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The Transformation
1995, 58 minutes

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Media type
Country of origin

United States of America

Production company

Starfish

Technical specs

Colour

video

Languages

Spanish/español

English/English

Subtitle languages

English/English

Content Warnings
transphobia
Description

Documentary of Richardo (Sara in The Salt Mines) a former homeless prostitute TS [transsexual] living with HIV reforms to a Born Again Christian.

“Tranny Fest 1998 Program.” Tranny Fest, November 1998. Personal Archives.

This Emmy TV Award winning documentary finds out what has happened to the ex-inhabitants of the Slat Mines give years later. Terry, a fundamentalist Christian from Texas, patrols the Manhattan streets looking for transvestites and transsexuals to convert to heterosexuality by transforming them into men or at least the sexless and celibate, covenant keeping eunuchs whose names, according to biblical lore, will be made an eternal monument within the walls of Jehovah's house. Gina (now Hugo) and HIV-positives Sara (now Ricardo), hoping to escape dying alone on the streets, have accompanied Terry. After marrying in Texas, Ricardo returns to help recruit old friends Gigi and Giovanna. Though just out of prison Gigi refuses to believe that anyone can really suppress something so strong in their nature, and Giovanna, who has been rescued from the streets by her sister continues to live as a woman accepted by her family. Finally, Ricardo though born again, confides just before his death that though he has repented his past life, 'the real truth is, I enjoyed it.' And if he had a choice to do it all again? ' I would choose to be a woman.'

“The Second International Transgender Film & Video Festival Program.” London: Alchemy Festival Productions, 1998. Personal Archives.
Cast & Crew
Screenings
  • San Francisco Transgender Film Festival

    1998-11-21 6:15 PM

    Program 4

  • London International Transgender Film and Video Festival

    1998-09-26 2:30 PM