Director: Steven Baboun

Film: AKANSYÈL LANMOU (The Love Rainbow)

Bio: AKANSYÈL LANMOU, or “The Love Rainbow” in Haitian Creole, is a video performance piece where I communicate with Romaine-la-Prophétesse, one of the very few queer historical figures in Haitian history. Romaine fought during the Haitian Revolution to overthrow colonizers and fight for the island’s independence. Romaine was said to be either trans or genderfluid, but the specifics of their identity are not fully known. In this piece, I call on their spirit to talk about the political and social persecution that queer Haitians face in Haiti. In my monologue to them, I speak to Romaine as if they were a childhood friend, updating them on the queerphobia present in Haitian legislature, social life, history, and popular culture. The queerphobic nature of Haitian society has trickled down to our history, erasing figures who were said to be queer from the narrative⏤ namely erasing Romaine from the public consciousness and historical conversations. In this folkloric, hysterical, emotional, and erratic performance, I call on Romaine to protect and watch over the queer community of Haiti. The performance is a continuation of Romaine-la-Prophétesse’s fight and bravery, passing the baton to the new generation of queer Haitians fighting toward a tolerant, kind, and accepting society.

Music courtesy of Jhonny ”djecee” Célicourt who recorded Rara musicians in Milot, Haiti. I do not own the recording or the audio. All credits go to the respective musicians and Jhonny ”djecee” Célicourt.