Valerie

1975, English, USA,

Director: Joseph Horning
Release Year: 1975

Synopsis:

The 1975 documentary "Valerie", directed by Joseph Horning, is a striking verité film that provides an intimate, candid portrait of Valerie, a Black transgender sex worker living in rural Ohio. At just 16 minutes long, the documentary offers a profound look into Valerie’s complex dual existence as a transgender woman and sex worker in the Midwest during the 1970s—a time when “cross-dressing” was still illegal and heavily penalized. 

 

Through her own words, Valerie reveals the challenges and contradictions she faces, both in society and within herself. The film serves as a rare and valuable time capsule, highlighting the tenacity and resilience of a woman navigating societal marginalization, personal transformation, and the harsh realities of her work. Valerie speaks openly about the struggles of being a queer person of color in an environment hostile to her identity. She reflects on how her life is shaped by the intersection of race, gender, and sexual orientation, especially in a time when transgender people, particularly sex workers, faced criminalization and systemic oppression. Valerie's narrative is unapologetic and offers a rare, nuanced glimpse into her world. Her remarks on her life as a transgender woman are both candid and insightful, providing a view into how she has constructed and navigated her identity over the years.

 

Valerie recounts her childhood, noting that she was always more inclined toward traditionally feminine activities, like playing with dolls and learning to cook from her mother. She shares how her relationship with her father was strained, with him calling her a "sister" as he could not accept her femininity. Despite his discomfort, Valerie expresses that she had a generally happy childhood with close bonds to her siblings, particularly her sister. However, she also experienced confusion about her identity when she was labeled a "homosexual" at the age of 14, which she didn’t understand at the time. As Valerie grew older, she began experimenting with drag, initially as a weekend activity. She describes how she became increasingly fascinated by female impersonators, particularly those from Akron, who introduced her to a world where she could express her femininity freely. Although she didn’t initially tell her family about her cross-dressing, Valerie felt empowered by her ability to pass as a woman, which drew the attention of men—both gay and straight. At the same time, she experienced a deep sense of self-doubt about her identity and questioned whether she could truly live as a woman. 

 

One pivotal moment in Valerie's story is when she performed as a drag queen at a go-go club, only for her parents to unexpectedly appear in the audience. While her mother supported her, her father’s disapproval was evident, leading him to burn Valerie’s clothes as punishment. Despite this, Valerie continued to live her life as a woman, eventually embracing her identity and the challenges that came with it. She speaks candidly about her life as a sex worker, detailing the transactional nature of her interactions with clients, or "tricks." Valerie doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of her occupation, describing how she would negotiate with men on street corners, offering various services while maintaining a sense of self-worth. She discusses the varying reactions of clients when they learned of her transgender identity, noting that while some were shocked and distressed, others—particularly gay men—were more accepting. Valerie also touches on the dangers and risks of her line of work, including the possibility of running into violent or aggressive clients. Despite these threats, she emphasizes the necessity of being resourceful and aware, relying on her own instincts and, at times, using physical defense when needed.

 

One particularly striking moment is when Valerie discusses her arrest for solicitation. She was caught by the police, taken to jail, and booked for soliciting. Despite the discomfort and humiliation of the experience, Valerie maintains a sense of defiance. She describes how she navigated her time in prison, even making efforts to beautify herself during her incarceration. When faced with a probation officer who asked her to change her lifestyle, Valerie openly admits that she cannot abandon her identity as a drag queen. Her resolve is clear: she refuses to conform to societal expectations, even when confronted with the threat of imprisonment. In her personal life, Valerie speaks about a relationship with a man she has been seeing for eight months. She describes their bond as loving, but complicated by the pressures of her work. Though they care for each other deeply, Valerie acknowledges the strain her profession puts on their relationship. She also reveals the tension between wanting to be an ordinary woman and the harsh reality of her economic situation, which forces her to continue working as a prostitute to support herself. Despite her lover’s jealousy and discomfort with her work, Valerie maintains that their love is genuine, and she hopes for a future where she can leave sex work behind. Valerie’s words throughout the documentary are a blend of vulnerability, defiance, and pragmatism. She recognizes the contradictions in her life—desiring a traditional relationship while acknowledging that her work as a sex worker is her only means of survival. Ultimately, Valerie’s story is one of resilience in the face of systemic oppression, a determination to live authentically despite immense societal pressure, and a deep desire to be loved and accepted for who she truly is. 

 

"Valerie" is a powerful documentary that not only showcases the complexity of Valerie’s life but also offers a glimpse into the broader struggles of transgender people during a time when societal acceptance was scarce. Through Valerie's candid reflections, the film captures the nuances of being a transgender woman and sex worker in the 1970s, shining a light on the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. The documentary stands as a testament to Valerie’s perseverance, offering a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight for acceptance and recognition of transgender and sex-working communities.

 

via: youtube

Image credits: YouTube