I Am the Queen

I Am the Queen

5.5

Feb 18 2011

1h 15m

Documentary

In Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood, the Vida/Sida Cacica Pageant brings together members of the Puerto Rican community to celebrate its transgender participants. I Am The Queen follows Bianca, Julissa and Jolizza as they prepare for the pageant under the guidance of Ginger Valdez, an experienced transgender from the neighborhood. These trans women share stories of their transition, their relatives’ varying reactions, and how they find support from within the community. Family dynamics, cultural heritage, and personal identity all play a part in how the contestants face the daily struggle that comes from being true to themselves.

Ginger Valdez

Ginger Valdez

Self

Julissa Ortiz

Julissa Ortiz

Self

Jolizza Colon

Jolizza Colon

Self

Bianca Feliciano

Bianca Feliciano

Self