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The flamboyant outfits and accessories of Carmen Rupe
have been welcomed to Te Papa in a special ceremony this morning.
Carmen was an iconic figure in the 60s and 70s,
who advocated for gay and transgendered communities.
Close friends and whanau say
today marks the realisation of one of Carmen's last wishes
before her death.
The vision of Carmen Rupe is no longer,
but her sparkly treasures can soon be seen by all.
It was the wish of this icon
of the transgender,
gay community that her treasures be seen by everyone.
Carmen Rupe died in 2011.
Her close friends collected her memorabilia from her Sydney home
to its new home at Te Papa.
Before she died
we gathered up her mementos for exhibition.
It was always her wish that these
would be exhibited at Te Papa Tongarewa.
A necklace, dress, a head-dress fit for a queen, a voodoo doll,
and the helmet of the policeman
who arrested Carmen in the seventies.
They each have their own stories about Carmen's world.
We want to raise awareness about the gay world.
When she was growing up,
we had no problem seeing her wear our mother's dresses,
to us it was all fine.
The collection will first be seen online.
There'll be an exhibition for all to get an understanding of
what Carmen Rupe has achieved.
So the glitter and guidance of this icon will live on.
Tina Wickliffe, Te Karere.