Carmen Rupe
From The Oldest Profession Podcast by Old Pros
October 7, 2025 · 1h 1m · Season 6 · Episode 5
About this episode
This episode tells the story of Carmen Rupe, a drag queen and activist who made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community in New Zealand.
Carmen Rupe was many things—drag queen, sex worker, business owner, activist, icon—and almost the mayor of Wellington. This week, Kaytlin Bailey tells the story of New Zealand's most beloved old pro, tracing her journey from hula dancer to trans pioneer. Carmen's life was one of glamour, resistance, and love. She built safer spaces, fought unjust laws, and carved a path for generations to follow. Special thanks to everyone I met in New Zealand who told me about this amazing old pro! Thank you NZPC for sponsoring my trip there. Thank you to the Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision Archive for letting us use some of the audio clips in this episode. The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by Old Pros , a non-profit media organization that uses storytelling to advocate for sex worker rights. If you value our mission, please consider making a tax deductible donation. To learn more visit us at oldprosonline.org , which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop support our work at Old Pros. We'd like to thank our Season 6 sponsors M e g a P e r s o n a l s, Assembly Four, Tryst, A Great Idea, and the New Moon Network.
People in this episode
Host: Kaytlin Bailey
Topics covered
- drag queen
- sex work
- activism
- New Zealand history
- trans rights
- iconic figures
Keywords
- Carmen Rupe
- drag queen
- sex worker
- activist
- New Zealand
- trans pioneer
- history
- Old Pros
Sponsors
M e g a P e r s o n a l s, Assembly Four, Tryst, A Great Idea, New Moon Network
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: NZPC, Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision Archive
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- Shirley Cavanaugh · January 3, 2026 · 37 min
- Holiday Special: Coming Out Stories · December 16, 2025 · 49 min
- Decriminalization in Rhode Island · December 2, 2025 · 53 min
- History of Decriminalization in Australia: Part 2 · November 25, 2025 · 43 min
- History of Decriminalization in Australia: Part 1 · November 18, 2025 · 49 min
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