Unveiling the portrait , Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says she admired Carmen’s strength in living her life and standing up against discrimination.
“Vivacious, outspoken, and charismatic, Carmen left her mark on our capital city,” she says.
The Mayor also acknowledged the work of the artist Te Mete and the generosity of MP Louisa Wall in commissioning the work.
The presentation comes on the eve of International Transgender Day tomorrow, ( 31 March).
Mayor Wade-Brown who promoted the Kate Sheppard crossing light near Parliament also announced that a new silhouette for crossing lights in Cuba Street will feature a figure of Carmen dancing. The crossing light project is to recognise and celebrate transgender communities within our society.
The new crossing light silhouette will be installed at the corners of Cuba and Manners, Dixon, Ghuznee and Vivian Streets.