Carmen's transgender journey blossomed before the unsuspecting gaze of New Zealander's and Australians in the early 1960's. In the 2005 New Zealand AIDS Foundation resource, Ko Ia (He or She), Carmen recalled, "As far as I can remember I've always been camp. While at a very tender age I vividly recall performing a solo hula dance to the astonishment of my whānau in the Taumarunui Town Hall, and darlings, I've never looked back."
Over the last fifty years transgender Maori have been at the forefront of seeking recognition for equal rights in Aotearoa, New Zealand. In the 1950's, 60's and 70's many, including Carmen, held high profile positions in the entertainment industry, and were fearless in living their new gender identity despite very hostile conditions, risk of violence and even imprisonment.
During the 1960's and 70's, at a time when homosexuality was illegal and sex between men was publicly abhorred, Carmen ran a very succesfull entertainment business in Wellington called Carmen's Coffee Lounge where she offered a cup of coffee and a chat downstairs and a bit of fun on the side in the sex on site venue upstairs. She went on to open the Balcony strip club where Wellington's library now stands.
Carmen's iconic status belied a truly humble spirit and manner. She said to the NZAF, "I have lived a full life and my memories are very close to me, as they remind me of all the events and people who have touched my heart and made my life rich in experiences."
Shaun Robinson, NZAF Executive Director says, "Carmen was always one to remember and honour the people who touched her life, and in her passing we return that gratitude and remember and honour her as a person who fought for what she believed in and opened her arms and heart to so many."
Many whānau and friends will be farewelling Carmen Rupe at Rockbrook Cemetary in Sydney this weekend. In New Zealand a maumahara memorial tribute is being organised to take place in Auckland in February 2012. The NZAF will be involved in the organisation of the event.
Discussions around the memorial are taking place with Carmen's whānau and close friends and more details will be released soon.
E te kuia, e te wahine rongonui o Ngāti Hari
Haere ki a rātou mā, haere ki te waka o te Kaihanga
Haere, haere haere atu rā
