While Quinceañeras are a rite of passage for many 15-year-old Latina girls, Zoey Luna's coming of age is also an inspiring tale of resilience and hope.
The first episode of the four-part HBO Docu-series 15: A Quinceañera Story follows Zoey, a Mexican-American teenager living in South Los Angeles who's prepping for the traditional Hispanic celebration of a child's transition into womanhood.
The episode gives us an intimate glimpse into Zoey's experience growing up transgender. From a young age, Zoey knew she was supposed to be a girl. Her mother recalled her questioning her identity at just five-years-old: "Do you think God made a mistake when he was passing out bodies?"
With the love and support of her mother, Zoey was able to be who she was meant to be and transitioned at 11-years-old. Now she's getting the beautiful pink dress and Grease-themed Quinceañera she's always dreamed of.
Not without a few hiccups along the way, Zoey struggles with teen drama among her peers and getting boys in her class to dance in her court. "Every boy this age is afraid to like me because they're afraid they're going to be considered gay."
Zoey manages to round up a few teenage boys that aren't awful and her Quinceañera goes off without a hitch, much to the delight of her family and friends. To her trans madrinas (godmothers), Zoey's party is inspirational.
"This is not just a party for many of us," explained dress-maker/madrina Maria. "It’s a symbol of hope."
Maria's voice cracks as she holds in tears, "For many of us that didn't get the opportunity, it feels like all of the years are struggle are coming as a blessing through you."
HBO was excited to showcase unique perspectives in the docu-series.
"People too often think of the Latino community as monolithic; in these films, you see five young women who are fierce and dynamic in such different ways," director Matthew O'Neill told LA Times. "They come from different backgrounds, different places, different passions, and different personal stories. What unites them is the honoring of their community and their culture."
The other episodes follow an amateur boxer, a second-generation immigrant, and two girls who share their love of escaramuza (a traditional Mexican horse-dancing display).
While the Trump administration is consistently attacking transgender citizens and 26 trans people have been murdered in 2017 alone, it's important to remember that all transgender stories aren't sad ones, and that we all deserve our own fairytale.
Zoey's episode premieres on HBO on December 19 at 7pm ET/PT. Watch the trailer below:
