Prominent Cuban actress and trans activist, Kiriam Gutiérrez, was honored with an Emmy award last Friday while she was at the hospital caring for her ailing father. Gutiérrez received the award in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion category, which she had won earlier this month. She is notably the first Cuban trans woman to be awarded an Emmy in the regional "Suncoast" category, thanks to her contribution to the documentary series Ser Trans, produced by Martí Noticias.
In a heartfelt video shared on her Facebook profile, Gutiérrez showcased the Emmy and dedicated it to the LGBTIQ community in Cuba, extending a message of solidarity to those who "for many years were humiliated, violated, exiled, and imprisoned." At 47, Gutiérrez has emerged as a key figure in trans activism, also remembering those from the community who suffered under the Military Units to Aid Production (UMAP) during the repression of the 1970s, those forced into exile during the 1980 Mariel boatlift, and those incarcerated for their trans identities.
"This award is for the trans community that has endured so much hardship, for the brave drag performers who inspired me, and for all my companions in exile who had to leave for being who they are," she expressed.
Ser Trans is a series available for free on YouTube, aiming to shed light on the struggles and history of Cuba's trans community since 1959, emphasizing events and moments systematically silenced by the Cuban government. According to its promoters, the series gathers testimonies from both the island's trans community and those in exile, as well as from individuals who have devoted their lives to the art of drag, a form long censored in Cuba but kept alive in private gatherings and hidden spaces.
Kiriam Gutiérrez's career has been pivotal in raising awareness about the artistic and activist efforts of the trans community in Cuba. Throughout her career, she has led various initiatives advocating for LGBTIQ rights, such as a health campaign against HIV in 2000. At 47, she was the first trans woman to venture into Cuban cinema and television, starring in the music video for Lola, filmed nearly 20 years ago by the then-popular band Moneda Dura. The video, which featured a trans woman as the protagonist, was banned until 2008.
Moreover, Gutiérrez played a crucial role in producing the music video Es mi vida, released in March 2021 as part of the Cuban Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Despite these strides in visibility and rights, Cuba's trans community continues to face significant challenges. The absence of legal frameworks protecting trans individuals from rights violations remains a major hurdle, alongside societal discrimination and bullying.
The Cuban regime also attempts to stifle activism. This week, Gutiérrez was placed under house arrest to prevent her from attending the premiere of her film Matar a un hombre, which was censored during the 45th Havana International Festival of New Latin American Cinema.
Understanding the Challenges of Cuba's Trans Community
What recognition did Kiriam Gutiérrez receive?
Kiriam Gutiérrez received an Emmy award in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion category for her role in the documentary series Ser Trans.
Why is the series Ser Trans significant?
The series Ser Trans is significant because it highlights the struggles and history of Cuba's trans community, focusing on events often silenced by the government.
What challenges does the trans community in Cuba face?
The trans community in Cuba faces challenges such as lack of legal protection, societal discrimination, and government efforts to suppress activism.