Holly Woodlawn
Holly Woodlawn, born Haraldo Santiago Franceschi Rodriguez on October 26, 1946, understood from a young age that she wanted to escape the streets of Puerto Rico and come to New York. She chose a new name based on Audrey Hepburn’s portrayal in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and an episode of I Love Lucy when she was just 16 years old. She was ready to make a new start in New York City with her new identity, hoping to appear on stage. Their formative years were not pleasant; in fact, she discusses living on the streets in her novel A Low Life in High Heels. Despite this, she eventually made it to the big screen in films including Scarecrow in a Garden of Cucumbers, Women in Revolt, and Alibi. As a result of her experiences, she established the Holly Woodlawn Memorial Fund for Transgender Kids, which is housed in the Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Center.
Holly Woodlawn
Harmony Santana
Harmony Santana landed a role in the 2011 drama Gun Hill Road after being found at a Pride Parade. Her emotional portrayal gained her not just critical acclaim, but also a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in the Independent Spirit Awards. Her candidacy made history because she was the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for a major acting award in the United States. Harmony was residing at Green Chimneys, a home for LGBTQ+ adolescents in Manhattan, during the film’s filming. The friendships she made there encouraged her to become an activist who advocates for the community’s homeless youth. She is certain to have a great and fruitful career because of her compassion and acting skills.
Harmony Santana
