MEET ME
I’m my own special creation
Vanessa Cervantes, also known as La Sirena is Los Angeles’ own “UnTucked” Burlesque Mermaid — a dazzling Drag and Burlesque performer who merges the enchantment of mermaid fantasy with the timeless allure of Old Hollywood glamour. Through her performances, she celebrates the unapologetic beauty of Trans* bodies and redefines what sensuality and elegance can look like.
Beyond the stage, Vanessa is a true force of nature — an actor, model, designer, and passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. As an out, proud, and visible Trans*-Queer Womxn of Color, she uses her art and activism to inspire visibility, empowerment, and self-love within her community.
A visionary with no limits, La Sirena continues to design her own world — one shimmering performance, bold statement, and transformative act at a time.
Vanessa graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) with an A.A. in Fashion Design and an Advanced A.A. in Theater, Film, and TV Costume Design.
Vanessa has built an impressive career in costume and fashion design, working as a Costume Technician for J & M Costumers, contributing to high-profile projects such as Katy Perry’s 2015 Super Bowl Performance, Ariana Grande’s Honeymoon Tour, the Supergirl TV Series, and Miley Cyrus’s “Younger Now” music video. She has also worked with brands including Little Mass Inc., Jessica Faulkner, and SSS Apparel.
As a freelance designer and consultant, Vanessa has collaborated with nonprofits like The Wall Las Memorias Project, the LA LGBT Center, and the Los Angeles Department of Human Relations, as well as exclusive clients such as Gia Gunn from RuPaul’s Drag Race.
After years in the fashion and costume design industry—an industry that often profits from LGBTQ+ culture without always uplifting it—Vanessa chose to return to community work. She joined The Wall Las Memorias Project (TWLMP) as a Community Organizer, where she went on to create and pioneer the organization’s first Transgender Advocacy Program Coordinator & Marketing Designer position. In this role, she launched TWLMP’s first-ever Transgender Program, founded a successful Trans Women’s Support and Empowerment Group, and facilitated Gender/LGBTQ+ 101 trainings, HIV prevention education, and numerous community events.
Vanessa also helped develop Midnight Stroll, a partnership with APAIT and The Wall Las Memorias Project that provides outreach and resources for unhoused trans individuals in Los Angeles. She later co-founded Trans Haven LA, a collective led by Trans* people dedicated to connecting the trans community with housing and vital resources. Vanessa also served on the Board of Directors for CSW / LA Pride, where she focuses on creating inclusive programming for Trans, POC, and Sober* community members.
Her advocacy naturally expanded into the arts. Vanessa began auditioning for film and modeling opportunities, landing her first supporting role in the short film Afurea (2015) and her first leading role in Myra (2019). Her modeling and acting credits include major campaigns and features such as Gilead’s Healthy Sexuals (2017), BuzzFeed 360 Video (2019), Transparent (2016), Her Story (2015), and the This Free Life Campaign (2019).
Standing tall at six feet, Vanessa’s magnetic presence, outspoken spirit, and authentic artistry command attention wherever she goes. Yet, it’s her unwavering commitment to truth, visibility, and transformation—both on and off the stage—that truly captivates and inspires.