A queen is more than her gowns, crowns and pronouns.
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.
Henrique Cirne-Lima
Director
Josue Pellot
Director
Ginger Valdez
Self
Julissa Ortiz
Self
Jolizza Colon
Self
Bianca Feliciano
Self
Jade Sotomayor
Self
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