The exquisite Carmen Etravaganza, Mother of the House of Xtravaganza, several times... and who never needed anything but a hint of make-up to look like she'd stepped out of a fashion magazine. Her extreme beauty, flair for fashion and fun personality didn't just inspire Paris is Buring, she cemented her House's excellence, inspired countless ballroom participants, snatched dozens of trophies and even at times inspired this queen! Sadly, we lost Carmen over the weekend of lung cancer at the age of 62. She of course, like voguer Willie Ninja, Madonna's dancers, Jose and Luis Xtravaganza, Dorian Corey, and Crystal LaBeija, helped bring ballroom culture into the mainstream. Without legends like Carmen, there might not be a Pose, inspiration for the video Vogue, HBO'S Legendary, or the catch phrases of RuPaul's Drag Race... or even a Drag Race.
Throughout the 80's Carmen reigned on the runway of the most legendary house on the Ballroom scene... House of Xtravaganza and its lineup of "impossible beauties. Carmen was always very vocal about being trans and talking publicly about her transition. Her openness and bravery helped pave the way for others in the ball scene, not to mention from outside the ballroom scene. Carmen was born in Spain in 1961 and moved to New York in the very late 1970s. She began transitioning when she was only 16 and living in Washington DC. Carmen eventually moved back to Spain for a short time and worked in the fashion and nightlife industries before returning to the US and cementing herself in the New York City ballroom and nightlife scene for the next 30 years.
RIP Goddess.
She certainly made her mark. Sixty-two is very young to go. RIP
ReplyDeleteExtremely blessed to have met her and she left an imprint on my life as a trans.
ReplyDeleteIn the 90s, House of Etravaganza accepted us club kids and kooks no questions asked. I saw Carmen and Brooke and Wille in all their glory honey. Watching Carmen and Brooke in Paris Is Burning, their joy and their confidence was akin to watching the sun come up after a long night. Carmens joy, beauty, humor, and strength have become beacons to many now. My condolences to the House of Xtravaganza.
ReplyDeleteOh you know we need to grab some cocktails because I need to hear your stories. And I have seen pictures of your Club kid days.
DeleteR.I.P. Carmen, Goddesses never die.
ReplyDeleteLegacy of acceptance & love!!
ReplyDeleteThat's right honey!
DeleteThis is heartbreaking news. She was a shining light for so many people.
ReplyDeleteI've seen Paris is Burning of course, and know all the names...but to see one of them in person would have been amazing. They seem like only things of legends when you have never seen them in person. You are lucky to have had New York in your backyard so to speak.
ReplyDeleteCarmen will always be an icon and trailblazer.
That is exactly why I used to love going out in New York City. You never knew who you would see or run into in any of the clubs on any given night. I have some stories of my own girl.
DeleteShe was something else.
ReplyDeleteA lady of many, many stunning looks
ReplyDeleteStunning.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Legend.
ReplyDeleteAnd absolutely stunning. Gonna go watch Paris is Burning again in her name.
XOXO
All right move over I brought the popcorn and drinks!
DeleteDamn....
ReplyDeleteWasn't she the basis for the Dominique character in "Pose"?
I'm not sure .. but I think it actually might have been Crystal LaBeija. That would make more sense, since Crystal was extremely sassy.
DeleteShe died much too young.
ReplyDeleteNoooo! I remember her from Paris is Burning a long, long time ago. That's too young of an age to die.
ReplyDeleteWould you believe she was still hitting the scene until she was on well enough to do so. Now that's a legend. You should watch Paris is burning again. It's amazing how well that documentary holds up.
DeleteHer presence and talent left an indelible mark on the House Ballroom scene. In 1988, Carmen's star shined even brighter when she graced the cover of the Village Voice for an article by Donald Suggs titled "Venus Envy: The Drag Balls of Harlem." This moment was pivotal as the House Ballroom scene began gaining mainstream attention. Her contribution to the community and artistry will forever be remembered. I can't believe I heard nothing of her passing except here...off to google.....
ReplyDeleteHad it not been for a friend texting me pearly, I was highly shocked I did not hear more about it anywhere. It was only until I went to Google did stuff come up otherwise I would have sold nothing.
DeleteI had only just saw this today. I even stopped at some gay sites and no mention. We can't let people like this slip away and not be remembered. Shame on some of those sites for no mention. Lovely post for this Mother!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful... a runway model. How fortunate... and she'll age well, too. Sigh. Good genes.
ReplyDelete