“I had this pain of being an exile, a transgender and a sex worker...” (62)
The graphic novel biography, Sexile, portrays the life of Adela Vazquez, and all the encounters and endeavors she experienced while becoming a woman. Often times it felt as if the world was working against her, and nothing would work out. However, due to her tough grit and determination she ran through life with an armored shield deflecting any criticism directed at her.
This graphic novel is an extraordinary representation of showing real life experiences through art, as incredibly done by Jaime Cortez. The quote at the top sums up all the pain Adela had gone through, trial and tribulation, in order to get to the point of content and comfortability. Factoring in being exiled from Cuba, transitioning from a man into a woman, and using her body to make money, Adela had been through hell and back. To me, it is quite amazing the life she has lived, and the model precedent she has set for younger generations moving forward. I think this graphic novel speaks for itself in showing her monumental effect on society. When people ask about the pain of being an immigrant or transgender or sex worker or even all three, I know exactly where to direct them to: Sexile.
-Victor