Josue Pellot

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.

Sequel to the documentary I AM THE QUEEN. This new film follows the lives of Julissa, Jolizza, Bianca and Ginger Valdez, a year after they participated in the 2010 Cacica Pageant, held at Humboldt Park, Chicago. The film explores further their lives as young transgender latinas living in Chicago, and their relationships with their families, friends and society.