Director: Paola Molina
Release Year: 2022
Title in English: Uncovered Girl
Synopsis:
"Des-tapadas" (2022), a documentary by Paola Molina, delves into the intersections of identity, labor rights, and representation in a modern-day Lima that continues to marginalize trans women. Against the backdrop of Peru's bicentennial celebration of independence, the film follows the lives of six transgender women who rehearse portraying a historical figure: the "Tapada Limeña". This iconic character, a symbol of femininity from the colonial and early republican eras, is explored not only as a fashion trend but also as an allegory for the women’s own struggles with invisibility and the complex realities they face as trans individuals and sex workers in a hostile society.
The documentary serves as a powerful platform for the voices of the trans community, particularly the six women at its heart: Taila Chino, Gianna Camacho, Lesly Quispe, Ali Belleza, Sandy Ruiz, and Jadi Zea. Through their narratives, "Des-tapadas" brings attention to a range of issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community in Peru, such as identity formation, labor rights, and political engagement. This is especially poignant at a time when the country has witnessed the largest Pride march in its history and when LGBTQ+ issues are becoming more prominent in public discourse, including in spaces like Disney films.
The film opens with intimate reflections from the women, capturing their personal experiences and the challenges they face living as transgender women in a society that still denies them equal rights and opportunities. The narrative then shifts to group discussions where the women address their lived realities: navigating public spaces, dealing with the stigma of sex work, and the complex dynamics within their own community.
The women’s stories reflect the broader struggle of LGBTQ+ individuals in Peru, a struggle rooted in centuries of exclusion and erasure, stretching back to colonial times.
The symbolism of the "Tapada Limeña" is crucial to understanding the layers of meaning in the documentary. The "Tapada Limeña" was a fashion trend that emerged in the colonial period, in which women wore a silk cloak that covered most of their face, leaving only one eye visible. This style, popular among women in Lima between the 16th and 19th centuries, served as a symbol of mystery, subtle flirtation, and anonymity. In the colonial context, this covering of the face allowed women to embody an idealized femininity while also providing a form of protection and freedom. It was, in a sense, a veil that allowed women to move through society with a sense of autonomy, albeit under the watchful eyes of a patriarchal system.
The "Tapada Limeña" also served as a camouflaged space for marginalized individuals, including "sodomites" (a term used at the time for homosexuals), who would use the feminine disguise as a way to express themselves outside the rigid gender norms of the time. Historical records, such as the trial of Francisco Pro in 1803, who was caught wearing the "Tapada" and subsequently arrested, highlight the dangers faced by individuals who transgressed gender expectations. In "Des-tapadas", this historical allegory is brought to life as the women in the documentary embody the "Tapada" in a powerful reimagining. In a scene from the film, a trans woman dressed as a "Tapada" is attacked when her identity is revealed, but she is defended by other trans women. This act of solidarity, of coming together as a collective to protect one of their own, contrasts with the fate of Francisco Pro, who was punished by the state.
The film is not merely about appearances; it is about the substance beneath them.
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While the imagery of the "Tapada" is important, "Des-tapadas" shifts the focus to the voices and experiences of the women themselves. Their candid and often raw opinions on the church’s influence over society, the social issues surrounding sex work, their perspectives on politics, and the internal conflicts within the LGBTQ+ community challenge the viewer to rethink societal prejudices and assumptions. These women, through their activism, confront a world that has long excluded them and demand space for their identities to be seen, heard, and respected.
The documentary does more than just expose their struggles—it showcases their resilience and growing sense of solidarity. Through their collective activism, these women are reshaping the narrative, asserting their right to exist fully and freely. The film’s message is clear: after 200 years of independence that have not fully embraced the freedom of all Peruvians, it is time for marginalized voices to claim the spaces that have long been denied to them.
As "Des-tapadas" powerfully illustrates, the fight for inclusion, recognition, and equality continues, and these transgender women are at the forefront of that struggle. Their voices are no longer invisible; they are loud, proud, and unyielding.
In conclusion, "Des-tapadas" is a striking exploration of gender, history, and resistance, illustrating how the personal and the political are inextricably linked. By reclaiming the symbol of the "Tapada Limeña", Paola Molina and the women featured in the documentary offer a new, empowering narrative of survival and solidarity. Their stories, both intimate and collective, serve as a call for greater acceptance and understanding, pushing for a future where transgender women can step out from behind the veil and claim their rightful place in society.
Image credits: YouTube
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