Allison Lenore Annalora is an American cabaret singer and hairstylist whose life story is as inspiring as her performances. Born in Alderwood Manor, Washington, in May of 1955 as Larry Duane Miller, she was adopted at birth and grew up in Seattle. From the age of three, Allison knew she was a girl, a realization that marked the beginning of a challenging journey toward her authentic self. Her childhood was difficult, shaped by adoptive parents who were not particularly understanding or tolerant, and her school years were filled with bullying and discrimination. Despite these hardships, Allison’s resilience never wavered, and she has remained dedicated to living openly as her true self. Her first attempt to transition came at nineteen, but lacking support, she de-transitioned, only to successfully begin her transition at fifty-four and complete it at fifty-five. Today, she celebrates the unwavering support of her friends, family, and colleagues, who have embraced her transformation without hesitation.
Allison’s life has been enriched by her love of performance. She has sung professionally for decades, participating in cabaret shows where she captivates audiences with a repertoire that includes 1960s pop, standards, and Broadway classics. Her natural talent for music runs in her biological family, all of whom are singers, and she has worked diligently to refine her voice, adapting it beautifully to her identity as a woman. Alongside her singing career, Allison maintains a full-time profession as a hairstylist at a spa in a large resort and casino in Rancho Mirage, California. Her passion for beauty extends to fashion and makeup, and she enjoys staying current with trends, balancing casual elegance with bold, tailored femininity for her stage performances. Allison is deeply aware of the broader social context of her journey. She has witnessed both progress and ongoing challenges for transgender women in American society and takes pride in her honesty and openness, which have guided her personal relationships and public interactions. Her long-term relationship with her boyfriend reflects a foundation of trust and authenticity, and she is closely connected to his family while enjoying a fulfilling personal life.
Beyond her professional and personal accomplishments, Allison has a keen interest in astrology and remains engaged with her local LGBT community, performing at Pride festivals and contributing to the cultural life of Palm Springs. Through decades of perseverance, Allison has emerged as a figure of joy, courage, and self-expression. Her story reflects the triumph of living authentically, the joy of embracing one’s true identity, and the transformative power of love, support, and personal determination. She exemplifies a woman who has faced adversity with grace and emerged stronger, using her voice, both literally and metaphorically, to inspire others and celebrate the fullness of life.
|
| As Marilyn in a show in 1978. |
Monika: Hello Allison! I am so thrilled to have the chance to speak with you today. Your journey and accomplishments are truly inspiring, and it’s an honor to interview you.
Allison: Thank you so much, Monika! I’m delighted to be here and share my story with you.
Monika: Allison, can you tell me what your current work involves and how you balance your different passions?
Allison: I work full time as a hairstylist at a spa in a large resort and casino in Rancho Mirage, California, and I also sing in a cabaret show once a month at a local restaurant. I truly enjoy the creativity and personal connection both of these roles allow me to have with people.
Monika: Could you share a bit about where you grew up and what your early surroundings were like?
Allison: I grew up in Seattle, Washington. The city has always been an important part of my life, shaping my tastes and the person I have become.
Monika: Could you tell me about your childhood and share the moment you first realized that living as a boy or man did not feel right to you?
Allison: My childhood was very difficult. From the age of three, I knew I was a girl. My adoptive parents were not very understanding or tolerant. Despite the challenges, those early experiences taught me resilience and the importance of staying true to myself.
|
| Another show in Seattle, Washington, 1978. |
Monika: For many transgender girls, school and college years can be particularly challenging due to discrimination. Did you face similar struggles growing up?
Allison: Absolutely. I was the kid everyone picked on. However, I’m going to my 40th class reunion this summer, and everyone knows, everyone is supportive, and they even asked me to sing at the reunion event. It feels incredible to be welcomed and celebrated after so many years.
Monika: At what age did you begin your transition into a woman, and how difficult was the process? Did you have support from friends or family, and did it affect your work life?
