Photographer Mariette Pathy Allen, who has documented transgender lives around the globe, took her lens to Cuba to show trans* lives in the slowly loosening environment of Raoul Castro’s rule. As America opens a new relationship with Cuba, and as we ponder the concept of transgender images in the media in the wake of Caitlyn Jenner’s Vanity Fair cover reveal, her photos provide a fascinating look at the community beyond statistics and celebrities — and beyond America’s shores.
Allen’s photos are on display in a forthcoming solo show in San Fransisco. TransCuba by Mariette Pathy Allen will be on view from June 25 – July 31 at the Rayko Photo Center in San Fransisco.
All images copyright Mariette Pathy Allen, from the book TransCuba, published by Daylight.
Photo credit: Mariette Pathy Allen
Amanda at home wearing Eiffel Tower T-Shirt, Havana.
Photo credit: Mariette Pathy Allen
Paloma with her boyfriend at Mi Cayito beach, near Havana.
Photo credit: Mariette Pathy Allen
Erika at home, Cienfuegos.
Photo credit: Mariette Pathy Allen
Erika with her boyfriend, Cienfuegos.
Photo credit: Mariette Pathy Allen
Laura at home, Havana.
Photo credit: Mariette Pathy Allen
Sissi, hairdresser, with her niece, Cienfuegos.
Photo credit: Mariette Pathy Allen
Nomi and Miguel, partners, watching television at Malu’s apartment, Havana.
Photo credit: Mariette Pathy Allen
Charito at home with one-week-old piglet, Camagüey.
Photo credit: Mariette Pathy Allen
Alsola, Santiago de Cuba.
Photo credit: Mariette Pathy Allen
Malu with her parents and sister, in front of their home.