Woubi Cheri

Woubi Cheri, a groundbreaking documentary released in 1998, captures the narratives, struggles, triumphs, and highly vibrant socio-cultural fabric of the Ivorian homosexual and transgender community. The film, lauded for its candid portrayal, stars Avelido, Barbara, and Bibiche as the core figures offering an insider's perspective within this community in Ivory Coast, West Africa.

In a society where homosexuality is predominantly stigmatized — and, for some, puzzling — Woubi Cheri uncovers a world barely known by the general populace, offering a vivid depiction of a group that expresses their identity in ways that are radically different from Western patterns of sexual identification. Given the overall invisibility of such communities in Africa at that time, the film emerged as a paragon of visibility for queer people of color around the world.

Directed by filmmakers Philip Brooks and Laurent Bocahut, the documentary displays an unusual yet mesmerizing blend of personal interviews, testimonials, and socio-cultural episodes from the everyday lives of the characters. Central to the narrative is the dialectic between African queer people, the Ivorian society, and their own family dynamics.

Manifesting the intricacies of the local jargon and terminologies adopted by the community, the film also enhances the narrative's authenticity. The counterpart identity of a 'woubi' refers to a man who assumes the role of a wife in a homosexual relationship, and 'yossi' designates a man who takes on the husband's role, thereby embodying a distinct classification within Ivorian society.

Avelido, Barbara, and Bibiche — along with a host of backup characters — give us the first-hand narratives of their experiences as members of this community. Avelido, an endearing and seeking youngster, traverses a journey of self-discovery and eventual acceptance. Barbara, a 'yossi,’ exudes self-confidence and fearlessness. Meanwhile, Bibiche, a transgender beauty queen, embodies resilience and defiance against societal norms.

While Woubi Cheri does shine a spotlight on the stark societal repressions faced by these individuals, the film never dips into a narrative of desolation or despair. Instead, it drives a good-natured, often humorous plunge into the kinetic energy and resourcefulness of the characters.

The documentary unfolds intimate narratives of love, friendship, and even rejection. It manifests the efforts of these individuals to carve themselves a space within their communities, their struggles to express their identities openly, and their deep-seated yearning to live harmoniously within a society marked by intolerance.

Woubi Cheri gives a remarkable depth to the discussions around African queerness, shattering the monolithic, Western-influenced representations of queerness in media. Through its respectful, insightful narration, it explores complex themes of gender, sexuality, tradition, and modernity under African skylines, offering an unfamiliar yet enriching perspective into the Ivorian LGBTQ+ community.

Also significant is the film’s focus on the annual Miss Woubi beauty pageant — an event that not only evokes pride within the community but also demonstrates an intense yearning for acceptance within a broader society. This event, interlaced within the common struggles and festivities of the protagonists' lives, adds a colorful vibrancy and sense of triumph despite the difficulties faced.

The visual aesthetics of Woubi Cheri captures the soul of Ivory Coast — from bustling city centers to quiet neighborhoods, from colorful local markets to the tranquil nightscapes. This captures the multi-dimensionality of the protagonists' existences, void of the trappings of victimhood, while showcasing the vibrancy, diversity, and resilience of the community.

In essence, Woubi Cheri unfolds itself as a heartwarming, engaging footage of a vibrant, dynamic queer community within our global village. It goes beyond the usual narratives of struggle or adversity, reaching instead into the realm of self-acceptance, camaraderie, defiance against societal norms, and the uninhibited celebration of identity. Through poignant interviews and thoughtful narration, it invites viewers to engage in an intimate dialogue — a dialogue of acceptance, understanding, and inclusivity. As such, Woubi Cheri stands as a remarkable tribute to the unquenchable spirit of humanity beyond any societal norms or sexual identities.