The renowned Cuban transgender actress and activist Kiriam Gutiérrez received the Emmy Award in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion category this Friday at the hospital where she is taking care of her sick father, a prize she had won earlier this month.
Gutierrez is the first Cuban transgender woman to receive an Emmy Award in the regional "Suncoast" category for her involvement in the documentary series Ser Trans, produced by Martí Noticias.
In an emotional video posted on her Facebook profile, the activist showcased the award and dedicated it to the LGBTIQ community in Cuba, offering a message of solidarity for those who "for many years have been humiliated, violated, exiled, and imprisoned."
The 47-year-old actress, who has become a prominent figure in trans activism, also remembered members of the community who suffered in the Military Units to Aid Production (UMAP) during the repression of the 1970s, as well as those who were forced into exile during the Mariel boatlift of 1980, and those who were imprisoned for having 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 sisters in exile who had to leave because of who they are," she expressed.
The series Ser trans, available for free on YouTube, aims to raise awareness about the struggles and history of the trans community in Cuba since 1959, highlighting events and moments that have been systematically silenced by the Cuban government.
According to its promoters, the series collects testimonies from the trans community both on the island and in exile, as well as from individuals who have dedicated their lives to drag, an art form that was censored in Cuba for decades but remained alive in private parties and hidden spaces.
Kiriam Gutiérrez's career has been crucial in bringing visibility to the artistic work and activism of the trans community in Cuba.
Throughout his career, he has led various initiatives in defense of LGBTIQ rights, such as the health campaign against HIV in the year 2000.
The 47-year-old actress was also the first transgender woman to enter Cuban cinema and television. She starred in the music video for "Lola," which was filmed nearly 20 years ago by the then-popular group Moneda Dura. The video was censored until 2008 for featuring a transgender woman as the lead.
Additionally, Gutiérrez has been instrumental in the production of the music video "Es mi vida," which premiered in March 2021 as part of the Cuban Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.
Despite these advances in visibility and rights, the trans community in Cuba continues to face significant challenges. The absence of legal frameworks that protect transgender individuals from violations of their rights is one of the biggest obstacles, along with discrimination and bullying in society.
The Cuban regime is also trying to silence activism. This week, they placed Gutiérrez under house arrest so that he would not attend the premiere of his film "Killing a Man," which was censored during the 45th International Festival of New Latin American Cinema in Havana.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cuban actress Kiriam Gutiérrez and her activism
Why has Kiriam Gutiérrez been awarded an Emmy?
Kiriam Gutiérrez received an Emmy Award in the category of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for her involvement in the documentary series "Ser Trans." This recognition highlights her contribution to raising awareness of the struggles and history of the trans community in Cuba.
What is the significance of the series "Ser Trans" in the Cuban community?
The series "Ser Trans" is significant because it brings visibility to the struggle and history of the trans community in Cuba since 1959, addressing events that have been systematically silenced by the Cuban government. It gathers testimonies from both the island and the exile, making it a key piece for understanding the realities of the trans community in Cuba.
How has Kiriam Gutiérrez faced the repression of the Cuban regime?
Kiriam Gutiérrez has publicly denounced the repression she faces and has continued her activism despite the challenges. She has been subjected to censorship and house arrest, yet she remains a key figure in the defense of LGBTIQ+ rights in Cuba.
What obstacles does the trans community in Cuba face?
The trans community in Cuba faces a lack of legal frameworks that protect their rights, as well as discrimination and bullying in society. Despite some progress in visibility, the Cuban regime continues to try to silence activism, which perpetuates a hostile environment for these individuals.
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