Obituary: Coco Galliana (1986-2023)

Oscar Samuel Galeana, aka Coco Galliana, of San Diego, born on May 9, 1986, passed away on July 15, 2023. She is survived by his parents, Patricia Galeana Acevedo, Agustin Mendoza Romo, and his brother Eduardo Mendoza Galeana. 

When Coco was 13, Patricia and Agustin decided to migrate their family to the United States in hopes to give their sons better opportunities for better lives. However, Coco saw something bigger: the chance to be who he truly was and what he was: a woman. Although Coco did not come out as transgender until much later, she was fascinated by the acceptance of the LGBTQ community in America; especially in San Diego. She quickly fell in love with this country. So much so that when the opportunity came to go back to Mexico, she refused.

Coco slowly entered the fashion industry, first by working at Bloomingdale’s and later managing designer brand stores. Eventually she dressed models for fashion shows. No one could deny she had talent.

It soon became evident that Samuel had outgrown his given birth name and her friends took it upon themselves to rename her Coco because of her love for Coco Chanel. Coco suffered much in this world, yet she never let on. There would be times she’d casually mention being discriminated against and even attacked for being transgender but one could have never known because she was so resilient and so positive. Her energy and fabulous spirit will be missed. Her friends describe her as a supporting force in their lives, encouraging them to strive for bigger and better things.

Coco was taken to her birthplace and final resting place, Acapulco, Mexico, on August 9, 2023. Her closest and dearest friends continue to be a cherished and beloved support system to her family.

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