Wellington trans-legend Carmen Rupe's 70th birthday is being recognised with a special dinner in Parliament tonight. Bruno Aldaz from Tim Barnett's office says tonight's event will be a small dinner with MP's Georgina Beyer, Maryan Street and Tim Barnett in attendance with Carmen. Carmen's birthday was also marked with a huge event at Wellington's Boatshed theatre last Saturday. Organiser Jacquie Grant tells GayNZ.com she was over the moon with how the fundraiser turned out. “Carmen was escorted in by two muscle men who were her personal servants for the night, Grant explains. “The guard of honour - over 70 trannies lining both sides of the stairs into the venue - had Carmen's make up running and tissues had to be found. “The celebrity roast was so funny and Carmen was delighted when so many old acquaintances popped up. There were old friends of 50-year duration, ex vice squad detectives who presented her with the order of the pink policeman's hat - a real police helmet painted pink complete with feathers. Mika was just superb, Georgina Beyer did her usual professional and oh so eloquent speech. Grant spoke of her first meeting with Carmen in Sydney 50 years ago, and the Mayor of Wellington presented her with the Keys to the City. The Australian High Commissioner also spoke, Suzie Wong from Brisbane spoke about the old coffee bar days, and then Mika led the audience to sing Happy Birthday in Maori. “The cake was just magnificent,” Grant continues. “It was a giant chocolate cup and saucer, big enough for 350 people. Then the show proper began. Nicolle Duvall was just superb as was Auckland's Miss K and Natasha who played the part of Carmen - that blew everyone away. And not forgetting the body beautiful Philip - many an old queen's heart fluttered. The band De Ja Blue provided live music after the show.” Both the Parliament dinner tonight, and the Birthday Party last weekend are fundraisers for the Chrissy Witoko Memorial Trust. The charity honours and remembers Chrissy Witoko by providing relief of hardship due to illness or death for members of the Wellington Gay Lesbian and Transgendered Communities. Ref: GayNZ.com (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Tuesday, 10th October 2006 - 12:00pm