Carmen Carrera is an acclaimed model who rose to fame in her breakout appearance on season three of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Carrera, who came out as trans after appearing on the Logo TV show, has established herself as a trans activist by starting a national dialogue about transphobic language used on the show. As a model, Carrera has been famously photographed by David LaChapell for the Life Ball, and she campaigned to become the first trans Victoria’s Secret model.
While she hasn’t yet achieved that goal, Carrera is a successful Elite model who was recognized for her work by GLAAD in 2014. “The truth is LGBT culture and fashion go hand in hand,” Naomi Campbell said as she paid tribute to her fellow model. “They flourish in light of making bold and brave statements.”
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In honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance, Carrera will join MSNBC for a Facebook chat Friday. Transgender Day of Remembrance began in Baltimore in 1999 as a way to honor the memory of those who died as a result on anti-trans violence. Twenty-two trans people have been killed so far in the U.S. this year, according to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs.
Friday, as part of MSNBC’s participation in Transgender Day of Remembrance, Carmen Carrera spoke with members of the community to discuss her work and experience. Take a look at highlights from the Q&A with Carrera from MSNBC’s Facebook page:
Nisha C.: What was the hardest part of coming out as trans for you?
Carrera: Hardest part would have to be getting over the fear of being judged. Coming out and wanting to continue interacting with people who know can be difficult because it makes you get into your head a lot.
Quinn M.: What is one thing you want cisgender people to know about being transgender?
Carrera: I would like cisgender people to know that it’s difficult for us to fit in and some of us try our entire life to coexist with the rest of the world. Be kind to us and embrace the fact that everyone in this world will never be exactly the same and it’s way more interesting to open yourself up to all people and cultures so that when you die you can say you’ve gotten to know the world. Well, that’s how I think anyways.
Laurel M: What inspired you to become a trans activist?
Carrera: I’ve always had a “stand up for the people” type of personality. I don’t like seeing people suffer, and I also think most people aren’t aware enough half of the time. I want to inspire strength. I also want to inspire people to create their own happy reality.









