An Act of Transgression?

[Shana A]

 An Act of Transgression?
April 23, 2013
Interview by Dariela Aquique

http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=91785

HAVANA TIMES — Transformism is the term used to describe the practice of those individuals who, for aesthetic reasons, adopt the appearance and cultural demeanor traditionally associated with members of the opposite sex, in order to create a character they can "transform" into. It is also considered a variant of transvestitism.

It is practiced chiefly by males, who generally adopt the habits and mannerisms commonly attributed to females (makeup, dresses and effeminate gestures).

The practice is considered a form of artistic expression in many cultures around the world, as is true of the onnagatas in Japan's kabuki theatre, or the male actors who play female roles in traditional Chinese opera. Cross-dressing was also a common stage practice in some European countries long ago.

And that is what my interviewee, Alexis González Ocaña, Alex de Galex on stage, does for a living.