Franko Guillen’s life as a drag queen performer started at the age of 18. He was living in the city of Stockton, Calif. when he took the stage as Franceska as part of a fundraiser after his friends died in a car accident.
"Three brothers died. They drowned going to work in the fields...and I wanted to send those three bodies back to their mother in Mexico," Guillen said. "After that one night, and we raised the money, by the way, my family came out, and I started doing benefits in that one night club."
During the 1980s AIDS crisis, Guillen moved to San Diego. He continued to perform as Franceska on both sides of the border to raise money to help people living with HIV and AIDS. Later, Guillen founded Orgullo San Diego, a Latino LGBT Pride organization.
Almost 50 years since Guillen's first performance, Franceska is still entertaining audiences today to support various causes.
Franceska is one of nine drag queens being honored in the San Diego History Center’s Legendary Drag Queens of San Diego exhibit on display now through Sept. 8, 2019. The exhibit is part of the larger “LGBTQ+ San Diego: Stories of Struggles + Triumphs” exhibit.
"What I want is the spotlight on those that I'm fighting for. I never wanted the spotlight on me. Even though it's wonderful, but the spotlight should be on those that are less fortunate than I am."
As part of our First Person series, Guillen shares his journey on and off stage.
