José Antonio Sánchez
Details
Alternate Names: Jose A. Sanchez, Jose Antonio Sanchez Sanchez, Nacha La Poderosa
Physical Characteristics: N/A
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Full Biography
Nacha María Sánchez (born August 11, 1962, as José Antonio Sánchez) is a Spanish actress and trans activist who became a pioneer for trans visibility in Spain. Born in Madrid, she grew up in the Embajadores neighborhood but left home at the age of 13 due to her gender identity. She rose to national prominence as one of the six protagonists in the landmark 1983 documentary "Vestida de azul" (Dressed in Blue), directed by Antonio Giménez-Rico. In the film, she shared her personal journey of transition and the harsh realities of life for trans women during Spain's transition to democracy.
After decades away from the mainstream spotlight, her legacy was revitalized by the 2023 Atresplayer series "Vestidas de azul". In this sequel to the hit series Veneno, Nacha returned to the screen to portray the present-day version of herself, while actress Penélope Guerrero played her younger self in historical recreations.
In 2025, her historical importance was further recognized with the 4K restoration and theatrical re-release of the original documentary at prestigious festivals such as the Berlinale and the San Sebastián International Film Festival. Today, Nacha remains one of the few survivors of the original group, serving as a vital link between the early days of trans activism and the modern era of LGBTQ+ rights in Spain.
