Spanish Calendar Causes Stir For Using Transgender Models As The Virgin Mary

A calendar released in Spain is stirring up controversy for featuring transgender models in the role of the Virgin Mary. The calendar is part of an awareness initiative by COGAM - the Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual Association of Madrid - and seeks to offer a secular alternative to religious holidays, one example being ”Wherever it’s noted that December 25 is Christmas, a candy sweet should be eaten on behalf of International Democracy Day.” Each image also somehow incorporates condoms as part of a (underdeveloped, in our opinion) campaign to remind people to practice safe sex.

The calendar has, unsurprisingly, drawn ire of the Catholic Church. And why not, really? Even if the calendar didn’t feature transgender individuals (whom some religious groups view as fighting against being the way God made them), it does prominently feature condoms, which go against the Catholic Church’s firm stance against contraception and view that sex is a means of procreation. So, yes. It is most definitely intentionally provocative. Which is why it’s here, right now, along with our own little reminder to practice safe sex. Unless you choose to remain abstinent because of your faith. In which case: We still love ya, too. And we’ll be eating various sweets on Christmas day for you, for Jesus, for democracy, and because we’re kind of a pig.

As for the calendar itself, it seems to present a platform onto which many can project their own ideas about the transgender and gay communities. Some of the models are dressed and posed in a rather demure manner, with light makeup and pious expressions. Some are dressed in theatrical makeup which either clashes or compliments, depending how you’d like to view it, with the ornate robes and head pieces in which the Virgin Mary is often depicted in art. One month has Mary in a rather seductive pose, nearly nude and draped in black lace. Another features a bystander in drag and a campy pose. Which we kind of appreciate - there’s no one way to be queer and the term “transgender” can apply to so many different people who have different motivations for deviating from gender norms. 

Do take a moment to check out the images for yourselves and see what you think. 

Click Below to View The Calendar

Spain: Calendar features transgender models posing as the Virgin, controversy follows [Blabbeando]