Though attitudes and acceptance toward the trans community in Spain have bettered over the years, Santiago feels there's still a long way to go and is intent on continuing to fight for her human rights.
When I was 22 years old, I made the sex change, thanks to my mother, who with all her love paid it for me, since working, dancing and modeling only gave me [enough] to pay my expenses and the rent of the apartment.
"I recognize that I was always a privileged person because I could be what I always wanted and I had support at all times," she admits.
In 2012, The ALMA Awards for Favorite Television Actress, leading role in the drama.
She cites strong, iconic Spanish women as her influences growing up — Sara Montiel, Lola Flores, Carmen Sevilla, Bibiana Fernandez.
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