Carolina
My Story
Moving to Hawaii
Family history in Pasadena, CA and ties to the Rose Bowl
Moving back to LA from Hawaii
Carolina’s coming out story
Friends, chosen family, and community
How life changed after coming out
A small decision that changed the course of life
Early exploration of trans identity in her 20’s
Important and personal causes
Honoring Amy Winehouse and Witney Houston through performance
Dressing up for the first time
Winning Miss Honolulu and experiences during her reign
Developing an interest in politics and 1960’s history
Getting Richard Nixon’s autograph
Loved Ones
How to know when to compromise vs. if you’re giving too much of yourself in a relationship
Self preservation and red flags in a relationship
Ideas on how to resolve conflict with people
Fond memories of Carolina’s father and his experience as an immigrant and in sports journalism
Experiences living through the early years of the AIDS epidemic, and with loss
Early organizing and participating in the origins of Trans Day of Rememberance
Carolina shares progress that she’s witnessed in the transgender community in her lifetime
A thank you (conversation between Carolina and Kate)
Accomplishments
Carolina discusses what she is most proud of
Carolina reflects on college and living in community
The overlap of LGBTQ_ advocacy and political activism
Things that Carolina would like to be remembered for
How to know if you’ve been successful in something
Qualities of good leaders, as demonstrated by Connie Norman, Sylvia Rivera, Martha P. Johnson, and John F Kennedy
In response to the question “What is the secret to a happy and meaningful life?”
Carolina shares her interest in JFK, his assignation, and what is has meant for politics since
Carolina discusses her current efforts in transgender political advocacy
Values
Carolina reflects on advice she might give her 12 year old self, and reflects back on the year 1961
Carolina’s early childhood memories
Thoughts on religion
Personal beliefs that align more with science than spirituality
Carolina’s core values
Two things to practice daily
Thoughts on how to develop resilience
Language in the LGBTQ+ community and how it changes
Experiences with RuPaul and other queens
Final thoughts on hopes for the LGBTQ+ community moving foward