Kitty the Pittie needs Surgery

Cary is the man behind Kochina Rude, undoubtedly one of your favorite queer Latino performers here in the Bay Area. You may also know him as the “NALOXONE QUEEN” where he intertwines harm reduction and overdose prevention training into his drag shows. He has worked in harm reduction for 12 years and was dubbed “the Narcan Queen” by KRON4 News, sainted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, published worldwide. He’s brought his advocacy and expertise to the White House, Puerto Rico and most recently Colombia. The last four years he’s somehow balanced being Kochina Rude, a traveling educator, and a full time public health employee assisting health departments all throughout California.

I did a little math to figure out he’s passed out over 8,000 doses of NALOXONE (Narcan). His work in the Bay Area isn’t just important, it’s life saving.

Now, you may wonder who takes care of CARY? Like many queer families, Cary’s main support system is his beloved dog, a seven year old pittie named Kitty. He’s the joy Cary comes home to after work, focusing on high risk individuals like HIV+ elders, sex workers, the undocumented, and the unhoused. Kitty waits up late for Cary while he performs as Kochina Rude, where his performances far surpass the normal drag show (cue Cary throwing narcan into a screaming crowd). So after everything Cary does to care for others, Kitty is the one to take care of Cary. Kitty is the bright spot in Cary’s life, his constant, his happiness, his everything.

Heartbreakingly things have recently changed as Kitty has suffered a life altering injury of a torn ligament in his rear left leg. He is 70lbs and too strong/heavy for the ligament to heal on its own; without intervention it will just keep tearing and kitty will eventually not be able to walk. Orthopedic surgery is our last resort to preserve his quality of life and Cary is now facing a bill close to 9k, an amount Cary isn’t comfortable asking for.

It took a lot of convincing from me to start this campaign. Cary is by default a selfless individual that views himself as a caretaker so asking for help is deeply uncomfortable. I really want to prove to him the power of community. I want to show him that his work is valued and we as his friends and family will come through in this time of need. We are seeking an immediate 5k to get Kitty into surgery right away.

Cary and I both understand this is a difficult time to ask for help. As we watch our beloved immigrant communities be torn apart in violent ICE raids; we know there are many urgent needs for mutual aid. We must also recognize and support Queer Latino community leaders that stand right beside us. One of our own needs us; let’s show up.

I thank you in advance for considering Cary and Kitty during this time.

With love and gratitude

Megan Wilson