It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Candy Darling - an American actress and transgender icon - who passed away on May 21st, 1974. Candy Darling was a trailblazer in the transgender community and broke boundaries as one of the first transgender stars in avant-garde films. She was born in Forest Hills in New York City on Nov 24, 1945. Born and raised in Queens, Darling's first breakthrough came when she starred in Andy Warhol's films Flesh and Trash. Both films garnered considerable attention and success. Darling continued to feature in avant-garde films all throughout her career, as well as film shorts. Although her professional work primarily focused on the avant-garde world, Darling won over fans with her impactful presence within the transgender community. She acted as a symbol of self-love and acceptance, at a time where transgender people weren't accepted in wider society. Darling passed away aged 29 due to Leukemia. A strong voice in the transgender and avant-garde worlds, Darling will forever be remembered for her courage and bravery to break down barriers about what it means to be transgender.