Documentary from the migration journey of three transwoman

Dear Friends, Allies, and Change-Makers,

For nearly three years, TRANSVERSALE has been more than a film—it has been a lifeline, a calling, and an act of solidarity. This documentary has woven itself into the fabric of my life. I never aimed to make a film about Black transgender women on the move, but when I first met them in Tunisia we knew this movie will be done by all of us together,

-offering a platform for them to share what they believe is essential for our audience to hear.

We collaborate with Reel Africa https://reel.africa/project/transversale/

to reach a young generation of queer people in Africa and the diaspora worldwide.

Transversale" is the heroic journey of three transgender women forced into exile. Denied the right to simply exist in their homelands, they courageously cross borders, fleeing persecution and danger. This intimate documentary follows their perilous quest for freedom, tracing their individual paths as they fight to claim their bodies, live their truth, and forge a life where they can finally be themselves. It's a powerful testament to their shared resilience: the unwavering courage to be, against all odds.

Who are the protagonists

Glams

At 25, Mrs. Glams, , embodies courage amid adversity. Forced into homelessness after her mother’s death and familial rejection, she fled persecution in 2018, enduring a four-month odyssey through Nigeria, Niger, and Algeria. After enduring a harrowing journey almost starving in Niger’s desert, she trekked past corpses to finally arrive in Tunisia, Sfax, wher she survived captivity by orchestrating a daring escape.

Despite daily maginalisation on the streets in her temporary home in Tunisia Glams refuses invisibility, expressing herself the way she loves herself. Her resilience underscores a plea for global LGBTQ+ support—safe housing, work opportunities, and advocacy. “I escaped death,” she says, “but I just want to live.”

Chanel

Chanel is a resilient transgender woman from Cameroon whose journey is marked by courage, survival, and a determination to advocate for her community. Forced to flee her homeland due to systemic persecution, violence, and legal discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, she endured a harrowing migratory journey across the Sahara Desert, facing sexual exploitation and physical danger Now living in Tunisia as an asylum seeker, Chanel continues to confront transphobia, racism, and isolation, both from Tunisian society and within her own sub-Saharan African community. Despite these challenges, her resolve remains unshaken. She dreams of resettling in a country where she can live freely, express her gender identity without fear, and eventually establish an organization in Cameroon to support transgender youth facing the same struggles she once did. Through her story, Chanel highlights the intersectional struggles of being a Black trans refugee and underscores the urgent need for global solidarity, education, and safe pathways for marginalized communities. At the time we are editing Chanel and her sister Yasmine are already in Canada where their story continues.

Yasmine

Yasmine, a transgender woman from Cameroon, and the sister of Chanel escaped persecution after her home was burned in 2022. During her flight through Nigeria and Niger, smugglers exploited her identity, coercing sexual acts for passage. Now in Tunisia, she lives in a UNHCR shelter but faces persistent discrimination.

Her dream is to build an orphanage , she states, “Children shouldn’t suffer like I did.” Asserting her identity

Her story underscores the urgent need for global LGBTQ+ advocacy and systemic support.

Why your support is needed

In this collaborative approach, our protagonists actively shape the narrative, directing and presenting themselves as they wish to be seen. This ensures that the film avoids perpetuating an extractionist Western perspective. Our goal is to challenge widespread stereotypes and get closer to the people about whom were too often reported about.

Through their personal narratives, Black trans women from sub-Saharan Africa will portray the realities of queer refugees from their own perspective.

Today, I ask for your help to bring the stories of Chanel, Yasmine and Glams to the world.

Why TRANSVERSALE

Transversale tells the powerful story of Chanel, Yasmine, and Glams—three black transgender women from Cameroon—who face displacement, systemic violence, forced identity denial and the hope for safety and dignity. The film is a deeply personal yet globally relevant narrative about resilience, resistance and the celebration of queerness in a environment which doesn't accept who you are.

Why Your Support Matters Now

We’ve come so far. With the support of Doc.House, Ford Foundation and the Swiss embassy backing a part post-production and the African European Distribution Agency (AEDA) committed to global distribution, starting in the queer communities in Africa and the diaspora TRANSVERSALE is poised to ignite conversations worldwide.

We just started with the post production. Currently we have three editors working on different formats for Trailers, Social Media Content and the film itself.

Also we need to raise money for the compensation of the musician Titi Bacorta. He is a very talented Congolese musician currently under refugee status in Kampala, Uganda.

Check out his music here: https://nyegenyegetapes.bandcamp.com/album/molende

But to cross the finish line, we need your help to:

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported this project—through your work, feedback, practical assistance, or steadfast presence during both challenges and breakthroughs. Each contribution, big or small, has played a vital role in shaping this journey. Your involvement has left a lasting mark, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and effort you’ve invested. This work would not be where it is today without your commitment. Thank you for being an essential part of this process.

If you’re unable to contribute financially, please know that sharing our campaign with your network can have an equally meaningful impact.

Check out the Trailer on our new Website: https://transversale-movie.com/