Transgender rights have been an ongoing issue around the world, facing discrimination of what man is supposed to be, and having to see those walk a mile in their shoes with the negative experiences of coming out of their true selves. This issue became prevalent in Tijuana, Mexico, where the film ‘La Cita’ is focused on, a film by Alex Kannan & Grecia Arlene Maldonado Valenzuela.
Jeanine Huerta Lopez was a transgender rights activist who supported health care and education to the LGBTQ+ community as well as education of HIV/Aids Tjuana. She was a victim of a hate crime of transphobia as Jeanine was murdered on August 28, 2020. No suspects have been arrested and has been on ongoing criminal investigation.
The film is more of a message, coming from the heart of Grecia, who greatly misses Jeanine for her heroic acts to fight for transgender equality in Mexico. Grecia was born in the male body, and over time was beginning to learn that she identified herself as transgender. Over the time of transition, being surrounded by non-transgender people, the negative experience seems to be the same for anyone who does not fully understand why Grecia is the way she is.
Jobs in Mexico were also limited, often discriminating being transgender to work for certain jobs. The only way Grecia was able to survive was to be a transgender sex worker. And even in that situation, she is at risk of physical abuse from men who were not aware of her being transgender, to men who have religious beliefs that conflicted with who she is.
The message was very loud and clear about the issues of living as a transgender woman. Grecia’s story showed how difficult life is to find like-minded people that understand why she was wired the way she was, and Jeanine was an inspiring representation who stands up for transgender rights. Having to hear Jeanine murdered due to a hate crime created a rippling effect of fear and danger to the transgender community.
It’s a very sombre story, but also a very real situation. Having to put this in film hopefully creates an outlet for discussion and education to those that may not realize the pain and suffering the transgendered people go through when they encounter someone who invalidates their type of existence.
This story is also a commemoration of Jeanine’s activism in the community, one who should not be forgotten in the efforts she put out there to create a safe inclusive environment for those that want a glimmer of hope in their lives. In Grecia’s point of view, Jeanine has risked her life to try to change the narrative for the LGBTQ+ community by being the liaison with community organizations in support of her initiatives. Someone had to be the voice of the voiceless, and Jeanine was one of them.
Grecia’s message is also powerful too. La Cita was created likely because she was inspired by Jeanine’s initiatives. It’s a possibility that this was one of Grecia’s outlets to grieve and educate others how much of an impact this had to her life. What is great about film festivals is that they support the LGBTQ+ category of films to provide an outlet of expression in any art form that gives the audience an opportunity to experience both the positive and negative sides of their community.
This film may make viewers uncomfortable, and that is okay. It is important to take a step back and let in these difficult conversations in order to create pathways of progressive discussions that allow the transgendered community to have a voice. The acceptance without passing judgment in the film itself is what it is looking for as the stories within it have already had enough judgment within Grecia herself. She has been through some of her roughest times, and is very deserving to share her story so that others that relate to her situation are better equipped to know that they are not alone in this situation.
Overall, La Cita is more of a message. A message for the transgender and LGBTQ+ community. To know that there is someone like Jeanine and Grecia out there who are putting in the good fight for their rights of them, and for others.
by: Trevor Brooks
© 2021. UniversalCinema Mag.