It is always a rare pleasure to return to a conversation with someone whose story continues to inspire and evolve. My first interview with Allison Lenore Annalora took place in 2013, and at that time I was struck by her warmth, honesty, and courage in sharing the many layers of her journey. Today, several years later, I am delighted to meet her again at a very special moment in her life. Allison has just published her long-awaited autobiography, Late Blooming: My Gender Journey, a candid and heartfelt account of her path toward authenticity. Allison is a woman of many talents and passions. She is a gifted singer, admired for her vibrant performances in cabaret and her ability to capture the glamour and spirit of the greats, including her beloved Barbra Streisand. She is also a creative hairstylist and make-up artist who has helped countless people feel beautiful and confident. Beyond her artistry, Allison is a woman who has lived through challenges that shaped her resilience, including a difficult childhood with adoptive parents who struggled with alcoholism, years of navigating gender identity in times when acceptance was far less visible, and heartbreaking personal losses that tested her strength.
