Nikki Lee is a former New Zealand Idol finalist who is in the early stages of transitioning. Following her first ever interview as ‘Nikki’ which published in express in April, Carlson has returned to spotlight, wowing audiences at fundraisers like Wigarama. She tells us, “It is so different to perform in a dress. You’ve got to learn how to move differently. You are standing there as this totally new persona. I feel I am growing though. When I first started dressing as a girl I was too scared to leave the house, let alone sing in public!” The reaction she has received since the interview has inspired Carlson professionally. “I am currently looking at what courses I can do to best help me to become a social worker. I’d like to specialise in working with gay men and trans youth to show people that you can be yourself.”
Photo | Evan Donnelly.
