The newest biographical drama from Netflix tells the story of Carla Antonella Rodríguez, the celebrated activist who broke barriers as a transgender woman in South America. Queen of Coal has brought renewed interest in the story of Rodríguez and inspired many viewers to learn more about the trailblazer who worked as a miner in a time and place where women were barred from having such an occupation.
“A trans woman dreams of working the coal mines, but in a town steeped in superstition and patriarchy, Carla must fight to earn her place underground,” the film’s synopsis states, per Cosmopolitan.
The film stars Lux Pascal, sister of Pedro Pascal, as Rodríguez.
How did Carla Antonella Rodríguez break barriers in Argentina?
Rodríguez, who grew up in the Santa Cruz Province in southern Argentina, dropped out of high school at age 14 and worked as a cleaner and hairdresser assistant. Her ambition, however, was to work in the mines. After submitting an application for the job at age 18, Rodríguez was rejected. She applied again two years later, covering the fact that she is a trans woman. This time, she got the job.
In 2025, Rodríguez sat down for an interview with Spanish newspaper El País and talked about how she worked in the mines for years, hiding her identity. In 2012, however, Argentina passed the Gender Identity Law, aiming to protect trans people from discrimination.
Still, Rodríguez said she continued to face discrimination and filed a written complaint about how she was being treated. The trailblazer said her relentless efforts brought change to the country.
“I hacked the system. I set the precedent. We changed history,” she told El País.
Where is Carla Antonella Rodríguez working now?
Rodríguez is now working at the Río Turbio coal mine in Argentina. She regularly gives updates about her work on social media. In recent months, Rodríguez has been speaking on panels and doing interviews to promote Queen of Coal.
Rodríguez told El País that she looks at herself in the mirror these days and likes what she sees.
“To stop constantly chasing the hegemonic ideals set by the system: pretty, thin, tall. No. I have a strong, firm face, the hands of a laborer, hardened here in Patagonia,” she said. “This is who I am. And I’m proud of who I am, of what I’ve been able to achieve.”