Name: Nancy Cañas
City, State: Silver Spring, MD
Age: 40
Profession: Licensed cosmetologist and president of the Latinx History Project/DC Latinx Pride
In a few words, how would you describe yourself?
Mother and community activist.
Your favorite hangout spots.
Pre-pandemic, dinner with friends and post-pandemic, in my living room with a good cup of coffee or a glass of whiskey.
Favorite guilty pleasure.
Books or movies with witches, werewolves, and supernatural beings.
Favorite quote.
“I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best.” ―Marilyn Monroe
Who is your biggest influence? And why?
Women in power and in politics, especially women that are also mothers. It takes a unique ability and level of empowerment to keep all the components in your family and career life moving effectively.
Favorite event.
In the good ol’ days it was drag king and burlesque shows. In most recent years, I have shifted my attention to creating spaces and elevating the voices of queer and Latinx folks.
Do you have any regrets in life?
My biggest regret is not valuing the time I had with my father. My father passed away two weeks before his 50th birthday and I was 28 years old. I wish I had more time with him and his consejos de viejo (old/ wise person’s advice). He was a busy businessman and I was like most teenagers that didn’t want to be bothered with anything. I laugh as I write this because I think of my teenagers. At this point they’re sick of me saying, “Cuando yo me muera, me vas a extrañar,” which loosely translates to, “You’ll miss me when I’m gone.” They roll their eyes and I laugh.
Favorite lesbian/queer celebrity.
Roxane Gay.
Any fun facts or anything else you want our readers to know?
I’m a proud daughter of two inmigrantes salvadoreños, a Washington, D.C. native, and a queer mother of three.
