Sexile is a 2004 graphic novel written and drawn by Jaime Cortez, who recently edited the Turnover anthology. It was published by the Institute for Gay Men’s Health and is now available for free as a pdf file on their site.
Cortez tells the life story of Adela Vasquez, born Jorge Antonio in 1958 Cuba, who emigrated to the USA in 1980 alongside more than one hundred thousand of his compatriots (coincidentally, I’ve been reminded that Pedro Zamora left Cuba at the same time). Jorge’s life up to this point was already filled with sex with boys and men, and he knew he wouldn’t really fit in the new Fidel Castro-led Cuba. The first part of the book recounts his childhood and adolescent life, including the way he managed to avoid military service. Already in display at this stage of the character’s life is the voice that will be consistant throughout the book, a blend of self-irony and assertiveness, which is impressive coming from someone who certainly never had it made easy. Jaime Cortez’s art is solid and expressive, managing to put photos and references to good use.
The main part of the book shows Adela’s slow journey toward America and womanhood, with her life as Jorge, a gay man, leading to her affirmation of her being a transsexual woman. An aspect of her American life is the apparition of the disease that would later be called AIDS, and the way one of her close friends, who worked at a clinic, convinced her in 1981 to always use condoms to have sex, and probably saved her life.
I have to say that this biography was for me as moving as it was enlightening. The strength of character of Adela was inspiring, and it was made all the more believable as Jaime Cortez paints someone who’s human in her mistakes and her fierceness. A great graphic novel, which definitely deserves to be read by a wide audience.
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