A random collection of films authored by or about my transgender, intersex sisters, and gender-nonconforming persons all over the world. I watched some of them, and I was inspired by some of them. I met some of the authors and heroines, some of them are my best friends, and I had the pleasure and honor of interviewing some of them. If you know of any transgender documentary that I have not covered yet, please let me know.
Director: Patricio Enriquez
Release Year: 2002
Original title: Juchitán de las locas
Synopsis:
"Juchitán de las locas," directed by Patricio Enriquez, is a remarkable documentary that offers an intimate glimpse into the vibrant culture of Juchitán, a small city in Mexico renowned for its progressive views on gender and sexuality. Located near the Guatemalan border, Juchitán stands out as a community where homosexuality is not only accepted but celebrated as a part of its rich cultural tapestry. The film explores the lives of three gay individuals—a teacher, a hairdresser, and a shop owner—highlighting their experiences in a society that embraces fluidity in gender and sexuality.
Juchitán is distinguished by its unique cultural identity, which challenges traditional gender norms prevalent in many parts of the world. In this small city, being gay is viewed through a lens of acceptance, where families regard the birth of a boy who exhibits tendencies toward homosexuality as a blessing rather than a burden. This cultural perspective reshapes the understanding of gender roles, allowing individuals to express themselves authentically without fear of stigma.
Director: Bernardo Loyola
Release Year: 2013
Synopsis:
Mexico is a country rich in cultural traditions and deep indigenous roots, but one of the most fascinating and complex aspects of its cultural heritage lies within the Zapotec community of Juchitán, Oaxaca. Here, the concept of gender is not confined to the traditional binary categories of "man" and "woman." Instead, there exists a third gender, known as muxes (pronounced "mooshez"). These individuals are born male, but are raised as women, adopting the social roles and responsibilities of women within their community. The phenomenon of the muxe challenges conventional understandings of gender, highlighting the fluidity and diversity of gender identities in different cultural contexts.
In 2012, filmmaker Bernardo Loyola released his documentary "Mexico's Third Gender," which delves into the lives of muxes in Juchitán, offering an intimate and eye-opening portrait of this unique community. The film takes us on a journey to this remote town in southern Mexico, where the celebration of the Vigil of the Authentic Intrepid Searchers of Danger (La Vela de las Auténticas Intrépidas Buscadoras de Peligro) becomes a central event for the muxes. This documentary not only introduces us to the people of Juchitán, but also invites us to participate in one of the most joyful, inclusive, and liberating celebrations in the region, the Vela, which is the highlight of the year for muxes.
Director: Isabel Castro
Release Year: 2013
Synopsis:
Crossing Over (2014): A Documentary on Transgender Immigration, Identity, and Resilience
Crossing Over, a powerful 2014 documentary directed by Isabel Castro, presents an intimate look into the lives of transgender Mexican immigrants navigating life in Los Angeles. The film documents the personal and emotional journeys of three transgender women—Francis Murillo, Brenda Gonzalez, and Abigail Madariaga—who risked everything in search of safety, acceptance, and a better life in the United States. In the process, the film exposes the intersection of gender identity, immigration struggles, and the violence faced by transgender individuals in both their home countries and the U.S.
At its core, Crossing Over is not just a story about immigration, but a poignant exploration of survival and resilience. The documentary unfolds the complex realities that transgender immigrants face, with a particular focus on how systemic issues of transphobia, abuse, and lack of legal knowledge complicate their pursuit of asylum and a better future. Through the stories of Francis, Brenda, and Abigail, Castro aims to shed light on a marginalized group within both the immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities, offering viewers a humanizing and nuanced perspective on the struggles that define their lives.
2013,
Abigail Madariaga,
Bamby Salcedo,
Brenda Gonzalez,
Francis Murillo,
Mexico,
Spanish,
Director: Scott Elliott
Release Year: 2012
Synopsis:
In the heart of Queens, New York, a place of quiet devotion holds one of the most controversial and enigmatic figures in contemporary spiritual practice. This place, built by Arely Gonzalez, a transsexual immigrant from Mexico, is believed to be New York’s largest shrine to La Santa Muerte, the Holy Death, a folk saint worshipped in Mexico and increasingly across the U.S.
Loving The Bony Lady (2012), directed by Scott Elliott, chronicles Arely’s journey from marginalization to becoming a spiritual leader for a growing community of devotees. The film explores not only her personal transformation but also the rise of La Santa Muerte and the tension between devotion and condemnation that has characterized this unique religious phenomenon.
2012,
Arely Gonzalez,
Mexico,
Spanish,
USA,
