by Jonathan Swindle When Brittany Ramirez swept onto the South Texas LGBT scene at just fifteen years old in the late 1980s, she knew she’d found her home. Born an entertainer, “coming out from the womb,” as she puts it, Brittany has spent nearly four decades lighting up stages, building community, and opening doors for generations who followed. Now fifty-three and still performing, she recently sat down to share her story with Our Community Lives, and it’s a journey full of sparkle, strength, and the kind of perseverance that changes lives.
Brittany’s early years were defined by the vibrant, tight-knit community she found in Corpus Christi’s club scene. Hanging out at the sea wall, traveling to gay rodeos, and watching pageants packed with contestants; the late ’80s and early ’90s were a time of remarkable unity despite the shadow of the AIDS crisis. Brittany danced backup for local legends like Victoria West and Ashley Everett, soaking up everything she could learn about performance, makeup, and the art of transformation. In 1991, she won South Texas Newcomer, a crowning moment that set the stage for what came next.
Two years later, Brittany transitioned, and in 1994, she legally changed her name under Ann Richards’ administration, becoming one of the first trans women in the Coastal Bend to do so. It was a time of isolation and survival, marked by dangerous underground body modifications and employment discrimination that forced many trans women to the margins. After living stealth for years, Brittany returned to performing in 1999, missing her community too much to stay away. She’s been onstage and center stage ever since, but her impact goes far beyond the spotlight.
Inspired by advocate Kitana Sanchez, Brittany transformed her voice into activism. In 2016, she co-founded the Coastal Bend Trans Alliance, creating a vital support network for trans individuals, youth, and their families. That same year, she organized the Pulse vigil, a gathering that brought over five hundred people together in grief, solidarity, and hope. Today, Brittany continues to mentor newcomers through pageants she created, support trans youth navigating their own journeys, and work across disadvantaged communities with the same dedication that’s defined her thirteen years of advocacy.
You can watch Brittany’s full oral history and hear her remarkable story in her own words at Our Community Lives. It’s a conversation filled with hard-won wisdom, joyful memories, and the kind of courage that inspires us all to keep showing up.
Brittany’s legacy reminds us that our stories matter, every triumph, every struggle, every moment of community that carries us through. Do you have a story to share? Whether you’re a longtime fixture of the Coastal Bend LGBT community or just beginning your journey, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your own history at ourcommunitylives.org/submit-history or contact us at info@pridecorpuschrisit.com and help us preserve the rich, vibrant tapestry of our shared lives.