Walking on the streets of Mexico City in her shimmering high heels, Kenya is a tower of strength in a world that is devastatingly cruel to her community. A trans sex worker and an activist, she is spurred into action after witnessing the brutal murder of her friend Paola at the hands of a client. Despite ample evidence against him, the perpetrator is allowed to walk free, signifying how the judicial system turns a blind eye to the violence inflicted on trans women. The film captures the kind of care work needed in life as well as in death. When not leading protests demanding justice, Kenya is on the phone with Paola’s relatives to ensure that her friend is buried as a woman. We see not one but two funerals, as Kenya also looks after a wake for another trans woman who has died after an illness. Though a force of nature on the outside, she also carries on her shoulders not only her own traumas, but also the cycle of abuse, addiction, and precarity endured by her trans sisters. The film follows Kenya closely. Will the family accept burying Paola as she was: a flamboyant trans woman? Kenya approaches Paola’s loved ones with great respect and understanding—something she rarely experiences herself. When the murderer is released, she embarks on a lengthy battle for justice, backed up by her “sisters.”
Trans women face extreme violence in Mexico City, and sex workers are even more vulnerable. This raw and deeply affecting portrait of Kenya gives an insider’s view of the impact that violence has on the community, and how complex life is for them. Kenya offers the camera a disarming welcome. Despite the outward show—high heels, wigs, make-up, plastic surgery—there’s a distinct lack of vanity on display. She welcomes us into her inner world as well. She’s trying to set up a safe haven for all her girlfriends, but deep inside she scared of a lonely or tragic end for herself. While mainstream media might reduce the existence of trans women to a matter of statistics and sensational headlines, Kenya’s tireless efforts uplift a community whose voices frequently remain unheard. The documentary started off well but I felt somewhere along the way, it got too much. Had they focused just on Paolo and her story from Kenya's perspective, it would have been good. I lost interest mid-way with the kind of slight amateurish style of documentary making. The subject wad interesting, but to keep audience's engaged, you really need something more substantial. (4/10)
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