Interview with Victory “Vi” Lê

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Victory “Vi” Lê, an American Student from San Francisco, singer, performer, one of five transgender women presented in Cecilio Asuncion’s documentary “What’s the T?”. Hello Vi!

Vi: Hello Monika! What a pleasure and honor it is to be interviewed by you. I hope you’re doing well.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Vi: Well, to start off, I am a proud Transgender woman here in beautiful San Francisco, CA. I’m currently a student, finishing up my psychology degree. I also work at DPH(Department of Public Health) and AsiaSF, a restaurant that employs transgender women waitresses/hostesses who are also showgirls; where we all serve and entertain in a dinner PG-13 cabaret/show. I am their only live singer at the moment, and I’m blessed to be able to call the girls who I work with, family.

Interview with Giselle

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Giselle, a young video blogger that documents her transition on YouTube. Hello Giselle!

Giselle: Hi Monika, thanks for having me.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Giselle: Sure. I’m a trans woman from Minnesota. I live with two roommates in Minneapolis and work full time as a Web Business Specialist for a healthcare organization. I like to occupy my time with friends and families, shopping, reading, and sometimes, just relaxing with a glass of wine.

I am a pretty open-minded and easy-going person. I have many interests such as traveling, fashion, make-up, and photography. I try to live my life to the fullest and be open about learning new things.

Interview with Ingrid Ung

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Ingrid Ung, a Finnish visual artist based in Helsinki/Turku and Berlin/Leipzig. Hello Ingrid!

Ingrid: Hello Monika! Thank you for inviting me and kind words!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Ingrid: Well, I could say that I am quite a happy person nowadays because I'm able to do what I really love and have passion for, and at the same time, perhaps give people a bit of inspiration and hope.

Interview with Ellah A. Thaun

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Ellah A. Thaun, a transgender woman, an artist from France, singer & guitarist, co-founder of the electronic duo Valeskja Valcav and playing solo as a folk songwriter. Hello Ellah!

Ellah: Hi Monika!

Monika: When did you decide that music will be your profession?

Ellah: I was 5 or 6, after watching the documentary "Imagine" (about John Lennon) with my mother, I think. I remember being deeply moved without knowing why exactly. I started my first band at 13 after listening to 'Nevermind', like a lot of teenagers born in the eighties and I haven't stopped playing since.

Interview with Abby Louise Jensen

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Abby Louise Jensen, a transgender attorney and activist now living in Tucson, Arizona. She is Vice President of the Southern Arizona Gender Alliance, a member of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Committee of the Arizona State Bar Association and the City of Tucson’s GLBT Advisory Commission, the former President and member of the Board of Directors of QsquaredYouth, a co-founder and member of the Board of Directors of Prescott Area Shelter Services, and honoree on the inaugural Trans 100 list (2013). Hello Abby!

Abby: Hi, Monika! Thanks for giving me the chance to be interviewed for your blog. 

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Abby: Sure. I’ve been an attorney since 1982, but I didn’t decide to transition until 2007. So, I’ve been living full-time as Abby for just under 8 years.
Although I often thought about being a girl or woman when I was younger, I gave up that dream when I was in my late 20’s and resolved myself to living as a man for the rest of my life.

Interview with Kamilla A

Monika: Today’s interview will be with Kamilla A, an American young video blogger that documents her transition on YouTube, and an aspiring opera/Pop singer and actress. Hello Kamilla!

Kamilla: Hello!! How are you doing today darling?! I hope life has been treating you well, my dear.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Kamilla: I'm 22 yrs old, Hispanic and, you know; a YouTube vlogger! I also am a Pop/R&B and classically trained Opera singer. I live in a small town in the panhandle of Florida currently and plan to move to LA soon to pursue my dream of singing and acting. I'm outgoing, fun, energetic, outspoken, kind yet firm, and believe in “treating others as you would treat yourself”.

Interview with Claire Russell

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Claire Russell, a transgender activist from San Diego, California, creator of the online San Diego Trans Resource Center, and co-organizer of the first annual Trans*Pride and March. Hello Claire!

Claire: Hey! Thanks for having me!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Claire: I’m a 25-year-old trans woman from Southern California. I live with my supportive family and work two jobs. I love archery, sailing, video games, nature, etiquette, technology, NPR, children, dogs, and piña coladas. I was Ms. Trans San Diego 2013 and 2014. I mostly volunteer around trans youth specifically.