Allison: The first time I attempted it was at the age of nineteen, but in 1974 I had no support, so I de-transitioned. I successfully started at the age of fifty-four and completed my transition in one year at fifty-five. My friends, family, and co-workers were so supportive that I still feel like the luckiest woman in the world. No problems, no regrets. Looking back, I am amazed at how much society has changed and how far we have come in understanding transgender lives.
Monika: Many transgender women travel to Thailand for gender reassignment surgeries. You had your operation performed by Dr. Marci Bowers. How did you feel about the results?
Allison: I was very satisfied. My local gynecologist even complimented Dr. Bowers on her surgery. It gave me a tremendous sense of confidence and helped me fully embrace my identity as a woman.
Monika: Did you experience any challenges passing as a woman, and did you undergo any cosmetic procedures to help with your transition?
Allison: I don’t have much trouble passing at all. I had facial surgery years earlier in my early thirties, and at that time, I had trouble passing as a man. I’m glad I had the surgeries before because they helped my friends and biological family accept my transition. They all say Allison is a “better fit,” and it has made a remarkable difference in how I feel every day.
|
| First try at transitioning, 1975. |
Allison: I found out about Christine Jorgensen, Bambi, Coccinelle, and April Ashley at ten years old in a “Police Gazette” tabloid. They were my role models. After that, I read every book and magazine I could get my hands on. I came out to my adoptive parents as transsexual at age fourteen in 1969, though it did not go well. Even so, discovering these role models inspired me to keep pursuing my truth despite the challenges.
Monika: Coming out can be a deeply personal and challenging experience. What was the hardest part for you when you first revealed your true self?
Allison: The hardest part was having the courage to be myself fully. Over time, embracing my identity has become my greatest source of strength and happiness.
Monika: For many years, you lived as a gay man in a long-term relationship. How did your partner react when you shared your desire to transition into a woman?
Allison: He was very upset, as I had expressed my desire to transition to him many times over the years. In the end, we broke off our twenty-year relationship, but we are now the best of friends. He even helps me shop for clothes, which makes our friendship stronger than ever.
Monika: How did you feel when you were finally able to live fully as a woman?
Allison: I felt relief and pure joy. It was a moment of true liberation that I will never forget.
Monika: What aspects of being a woman bring you the most happiness and fulfillment?
Allison: I enjoy small things, like talking with genetic women about girl things, shopping, looking in the mirror, and knowing I am my true self. Loving my very heterosexual boyfriend also brings me immense happiness and a sense of normalcy.
Monika: Do you identify as a feminist, and if so, how would you describe your approach?
Allison: Yes, I am a feminist, but not a radical one. I still love a good beauty pageant and appreciate celebrating femininity in many forms.
Monika: How do you view the current situation for transgender women in American society, and what progress have you noticed?
Allison: We have a long way to go, but I am so encouraged that trans women are running for political offices, and that two trans women were allowed to participate in Miss Universe pageants, including Miss Canada and Miss California in 2013. It is inspiring to see younger generations gaining more visibility and opportunities than ever before.
Monika: We are seeing more transgender women coming out today, and some have become well-known figures in various fields, such as Lana Wachowski in film directing, Jenna Talackova in modeling, Kate Bornstein in academia, Laura Jane Grace in music, and Candis Cayne in acting. Do you think this trend of visibility and success will continue to grow?
Allison: Yes, of course! The more trans women come out, the more others will have the courage to do the same. Increased visibility can inspire confidence and help break down societal barriers for the next generation.
|
| As Bette Midler, 1980. |
Monika: Unfortunately, we sometimes hear tragic news about transgender women being attacked or even killed, like the case of Chrissy Polis, who was beaten by two teenagers for using the ladies’ restroom. What do you think can be done to reduce violence against trans women?
Allison: First, as a community, we need to be more open and honest about who we are. Educating the public about transgender issues is a big part of this effort. Awareness and visibility can help people understand us better and reduce fear and prejudice.
Monika: Have you personally faced situations where you felt unsafe because of your gender identity, and how did you handle them?
