Hijas de la Putisima: A Trans Femme Perspective on Juana María Rodríguez’ Puta Life

Abstract

To be a “puta” means to be a whore, a prostitute, a slut, or more formally, a sex worker. More commonly, it is used as a derogatory term against women who do not conform to “proper” sexual and gender norms. In Puta Life, Juana María Rodríguez explores the histories of Latina sex workers through archives, documentaries, pornography and social media. In this paper I outline the methodological tools Rodríguez uses to read “puta lives.” As such, I argue that her model of queer aective kinship, and loving personal readings of puta life provide ample resources for work in trans studies as well.