Transvestite show benefits Tabasco and Chiapas
By Jesús Ibarra

“The day I read about the tragedy in Tabasco, I decided that I must do something to help,” said Roberto Hernández, manager of the artisan store, La Casa de las Artesanías. Roberto, a dancer and singer known as Samantha, and three friends, decided to organize a transvestite show benefit for the flood victims of Tabasco and Chiapas at La Zarihueya Bar. 

As the clock struck midnight, Samantha, Thalía, Jacqueline and Camila took the stage before an enthusiastic crowd of one hundred. Their performance, as spectacular as their wardrobe, brought the great Latin divas—Rocío Durcal, Beatriz Adriana, Mariana Soanne, Amanda Miguel, Selena and Ninel Conde—to the San Miguel stage. Another “Samantha,” from San José Iturbide, joined the show at the last minute in support of her San Miguel namesake.

“We began lip-synching and dancing as a hobby,” said Roberto before the performance. “But now we have the opportunity to perform to help others and we are very happy, but also very nervous.” Roberto and his friends have performed in nearby Irapuato and at private parties in San Miguel, but this is the first public performance in their hometown. 

After the show, Roberto said that approximately 3,200 pesos were collected from the entrance and will be given to Civil Protection staff on Friday, November 23 at La Zarihueya. “I am planning to organize another benefit in another bar, because Tabasco and Chiapas will need help for a long, long time, but it is not confirmed,” said Roberto.