Becoming A Rose

Happy Halloween! I’m waking up late after some tough dreams of being in a mansion looking for a place to hide from gangster killers.

Lately, I’ve been watching the new Rosie O’Donnell show on OWN. Even though I’ve enjoyed her in the past, especially her fights with Elizabeth on The View, I haven’t been a fan until now. It’s been great to come home from work and to have a comedy show to unwind with. She cracks me up! I actually laugh out loud at some of her dumb jokes and mannerisms.

On a somewhat similar note, my drag name is NOT Rosie, but Rosa, actually Rosa Rose. Translated Rose Rose. In some odd way it’s in honor to my mom who has loved roses for as long as I can remember. It’s been a long time since I’ve put on a wig and heels, but she’s still in here somewhere.

Personally, being in drag is another creative outlet. It’s not about wanting to be or feel like a woman. Whenever I have visions/ ideas in my life, I make the greatest of effort to bring them to life. This applies to my painting and photography. If I don’t express it, I feel weird and unfulfilled. I believe that GOD has given me this imagination and to NOT bring it to life is to NOT live to my best potential.

The piece here is titled “Becoming Me.” It’s from my series of Little Girls. A photo of me in drag inspires it back when I was living in SF. I remember how much courage it took to show up to a house party with only me dressed in drag. But I had this idea and I followed through with it. I’m always glad I do. My friends and I had a blast!

I found a quote from a cross-dresser that applies here, he wrote, “I seek only to discover more of myself and to create a safe environment to experiment in."


Have a great Halloween and remember to honor all your ideas and inspirations!