We recently connected with Rain Garcia and have shared our conversation below.

Rain , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Creating the first-ever transgender march in San Antonio, dubbed “ The March of Us,” was a venture that came with significant risks and uncertainties for me. In the beginning, I felt a mix of fear and apprehension. I worried about how everything would unfold and whether my allies and the community would come together to show Texas that San Antonio embodies love and acceptance.

The nerves were overwhelming, especially since I had never organized such an event before. The thought of potential challenges and ensuring a safe space for everyone weighed heavily on my mind. However, I was determined to take this risk to demonstrate how much my community means to me. I wanted to unite our people, and the inspiration I drew from the MLK march fueled my desire to act.

I was fortunate to connect with my friend Jeremy from the JPAN Project. When I shared my vision with him, his enthusiastic response—“Girl, I got you! Let’s make this happen”—was a turning point. With only two months to prepare, we rallied together, and the rest became part of our shared history. Now, three years later, “The March of Us” has gained increasing attention each year and continues to grow. I’m grateful to have more allies and organizations standing with us, showing their love and support as we celebrate our community’s strength and resilience.

Rain , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Rain, and my journey into advocacy began in March 2021, profoundly influenced by the devastating loss of my brother. He tragically chose to end his life after grappling with the challenges associated with living with HIV. His passing served as a powerful impetus for me to take action, igniting a passionate commitment to ensure that no one else would experience the profound pain he endured. As a result, I dedicated myself to supporting the HIV community, motivated by the desire to honor his memory and create a positive impact.

Alongside my efforts in HIV advocacy, I came to realize that my personal experience as a Latina trans woman was intricately connected to my brother’s narrative. I understood the arduous journey of living authentically and the significant hurdles in securing a career that would embrace my true identity, particularly during a time when my dead name had yet to be changed. This realization made me acutely aware of the struggles faced by many individuals in my community, and it propelled me to take meaningful action.

In light of this, I established Unfiltered Wings, a platform specifically aimed at guiding individuals through the often daunting process of changing their names and gender markers. I recognized that this transformative step was essential for many in my community, and I was determined to provide the necessary support to help them move forward in their personal journeys.

I am thrilled to report that I have had the privilege of assisting numerous members of the transgender community in achieving this important milestone. It is incredibly rewarding to witness individuals fully embrace their authentic selves and embark on new chapters in their lives, liberated from the barriers that once constrained them. My advocacy work is deeply rooted in a commitment to empower others, ensuring that everyone has the chance to live openly and with pride. It is truly fulfilling to contribute to their journeys and help foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As a Latina trans woman, my journey has been one of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment. From the very beginning, I recognized that the most important thing is to live authentically for myself, regardless of what others might think or say. It’s crucial to embrace self-love and to understand that our lives matter, just as much as our mental health does.

Throughout my experiences, I have faced challenges that tested my strength and resolve. Yet, each obstacle has only reinforced my belief in the importance of being unfiltered and unapologetically myself. I have learned that true resilience comes from embracing who you are, even in the face of adversity.

I have made it my mission to illustrate to my community that it is not only okay to be unfiltered, but it is also empowering. By sharing my story and being open about my struggles and victories, I hope to inspire others to embrace their true selves without fear. I want my community to know that their identities are valid and that they deserve to live authentically.

In sharing my journey, I strive to create a space where self-acceptance and mental well-being are prioritized. I believe that by standing firm in our identities and supporting one another, we can build a stronger, more resilient community. My hope is that my story serves as a reminder that we all have the power to live boldly and to love ourselves fiercely, no matter the challenges we may face.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Every success story comes with a backstory, often filled with both uplifting moments and profound challenges. My journey began in a deeply painful place, following the tragic passing of my brother. During this tumultuous time in my life, I had the fortune of meeting Mario, the co-founder of Unfiltered Wings. We were introduced through one of my brother’s and it didn’t take long for us to form a strong bond. As our friendship blossomed, Mario began visiting San Antonio more frequently, becoming a vital presence in my life.

While I was still navigating my grief, Mario played an instrumental role in helping me channel my pain into something meaningful. It was during this time that the idea for Unfiltered Wings was born, inspired by his encouragement and support in helping me find my purpose and step out of my comfort zone. Together, we began organizing events aimed at uplifting our community and fostering connection.

Tragically, just a month before the second annual “The March of Us,” Mario lost his life in a devastating car accident in February 2024. His sudden passing left me shattered and heartbroken. Despite my deep sorrow, I knew I had to stay strong for our community and maintain a positive outlook, even as I struggled silently with the weight of my loss. In those moments of despair, I often felt adrift without Mario by my side.

However, I held onto the memory of Mario’s vibrant spirit and boundless love. I knew he would want me to keep pushing forward and continue building Unfiltered Wings. I miss him dearly, and I often reflect on how proud he would be of what we started together. I am committed to honoring his legacy by remaining dedicated to our mission and supporting our communities. With every step I take, I carry his spirit with me, ensuring that our shared vision lives on.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: unfiltered wings
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unfilteredwings
• Other: https://linktr.ee/vsrainpr