Diana Salameh, also known by her stage name Yasmene Jabar, is a trailblazing American film director and stand-up comedian originally from Noxubee County, Mississippi. A true Renaissance woman, Diana’s artistic journey has spanned photography, painting, sculpting, acting, and filmmaking. She is best known for directing and producing Desiree: A Ghost Story (2012), a Southern Gothic thriller featuring a trans-led cast and creative team.
Born intersex and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Diana’s early life was marked by resilience and a deep desire to live authentically. She began her gender transition at 18 and underwent gender-affirming surgery by age 20, overcoming significant social and economic barriers. Diana’s life story includes time spent in the drag and underground performance scenes, modeling, and eventually embracing her creative voice behind the camera.
Deeply inspired by the likes of Alfred Hitchcock, Charlie Chaplin, and John Waters, Diana blends fantasy with visual storytelling and often appears in cameo roles in her own films. Off-screen, she is a passionate advocate for authenticity and aging gracefully as a transgender woman. Her life and work continue to inspire others with bold creativity, honesty, and heart.
