Businesswoman, drag queen, and anti-discrimination / HIV/AIDS activist.
Born in Taumarunui in New Zealand's North Island, Rupe moved to Sydney in the late 1950s, and became Australia's first Māori drag performer, including guest roles at the famous Les Girls in Kings Cross. She relocated to New Zealand temporarily, but returned to Australia by the late 1970s, and remained for the rest of her life.
She published her autobiography, co-written with Paul Martin, in 1988.