Digital Transgender Archive

The photographs in the Jose Gutierrez Collection are, for the most part, depictions of Latino drag competitions. These photographs inspired us to want to learn more about the Latino GLBT community, particularly Latino drag culture. 

 

One photograph in the collection that we found particularly compelling was “Miss Mexico Contest at CHAOS.” In this photograph, a group of apparent contestants at Club Chaos pose after a drag competition. We found that the photo’s appearance highlighted a sense of community; for example, the similar clothing choices and makeup styles amongst the competitors showed how they all seem to take example from each other. The good-spirited nature of the event is also seen in their physical closeness and joyful faces.