life, navigating the discomfort of living as a man, before she embarked on her journey to become the woman she always felt herself to be. Her reflections are not only about the physical transition but about the emotional and mental transformation that accompanies such a life-changing decision. In particular, Maria Jose’s journey takes a significant turn when she returns to her hometown, a small, conservative area where she had once lived as a man. The process of returning as a woman is fraught with anxiety and anticipation. Maria Jose contemplates the reactions of her family and community, as well as the deep internal questions about her identity. Her story sheds light on the often overlooked aspect of transition: the struggle with the past and the challenge of reconciling one’s former self with the person they’ve become. Maria Jose's narrative offers a window into the complex relationship between identity, memory, and community.

 

Dora’s interview provides a historical perspective on the evolution of sexuality and gender politics in Spain, particularly in the context of the Franco regime, which lasted from 1939 to 1975. Dora, who lived through the repressive years of General Franco's rule, reflects on how societal attitudes toward gender and sexuality were drastically different in her youth. During the Franco era, any expression of non-heteronormative gender identity was not only stigmatized but could lead to severe social exclusion or legal consequences. As Dora recounts her experiences, she draws a stark contrast between the rigid, conservative society of Franco's Spain and the more open, albeit still challenging, environment in contemporary Barcelona. She speaks about the slow process of cultural change, noting how the liberation of sexual identities in post-Franco Spain opened doors for the transgender community, although not without ongoing struggles. Dora’s insights offer a crucial understanding of how the current climate of trans visibility is the result of years of activism, subversion, and the gradual dismantling of authoritarian controls over sexuality.

 

Trini's interview brings attention to the differences in the experiences of transsexuals across generations. She notes that, in her time, transitioning was a much slower and more isolated process, whereas younger trans people today are starting their transitions much earlier in life, sometimes even as teenagers. Trini expresses concern about the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), noting that while it can be beneficial, it should not be rushed. She criticizes the medicalization of transition, particularly the pressure on younger individuals to undergo hormonal treatments without fully understanding the long-term consequences. Trini’s perspective is rooted in her own lived experience, one that reflects the trials and tribulations of transitioning in an era when social acceptance of transgender individuals was still nascent. Her cautious stance on hormone therapy invites a broader discussion about the medical and psychological dimensions of transitioning, especially in light of increasing access to gender-affirming treatments in the present day. Trini’s perspective serves as a reminder that the road to self-actualization, especially for trans individuals, is deeply personal and should not be undertaken lightly.

 

Virginia’s story offers a fascinating exploration of the intersection between sex work, education, and the fight for professional equality for trans individuals. Virginia speaks openly about her experiences as a prostitute, detailing the complexities of selling sex as a trans woman in Barcelona. For many trans women, sex work has historically been one of the few available options for financial survival, given the widespread discrimination they face in other sectors of employment. Virginia’s narrative sheds light on the economic realities that many transgender people face, as well as the psychological toll of navigating a society that often marginalizes their existence. However, Virginia’s story is not solely about sex work. She is also a student, seeking to carve out a more traditional career path and push for equal professional opportunities for transgender people. She discusses her experiences of balancing her academic ambitions with the stigmas attached to her identity, and how her journey reflects the broader struggle for transgender rights in the workplace. Virginia's insights into the challenges of achieving professional equality underscore the need for systemic changes to ensure that transgender individuals have access to fair employment opportunities and can thrive in all spheres of life.

 

Marga’s story is uniquely tied to her work as a photographer, and she reflects on how her experiences as a transsexual woman have deeply influenced her art. She speaks about her first experience with gender identity at the age of five, describing how she instinctively felt drawn to femininity even at such a young age. Marga’s personal journey of self-discovery is mirrored in her photographic work, where she explores themes of gender, identity, and the body. Her images often deal with the fluidity of gender and the ways in which societal norms shape our perceptions of the self. As a transsexual woman in the artistic world, Marga’s experience challenges the often rigid boundaries of gender representation in visual culture. She uses her photography not only as a form of personal expression but also as a tool for social commentary, questioning conventional portrayals of women and trans bodies. Through her art, Marga addresses the intersections of gender, beauty, and power, making her work an important contribution to both the artistic and transgender communities.

 

In reflecting on the future, the five women featured in Chicas por Sentimiento express a mixture of hope and caution. While they recognize the significant strides that have been made in terms of social and legal acceptance of transgender people, they also remain aware of the challenges that still exist. Issues such as medical access, social stigma, and the need for greater representation in media and public life continue to be pressing concerns. Yet, the women’s stories are also marked by an underlying optimism. Their courage to live authentically, despite the hurdles they face, exemplifies the strength of the trans community. They speak not only for themselves but for future generations of transgender individuals, who, they hope, will have an easier time navigating a world that is increasingly more accepting, though far from perfect.

 

Chicas por Sentimiento offers an unflinching look at the lives of five transgender women in Barcelona, each with her own story, perspective, and set of experiences. Through these personal narratives, the film highlights the diverse and multifaceted nature of trans identities, while also providing a glimpse into the ongoing struggle for social acceptance and equality. Kaiton Kalaitzidis’ documentary is a powerful reminder of the resilience, courage, and humanity of transgender people, and a testament to the importance of telling diverse stories in the ongoing fight for gender justice.

 

 

via: youtube
filmweb.pl

Image credits: YouTube