Interview with Therese Wonnacott

Therese Wonnacott, known to many as Aunty Anita, is a Hawaiian pioneer, a former beauty pageant promoter, and a tireless activist for trans women of color. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and deep cultural pride, a life woven with both hardship and triumph. Born in Wailuku, Hawaii, Therese’s early years were marked by instability and pain within a troubled family, yet she found solace and unconditional love in the care of her grandmother. That bond helped her develop the strength she would need to navigate the challenges of growing up in an environment where acceptance was often denied. From an early age, she carried within her a sense of Hawaiian identity and patriotism, rooted in the knowledge of her people’s history and the injustice of the stolen Hawaiian kingdom. Her saying, “Hawaiian by blood, American by force,” reflects her unbreakable pride in her heritage and the struggles of her community. In her youth, she began experimenting with drag performances, where she found both self-expression and a sense of belonging. Those first steps onto the stage eventually led her to the legendary House of Lee Sei, a chosen family that welcomed her when she needed it most.

Interview with Daliah Husu

Daliah Husu is an American writer, poet, and former stage artist whose journey is as powerful as it is inspiring. Born in the slums of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and later raised in the United States, she grew up between two very different worlds, carrying with her both the hardships of poverty and the possibilities of new beginnings. From a young age she expressed herself through art, whether it was music, fashion, or performance, and eventually discovered that writing gave her the truest outlet for her voice. In 2016 she published I Am Woman: Surviving the Past, the Present, & the Future, a raw and moving memoir that not only chronicles her struggles and triumphs but also speaks to the universal challenges faced by transgender women. Today she uses her words and experiences to advocate for understanding, acceptance, and visibility, always reminding others that love, courage, and authenticity lie at the heart of her story. 

 

Her work extends far beyond the page, as she continues to inspire through her presence in LGBT exhibits, fundraisers, and public conversations that give voice to those who are too often unheard. She admires trailblazers like Janet Mock and Laverne Cox, yet her deepest respect goes to the countless trans women who live authentically without applause, shaping change through their very existence. For Daliah, beauty is not about perfection but about purpose, love is both her anchor and her muse, and identity is something to be celebrated, not hidden. As she works on translating her memoir into Spanish to reach the community that raised her, she carries her message further, weaving together the threads of resilience, creativity, and passion that have always defined her.

Interview with Griffin Rae Birdsong

Griffin Rae Birdsong is an American poet, writer, and performer whose life and work are deeply intertwined with themes of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of self-expression. Born in Idaho Falls and now living in Boise, she has carved out a space for herself within Idaho’s vibrant artistic community, which embraced her as she began her journey as a fledgling performance poet. Her talent and dedication quickly brought her recognition, earning her a place on Idaho’s 2015 National Poetry Slam Team and a role as an official blogger and contributor to the Death Rattle Writer’s Festival. These achievements marked the beginning of a career that reflects not only her literary skills but also her ability to use art as a tool for change and connection. In 2016, Griffin Rae published her autobiographical book A Pansexual Adventure Through Time: A Transition Autobiography, a bold and intimate exploration of her transition told through poetry and narrative. The book stands as a testament to her belief that transgender literature is, at its core, human literature, carrying universal experiences of self-discovery and transformation that can resonate with anyone seeking to understand themselves more fully. By weaving personal history with creative expression, she invites readers to witness the complexities of transition not as a distant subject but as a relatable and deeply human story.

Interview with Georgia Lee McGowen

Georgia Lee McGowen is a writer, blogger, and the author of the autobiographical book Dear Mom and Dad: You Don't Know Me, But … published in 2012, a work that reflects both her courage and her devotion to sharing her personal journey with honesty and heart. At 71 years old, she continues to work full-time as a Kitchen and Bath Designer in Mesa, Arizona, approaching life with curiosity, energy, and a deep appreciation for every opportunity that comes her way. Georgia’s journey into living authentically as a woman began in her mid-sixties, making her transition a gradual and deeply personal process rather than a sudden revelation, and her story highlights the complexities and rewards of embracing one’s true self later in life. A devoted Christian and passionate historian of famous lives, she reflects on her experiences with honesty, compassion, and a wry sense of humor, offering insights that resonate not only within the transgender community but also with anyone navigating the challenges of identity, acceptance, and personal growth. Her memoir and public speaking explore the delicate balance of gender identity and spirituality, emphasizing acceptance, perseverance, and the pursuit of meaningful relationships.

Interview with Alexandria Krause

Alexandria Krause is a young American video blogger who has opened her life to the world through her YouTube channel. Better known to her followers as Alexandria or simply Lexi, she began recording videos as a way to reflect on her own progress with hormone replacement therapy, never imagining that so many people would watch, comment, and connect with her story. What started as a personal archive quickly turned into a growing platform where she shares her experiences, answers questions about her transition, and offers insight into the daily realities of being a transgender woman. Her channel has become a space filled with honesty, humor, and encouragement, showing not only the joyful milestones of transition but also the challenges of body image, public perception, and social expectations.

 

Lexi’s willingness to speak openly about sensitive topics has made her an important voice for many who are searching for guidance and reassurance. She discusses everything from strange or inappropriate questions she receives online, to her hopes for greater transgender visibility in mainstream media and beauty pageants, to her thoughts on politics and representation. She is also expanding her creative outlets through a new blog and an online community for trans and trans-friendly people, where she continues to provide support and build connections. What makes her work stand out is not only her courage in sharing her journey but also her insistence that the transgender experience should be seen as normal, valuable, and worthy of respect.

Interview with Rachael Evelyn Booth

Rachael Evelyn Booth is a woman whose life story reads like a sweeping journey across eras, places, and personal transformations. She grew up in rural Ohio, where as a child she would sit in a field behind her house, waiting for the first star to appear so she could wish to wake up as a girl. That small act of hope became a guiding thread throughout her life. Like many transgender people of her generation, she initially tried to conform to the role society expected of her. She joined the U.S. Navy, where she trained as a Chinese and Arabic linguist, and later built a 30-year career in computer programming and design for naval weapons systems. She also married, raised children, and did everything she could to make life in a male role feel bearable, but the pain of living inauthentically eventually drove her to the edge. After a suicide attempt, she realized that her only way to survive was to live as her true self, a decision that transformed her life. Her transition, which began in the early 1990s, was not easy. She faced discrimination at work, including humiliating restrictions on using the women’s restroom, yet she persevered and ultimately earned respect for her professional skills.