When Mila Hellfyre started college at the age of 16, her life was far from easy.
Growing up as a trans teen in Puerto Rico, she found herself without family support and, eventually, homeless.
Despite these hardships, she didn’t let adversity derail her. Mila continued studying at the University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras, even as she slept on benches and showered at school. Thanks to the kindness of her university community, Mila found her first apartment.
This experience of being helped stayed with her, and at 18, she created a project called House of Hellfyre, providing housing for 22 LGBTQ+ individuals who were also struggling with homelessness. Mila’s drive to help others didn’t stop there.
She soon met Nick Alicea, who was in Puerto Rico for gender-affirming treatment while studying to become an esthetician. Like Mila, Nick had faced challenges but was determined to make a difference.
Together, they joined forces to support the trans community in Puerto Rico, working with organizations like the Human Rights Campaign to address health inequities and HIV awareness. Mila also started documenting the history of trans trailblazers in Puerto Rico, ensuring that future generations would know they weren’t alone.
Her role model, Mami Ruddy, had opened her home to those in need, and Mila followed in her footsteps, becoming a mentor and mother figure to many.
Mila and Nick’s relationship blossomed as they continued their advocacy work, and they are now planning a move to Minnesota to complete their treatments and further their studies.
Their message to others is clear: “Family is what you build, not what you’re given.” In their search for community, they found something even more profound—a family of their own, one built on love, acceptance, and mutual support.
