When I started this project Carmen was the first to agree that she wouldn't mind being interviewed. And she answered all questions honestly, truthfully and heartfelt. Carmen's lives a few blocks from where I grew up. 

East/Spanish Harlem is a wonderful place to live as the cultures are unique and blended. I couldn't wait to hear what Ms. Carmen had to say. It's honest and raw. I wanted to speak to our transgender community and even thought we are under the heading, defined as gay, many of us do not have transsexual or transgender friends. Perhaps this will shed a little light.

INTERVIEW

John: . At first look at you, one might think, "drag queen", female impersonator", "transsexual", "transgender". How do you define yourself?

Carmen: I don't think of myself as any of those...I just think of myself as a unique first lady to my community.

John: When was the first time you put on a dress?

Carmen: I was 12 years old and I put on my sisters dress. From then on I fell in love with dressing in women's clothes.

John: How old were you when you realized that you were not like other boys?

Carmen: As far back as I can remember I never liked things that identitfied with being a boy. I always played with dolls and my sister and I were very close. So to answer the question I guess roughly about 5 or 6 years old.

John: In the LGBT community do you find that you are embraced on the level that our gay brothers and sisters are?

Carmen: At times.....I feel that I am supported by the whole community but I am not very politically active....there are so many subsets or factions of the LGBT community. Not everybody is of the same mind.

John: Have you experienced discrimination in the gay community?

Carmen: I don't think everyone in the gay community understands Transgendered women on the whole.. That's why I say that everyone is not of the same mind just because they are gay or lesbian.

John: With every new generation it appears that society becomes a little more accepting with same sex relationships, what would you tell a young kid who's confused about his/her sexuality?

Carmen: It depends on each individual situation....some people are just questioning and some kids might already know what they want at a very early age. But you have to be careful what kind of advice you give out to the youth. 

In certain situations it might actually be dangerous even in this day and age of progressive thinking. There are family members, friends or others that may be very opposed to someone who is wanting express their sexuality freely.

John: Many of our female impersonators who are successful become legendary, what would you like your legacy to be?

Carmen: First of all, I would like to say that I am not a female impersonator. I live and I created who I am, Carmen Xtravaganza. I don't impersonate her..I am her. I come from the Ball community, and became a legendary icon in the early 80's. I would like to be remembered as someone who stood up against all odds and made myself into the woman that I am today!!!!!!

John: During your everyday life, are you viewed as a male or female?

Carmen: First of all I transitioned in my early life at the age 15 from male to female. The only thing that separates me from another woman is that I don't get a period!!! Thank God....

John: Being who you are, do you have a good relationship with your family and has it always been that way?

Carmen: Yes, early on I got alot of support from my father who was in the military. Not so much my mother at first but eventually she came around and became my biggest supporter. She protected me and loved me so much. She passed away just 7 years ago and I miss her so much. 

She is my biggest inspiration! But now I have sisters and brothers who I am very very close to and they give a lot of support now. 

I also have the support from my family through the House and they all have been a big inspiration and support for me as well. Especially my sister(best friend) Koko LaRue Xtravaganza.

John: In our community its beauty and youth, do you have any fears about getting older?

Carmen: Not at all.....I have no fears about getting old....I am 48 going on 49 but look 30....!!! I have nothing to fear when I get older I'll just be older but I'll still be fabulous.

John: How do you relax?

Carmen: With a boy...or watching old movies..I love all the classics. I love watching old movies with Rita Hayworth, Joan Crawford, Lana Turner, Ava Gardner,

John: When you date, do you prefer to date straight, bi or gay men or women?

Carmen: Is this a trick question?.....I don't date women and I don't believe in Bi. I do date men...straight men...or those that identify as straight.

John: Have you met any celebrities and what was that their reaction to you?

Carmen: Yes I have met many many celebrities in all forms of the entertainment, music and sports. Their reaction to me was very warm, natural and endearing. I will not like to name them at this time.

John: What do you think is the misconception about someone like you?

Carmen: I don't understand this question....Do you mean Transsexual women, Transgendered women, Ball Fem-Queens?????

John: After you've met someone what impression would you like to leave them with?

Carmen: I want someone to come away with the impression that i am a very neutral, serene and classy individual.

John: Are you a spiritual person?

Carmen: Yes, very much. I pray everyday without fail and have been all my life. However, I am not affiliated with any religious organization.

John: Do you lend your time to any organizations?

Carmen: No not really...Don't have the time right now. Eventually I would like to help young people who are like myself in any way I can.

John: Do you have any children or pets?

Carmen: Yes I do, I have a Staff Bull Terrier. her name is Sky Lakota Pink Xtravaganza. She's the love of my life.

John: In your social and/or professional life, many may think that you are over the top, in your private life, would you say that you're conservative?

Carmen: I don't think I am over the top...So I just live my life in a manner that makes me happy.

John: Describe your vision of a perfect world?

Carmen: I can't…here is no perfect world. But if we could be a little kinder to each other and a little more understanding the world would be a better place to live.

Thank you so much Ms. Carmen, thank you for sharing a small piece of your life.