This interview looks back at the life of Manolita Chen, a pioneering trans woman in Spain who was among the first to successfully change her name and gender on her national ID, and to be granted the right to foster children. It focuses on the toughest struggles she endured because of her sexual identity Manuela Saborido Muñoz, conocida como Manolita Chen, nació en 1943 en Arcos de la Frontera. Fue una de las primeras mujeres trans en España en obtener el cambio de nombre y género en su DNI y en recibir el derecho de acogimiento de menores. Desde joven sufrió rechazo y pobreza, trabajando en diversos oficios antes de emigrar a Barcelona y luego a París, donde inició su carrera artística como vedette. Tras el servicio militar, se estableció en Torremolinos y luego en Barcelona, consolidando su carrera en el espectáculo.Actuó en España y el extranjero junto a grandes artistas y creó su propia compañía. Durante el franquismo, fue detenida varias veces por su identidad. En 1985 se convirtió en madre adoptiva de varios niños con discapacidades. En los años 80, dejó el espectáculo y triunfó como empresaria en la hostelería, pero una crisis personal la llevó a la ruina.Como activista, ha luchado incansablemente por los derechos LGTBI y ha recibido múltiples reconocimientos. Su legado continúa con la Fundación Manolita Chen, que ofrece apoyo a personas vulnerables y preserva su historia. Su patrimonio artístico y documental se ha cedido a museos y archivos para su difusión pública. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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