“Papillon: Né garçon. Devenue femme. Élue Miss Trans,” co-written by Louïz and Florence Bouté under the direction of Frédéric Veille, is a moving autobiographical work that reads like both a confession and a celebration. The title alone, with its image of the butterfly finally taking flight, captures the book’s essence: transformation, liberation, and beauty born of struggle. It is the story of Louïz, born Jovani Louise on the island of La Réunion, who knew from childhood that her reflection held a truth she could not yet live. The book traces her journey from a shy boy who preferred dancing to football to a confident woman crowned Miss Trans France, an artist who sings, dances, choreographs, and inspires.
The story begins with a striking image: a New Year’s Eve party, a costume, and a mirror. Jovani’s friends, in the playful spirit of the holiday, suggest he dress as Rihanna. As he looks at his reflection in the mirror, the laughter dies down, and something profound happens. The disguise becomes revelation. In that reflection, Jovani recognizes herself, the woman who has always been there, waiting to be acknowledged. That instant marks the birth of Louïz, though the road ahead will still be long and hard.
