Interview with Fiona Solis

Fiona Solis is a stunning model, dynamic businesswoman, and proud transgender woman currently based in Cebu City, Philippines. Born and raised in Ormoc City, Fiona always knew she was different, and beautifully so. Today, she's living her truth with grace and glamour, juggling commercial shoots, pageant preparations, and real estate ventures with her fabulous friends and fellow models, Angel Montero and Eriką Fox. From starring in comedy films and travel shows to confidently walking the runway, Fiona embodies strength, authenticity, and a fierce sense of self. Her transition journey was met with love and support from her family and friends, helping her embrace womanhood with pride. For Fiona, being transgender isn't just about physical changes, it's about fulfillment, joy, and honoring the woman she always was inside. With her poise, positivity, and resilience, Fiona continues to inspire others to embrace who they are and chase their dreams, no matter where they come from or how they identify.

 

Monika: Fiona, welcome! It's such a pleasure to have you with us today. How are you feeling?

Fiona: Hi Monika! Thanks for having me. I'm really excited to be part of this interview. It's always a joy to share my story and connect with inspiring women like you.

Monika: You always seem to have so much going on. What's currently keeping you busy?

Fiona: Right now, I'm preparing for an upcoming commercial, a photoshoot, and a beauty pageant. I'm also working on maintaining my fitness and perfecting my walk for the runway. Every day feels like a step closer to my dreams.

Monika: Modeling clearly means a great deal to you. Walk me through your journey and what it's given you along the way. 

Fiona: Thank you for that. I'm really having fun right now as a model. I'm grateful for the opportunities that are coming my way. Modeling has given me the chance to express myself creatively and connect with so many amazing people. It's empowering to represent trans women in such a visible way.

 

In lingerie.

Monika: You, Angel Montero, and Eriką Fox make quite the trio, friends, models, and real-life stars. Has that friendship translated into any projects together, and what are the three of you up to now?

Fiona: We worked on a movie and a commercial together. We also did a travel show and a comedy film. Currently, we're working as real estate agents. It's a fun and unexpected chapter in our journey, and we're learning so much. But don't worry, we still make time for modeling gigs and creative projects on the side!

Monika: Let's rewind a little. Where did your story begin, and where has life carried you since then?

Fiona: I was born and raised in Ormoc City in the Philippines. Right now, I am residing in Cebu City, the Philippines. Cebu has opened up many opportunities for me, especially in modeling and business. It's a vibrant place that truly feels like home now.

Monika: Take me back to your childhood. When did you first sense that you were different from the gender you were assigned at birth?

Fiona: When I was a kid, I knew that I was different. I acted differently from others. Even at a young age, I felt more connected to the way girls expressed themselves. It was a quiet but certain feeling that stayed with me as I grew up.

Monika: For so many transgender girls, school and university are remembered as the hardest years because of discrimination. Was that true for you as well?

Fiona: I experienced a lot of discrimination. It hurt like a bullet, but I'm proud to say that I faced it with strength and resilience. Those moments made me stronger and taught me how to stand my ground. Now I use that strength to support and inspire others going through the same.

Modeling shoot.

Monika: Not everyone has people in their corner during a moment like that. What role did family and friends play in your journey, and how did that support ripple into your career?

Fiona: My support came from my family and friends. I have a very solid support system, which is why I was able to face that moment of adversity with my head held high. Their encouragement helped me feel confident in my decisions. As for my career, I'm fortunate that my transition didn't hinder my professional life, if anything, it has made me more determined.

Monika: "Passing" is a word that comes up often in these conversations. Was it ever a struggle for you?

Fiona: I haven't had any difficulties passing as a woman because I knew since I was a kid that I wanted to be a woman. I was always confident in my identity, and that made all the difference. I did undergo hip enhancement and breast implants to further align my physical appearance with how I felt inside.

Monika: Cosmetic surgery has made it more realistic than ever to transition later in life, even in one's 50s or 60s. Do you see that as truly achievable, and what would you say to a woman considering it at that stage of life?

Fiona: Yes, it's possible. It's ultimately their own choice. If they feel the need for it, then they should absolutely go for it. As long as it makes them happy, there's no reason not to pursue the enhancements they desire. Age should never be a barrier to becoming the person you've always wanted to be.

In a forest.

Monika: Did any transgender role models guide you along the way, and how did you understand transgenderism back then compared to now?

Fiona: I didn't have any specific role models. I believe that God made us in His image and likeness, and we are unique in our own special way. For me, transgenderism isn't just about physical changes, it's about reaching a moment when you feel fulfilled and at peace with who you are as a woman. It's a personal journey, and everyone experiences it differently.

