Photo Courtesy of Time Magazine

  HBO Max has an extremely diverse selection of TV and movies, and recent Spanish TV show “Veneno” has been praised for its heartwarming story and beautiful message about self love and acceptance.

Students of San Luis Obispo High need to dive into this wonderful TV experience.

Boti G. Rodrigo, Director of Sexual Diversity and LGBTI Rights at the Ministry of Equality stated, “The Veneno series has managed to bring stories of lives of tremendous difficulty, loaded with pain, stigma and marginalization into the living rooms of millions of households. It has succeeded in awakening empathy and making clear the need and the urgency of delivering justice for these people, and of guaranteeing that trans people never have to go through such situations again.”

  The show follows a young trans female and her friends journey through self discovery and acceptance aided by famous trans sex symbol La Veneno, who has fallen into the background.

The show is definitely mature, but what is most important is the message. All around the world there are so many transgender youth who struggle to find their place in the world; battling depression, hate, homelessness, and even the potential of death. This show is a look into that world, but instead of showing pain and sadness the show focuses on rising above the hate.

It is also important to mention that the entire show is based off of a true story and all trans characters are played by trans actors, which provides even more hope for the LGBTQ+ youth of the world. The show is accessible to all viewers; with laughs, tears, and suspense.

Even though the show’s dialogue in a fast paced spanish the story is easy to follow. It is a pioneer for LGBTQ+ TV, up there with “Pose” and “Glee” and it is a must watch over Winter Break. 

  “Veneno” has also made a lasting impact on trans rights and politics in Spain. Originally Spain had many barriers for trans people and their rights, but due the show these barriers might spark change.

Since the release of “Veneno”, the policies surrounding trans rights are under consideration for change and improvement. The “Trans Laws” would allow transgendered people to change their gender without  medical release forms and proof of taking hormones for two years. This proposal has been met with mass support, and quoting the Spanish ministry it has been met with “an avalanche of contributions” to assist in the passing of the proposed laws. At the series finale the Spanish Vice President tweeted that the series “makes you cry, laugh, remember, empathize, but above all, understand the savage pain inflicted on trans people simply for being themselves”, further affirming trans people’s rightful place in society

Sources: Time.com Vulture.com