They Didn’t See This Coming at Hooters!

In a story that’s both inspiring and groundbreaking, Erica Carosella, a young woman from Oxford, Pennsylvania, has become the first openly transgender Hooters girl, defying societal norms and proving her doubters wrong.

Erica Carosella, the first openly trans woman to work as a Hooters girl, is sharing her journey and how she set out to prove the haters wrong
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Challenging the Naysayers

Erica’s journey began when she came out as transgender at the age of 14. Like many young people with big dreams, she faced skepticism and ridicule. In high school, she mentioned her ambition of working at Hooters to her classmates. However, her aspirations were met with laughter, particularly from two teachers who doubted her ability to achieve such a goal. Erica recalled, “My two teachers laughed and were like, ‘Yeah, as if that’s going to happen,’ or something along those lines.” But for Erica, those dismissive words became fuel for her determination.

After graduating, Erica set out to prove her critics wrong. Five years later, at 19, she successfully landed a position at Hooters. This accomplishment wasn’t just about securing a job; it was about proving that she could achieve anything she set her mind to, despite the odds.

Erica Carosella is pictured working at Hooters Caters

A Quiet Start

When Erica first joined Hooters, she chose to keep her transgender identity private. She believed her gender identity had no bearing on her ability to perform her job. “The reason I decided to apply to Hooters in the first place was that while I was in high school, I remember making a remark about wanting to become a Hooters girl to some classmates,” Erica explained. “Next thing you know I am the first trans Hooters girl.”

Her decision to stay under the radar was rooted in her confidence that she met all the requirements for the job. With her transition well underway and her official documents reflecting her identity as female, Erica saw no reason to disclose her transgender status. “I didn’t feel the need to tell the company that I was transgender as I am female, and it did not have anything to do with my work ethic or the ability to do my job,” she said.

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Erica’s commitment to her work and her ability to meet the company’s standards made her an ideal candidate. “Everything they chose to hire me for such as my experience, my work ethic, and my appearance all lined up with what they wanted at the time. I checked off all the marks on the list — none of which involved me being transgender.”

Revealing the Truth

Erica Carosella, pictured in a glamour shot taken outside, said her Hooters colleagues were floored when they found out that she was transgender
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Over time, Erica felt comfortable enough to share her true identity with a few close colleagues. Their reactions were ones of surprise and amazement. Despite her initial reservations, Erica thrived in her role at Hooters, earning praise from customers and management alike. However, she did face occasional challenges, including instances of inappropriate behavior from some patrons.

Eventually, Erica decided to reveal her identity publicly. She took to TikTok to share her story, claiming her title as the first-ever openly transgender Hooters girl. The decision was made during a time when her Hooters branch was temporarily closed.

Facing Unexpected Challenges

While Erica received positive feedback from many, her journey took an unexpected turn when her branch reopened. Despite being reassured that her job was secure, Erica found herself in a difficult position. While her colleagues were welcomed back, Erica was met with silence. “My manager was always thanking me for my hard work,” she said. “I kept up my looks and the customers loved me, so I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t rehire me, but one can only suspect.”

Determined not to be sidelined, Erica went to the restaurant in person, only to be told that she would need to reapply for her position. The situation left her feeling frustrated and disheartened, but she remains resolute in her fight to prove herself.

Erica Carosella, pictured in a ball gown, is trying to figure out why she hasn’t been rehired since the reopening of her Hooters branch
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Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Others

Erica Carosella, pictured at a restaurant, explained how she has had to occasionally put up with some instances of inappropriate touching
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Erica Carosella’s story is one of resilience and determination. She not only broke barriers by becoming the first openly transgender Hooters girl but also demonstrated the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of adversity. As she continues to navigate her journey, Erica’s story serves as an inspiration to others who are determined to prove their worth, regardless of the obstacles they may face.

With her unwavering spirit, Erica has shown that dreams can be achieved, even when others doubt you. Her journey is a powerful reminder that it’s not just about proving others wrong — it’s about proving to yourself that you can do anything you set your mind to.