Las Biuty Queens: With an Introduction by Pedro Almodovar

Las Biuty Queens is a novel by Iván Monalisa Ojeda that follows a group of trans Latinx immigrant friends who walk the streets of New York, smoke crystal meth, compete in beauty contests, and fall prey to increasingly cruel immigration policies. The book is an ode to the queer and trans immigrant community in New York City and is filled with sincerity, dark humor, and resilience.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2021
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Las Biuty Queens is a novel by Chilean American writer Iván Monalisa Ojeda that delves into the lives of a group of trans Latinx immigrant friends living in New York City. The book offers a raw and honest portrayal of the challenges and struggles faced by this community, including drug addiction, prison life at Rikers Island, and the pursuit of beauty pageants. Through the eyes of protagonist Mirella, Ojeda explores the complexities of identity, gender, and sexuality, as well as the systemic injustices and discrimination that these individuals face daily.

One of the standout features of Las Biuty Queens is its blend of sincerity and dark humor. Ojeda has a talent for injecting humor into even the most difficult and painful situations, creating characters that are both relatable and memorable. The book is filled with witty dialogue, hilarious anecdotes, and moments of unexpected tenderness, which help to balance the darker themes and provide a sense of levity and hope.

Ojeda's personal experience as a trans performer, sex worker, and undocumented immigrant informs the writing of Las Biuty Queens. The book is deeply rooted in the experiences of the Latinx community, particularly those who are marginalized and oppressed. Ojeda's portrayal of the characters is nuanced and authentic, capturing the complexities of their lives and the challenges they face in a society that often seeks to erase them.

The setting of New York City plays a central role in Las Biuty Queens. Ojeda vividly describes the streets, neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks of the city, creating a sense of place that is both familiar and unfamiliar. The book explores the glittering and glamorous side of New York, as well as the darker and more dangerous aspects of the city's underbelly. Through Mirella's experiences, readers are introduced to an unfamiliar New York City that is both glittery and violent, full of beauty and pain.

Las Biuty Queens is not just a novel about the struggles of a particular community; it is a powerful exploration of the human experience. Ojeda's writing is filled with empathy and compassion, as he/she delves into the emotional depths of the characters and explores the complexities of love, loss, and resilience. The book offers a glimpse into the lives of individuals who are often overlooked and marginalized, and provides a platform for them to be heard and seen.

Overall, Las Biuty Queens is a must-read for anyone who is interested in exploring the lives of marginalized communities, gender identity, and sexuality. Iván Monalisa Ojeda's writing is bold, honest, and compassionate, and the book offers a unique and powerful perspective on the American dream and the realities of living in a society that often seeks to exclude and oppress.

Weight: 188g
Dimension: 135 x 217 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474621793