Monika: If you had to name the hardest part of coming out, what would it be?

Fiona: I don't really have a specific difficulty. Everything went smoothly for me. I was fortunate to have a strong support system, which made the process much easier. I think being true to myself helped me face any challenges with confidence.
Monika: And what did it feel like, that moment of finally embracing your true self as a woman?
Fiona: I am extremely happy and totally content with who and what I am today. It was a moment of pure joy and peace, knowing that I am living as my authentic self. Every day feels like a celebration of who I've always been inside.

Monika: Has marriage ever been part of the picture for you, and what place does love hold in your life?

Fiona: No, not yet. Love inspires me to live every day, and that is the reason why I am happy. Love motivates me to be the best version of myself. It fills my life with purpose and drives me to embrace each day with positivity.

Monika: If you had to pick one thing, what do you love most about being a woman?

Fiona: Beautifying myself. It feels so good to be beautiful. There's a special kind of joy in expressing myself through fashion and self-care. Being a woman allows me to embrace my creativity and femininity in ways that feel empowering.

At the stairs.

Monika: Stepping back for a moment, how would you describe the current situation for transgender women in the Philippines?
Fiona: It will be a long discussion for society to fully accept transgender persons. But I am happy because I know it is gradually happening. There are still challenges, but we've come a long way compared to the past. I remain hopeful that future generations will experience even greater acceptance and equality.
Monika: In the USA, more transgender women are stepping into the spotlight and becoming celebrities or public figures, Lana Wachowski in filmmaking, Jenna Talackova in modeling, Kate Bornstein in academia, Laura Jane Grace in music, Candis Cayne in acting. Does the Philippines have its own version of that visibility?

Fiona: Bebe Gandanghari! She is a model and a local celebrity here in the Philippines. Right now, she is doing fantastic as an actress. She has truly paved the way for many of us. Her courage and visibility are inspiring to the younger generation of trans women here.

Modeling shoot.

Monika: On a heavier note, reports of transgender women being attacked, even killed, keep surfacing. What do you think it will take to protect our community from that kind of violence?
Fiona: In my personal view, we need to have a law that protects transgender women from cases like that. There should be fair, sufficient, and effective implementation of the law for the problem of transgender injustice to be resolved. Education is also key, we must teach respect and understanding from a young age. And transgender voices should be included in policymaking, so we can help shape the world we live in.

Monika: Does politics play any part in your life? Are you involved in lobbying at all, and do you think transgender women can genuinely shift the political landscape?

Fiona: Yes, I am active in supporting lobbying campaigns. Definitely, transgender women could make a difference in politics because we normally go beyond. We don't set mediocre goals; we always strive for excellence. We bring a unique perspective shaped by resilience and empathy. Our presence in politics could help ensure that all voices, especially the most marginalized, are finally heard.

Monika: Here's a question that divides opinion: should transgender beauty pageants eventually drop the "transgender" label and become fully inclusive of both transgender and non-transgender women?
Fiona: No. Beauty cannot be measured through gender or sexual orientation. It is a matter of how you inspire and influence people. What truly matters is the confidence and purpose you bring to the stage. Pageants should celebrate diversity, not divide it.

Style and beauty.

Monika: Fashion clearly matters to you. What's your go-to style, and are there designers, colors, or trends you keep coming back to?
Fiona: Yes, I like fashion. It usually depends on the occasion, but then again, I always make sure that I am comfortable with what I am wearing. I love neutral tones with bold accessories to make a statement. Sometimes I follow trends, but I always add a touch of my own personality.
Monika: Beyond your own story, how involved are you with the local LGBTQ+ community?

Fiona: Yes, I am. I join local events and outreach programs that promote awareness and acceptance. I also mentor younger members of the community whenever I can.
Monika: A memoir is how many transgender women choose to tell their story. Has that idea ever crossed your mind, in a book or in any other form?

Fiona: Yes, I have, but I haven't published it yet. I do have a film together with Erica Fox and Angel Montero that talks about our lives. It was a very personal project, and we hope it can inspire others. Maybe one day I'll turn my story into a book as well.
Monika: One last question, looking at your life today, would you call yourself a happy woman?

Fiona: Yes, I am happy. Happiness is not about fortune, it's a mental attitude. I am totally contented with who I am right now. I've embraced my journey, with all its ups and downs, and that inner peace is what truly matters.
Monika: Fiona, thank you so much for this wonderful conversation!

All the photos: courtesy of Fiona Solis.

© 2013 - Monika Kowalska

 

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