Elisa Crespo, a former prostitute, is seeking a seat on the New York York (NYC) Council.
If successful, the 30-year-old would be the first trans woman on the NYC Council.
Like few others, Crespo is gunning for the seat vacated by outgoing Councilman Ritchie Torres in the 15th council district — representing Belmont, Fordham, Tremont, Mount Hope, Allerton, Van Nest, West Farms, and Bedford Park.
Torres, who has won election to Congress, is the first openly gay person elected in the borough, and the seat he vacated is to be filled in a special election in Mach 2021.
Crespo, who transitioned to female aged 15, had been arrested in November 2012 for prostitution, after she posted an ad offering escort/sex services.
However, she said that her action was in the past, noting that she did it because she needed to survive and make ends meet.
She maintained that she was not afraid of speaking about her past, but that some political opponents were trying to weaponise the arrest to promote “transphobia”.
According to New York Post, Crespo has a degree in political science from CUNY’s John Jay College, interned with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) and currently serves as an education aide to Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.