Trans women put on photo exhibition in Tijuana

TIJUANA ( Border Report ) — A unique photography exhibition featuring the work of 10 trans women who also happen to be asylum-seekers is on display in Tijuana.

The show is called Miradas en Tránsito or “Glances in Transit.”

The women have taken photography classes as a way to pass the time while waiting for CBP One appointments to cross the border and claim asylum.

One of the women who took part is Brigitte Lujano.

“You can tell your own story through photography,” said Lujano, who also works for Al Otro Lado, an advocacy group that helps migrants on both sides of the border.

Lujano grew up in Chicago, but was incarcerated in 2011.

“You learn in prison that you’re on your own, you’re by yourself in this world.”

Ten years later she was released from prison and deported to Mexico.

“Members of a cartel kidnapped my brother and threatened to kill us all, that’s when we left for Tijuana.”

Lujano is proud some of her pictures are part of the 36-photo exhibit.

“I want people to know these pictures were taken by human beings, these pictures were taken by trans women that have fought through a lot in life,” said Lujano. “They’re not professionals, but they are pretty eager and really happy to be part of this world — all we want as trans women is to fit in, to be visible.”

The exhibition runs through Aug. 8 at the Teorema Brewhouse in downtown Tijuana.

Lujano hopes that people who see the art work will have a better understanding of trans women.

“People say we have to be accepted, but that’s not true, we only want respect and to respect each other.”

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