Allison: I’ve never experienced that situation as Allison, but I always avoid places where I feel unsafe. I learned that lesson early, back when I was a feminine gay man facing constant harassment. Those experiences taught me the importance of caution and self-respect in protecting myself.
Monika: Some transgender women face danger when entering relationships while going stealth. How have you approached honesty in your own relationships?
Allison: A lot of women have gotten hurt because they did not disclose their transgender status to straight partners, which can create dangerous situations. I’ve always told every man I’ve dated about my transition on the first date or phone conversation. I have never had any trouble, and now I am in a long-term relationship with a very straight, macho guy, who took a year to decide to commit because of concerns about how his friends and family would react. Honesty has allowed me to build a trusting and loving relationship, and I am very close to his family as a result.
|
| 2011 Cabaret Show. |
Allison: I pray so! Let’s get a cisgender woman elected first, then we’re next. It would be an incredible milestone for representation and equality in our country.
Monika: You have a long-standing interest in astrology. How have you pursued this passion over the years?
Allison: I’ve been a professional in astrology for thirty years. However, my singing career has taken up most of my free time, so now it’s more of a hobby. I still enjoy studying the stars whenever I get a quiet moment, and it brings me a lot of personal insight and joy.
Monika: You are a talented singer. What types of songs do you enjoy performing, and how did your musical journey begin?
Allison: My biological family, whom I found in 1992 after being adopted, are all singers, so music comes naturally to me. I had been singing as a gay man in my current cabaret troupe, and I took a year off to practice and record myself singing in a higher key, more suited to a female voice. Music has always been a source of joy and self-expression for me.
Monika: How did you take your singing from practice to performing professionally?
Allison: When I felt ready, I entered a talent contest in a “straight” theater venue and was chosen as one of twenty-five finalists out of one hundred participants. Practice makes perfect, and that experience gave me the confidence to pursue singing more seriously. I now perform mostly 1960s pop, standards, and a little Broadway, which allows me to connect with audiences in a meaningful way.
Monika: In addition to your singing career, you work as a hairstylist and makeup artist. Do you have a large clientele, and what hairstyles and makeup looks are popular this year?
Allison: Yes, I’m very busy. The trends people follow are often inspired by what stars in Hollywood wear, as they serve as public role models. Staying up to date with these trends keeps my work fresh and exciting for my clients.
Monika: Many transgender women write memoirs to share their experiences. Have you ever considered writing a book about your own journey?
Allison: I have, but I have had trouble getting one published. Maybe one day I will succeed, and I think sharing my story could inspire and support others going through similar experiences.
|
| Talent contest, 2012. |
Monika: Do you enjoy fashion, and how would you describe your personal style? Are there particular colors, designs, or trends that you gravitate toward?
Allison: I love clothes. I’m either casual or very dressed up for my shows, with not much in between. Black is my “go-to” color, and I tend toward tailored yet feminine looks. I try to stay as current as possible by always reading fashion magazines, and maintaining my image allows me to express myself confidently. My weight has fluctuated since my surgery, which has given me more curves, and I enjoy experimenting with different styles that highlight them.
Monika: How involved are you in the local LGBT community, and do you participate in any events or activities?
Allison: I am a little involved. I’m out in the community at large, but I live a very modest lifestyle with my boyfriend. Palm Springs has a large LGBT community, and I perform at the Pride Festival every year. Being part of the community allows me to give back and celebrate diversity in meaningful ways.
Monika: Looking back on your journey, would you say that you are happy with your life now?
Allison: I’ve never been happier. Every day I feel grateful for the people who support me and for the opportunity to live as my true self.
Monika: Allison, it has been such a pleasure to speak with you today. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Allison: Thank you! I’ve really enjoyed talking with you and reflecting on my journey, and I hope it inspires others to embrace who they truly are.
All the photos: courtesy of Allison Lenore Annalora.
© 2013 - Monika Kowalska
Other related sources:
Songs of Allison Lenore Annalora:
 05 |
 06 |
 07 |
 08 |
 09 |
 10 |
 11 |
 12 |
