Carlotta

Photographer: Rennie Ellis

Carlotta AM is an Australian entertainment legend and a trailblazing pioneer for transgender visibility.

Rising to fame in the 1960s as the star of the iconic Les Girls cabaret revue in Kings Cross, Carlotta captivated audiences for decades with her wit, glamour, and stage presence. In 1973, she made global television history on Number 96, becoming the first transgender actor to play a trans character on TV. Her life and career later inspired The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Beyond the stage, Carlotta’s openness about her transition broke down social taboos during an era of deep prejudice, paving the way for transgender rights in Australia. In 2020, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her service to the performing arts and the LGBTQIA+ community.