Interview with Ramona Limon

Monika: Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Ramona Limon, a vibrant young American video blogger who has been courageously documenting her transition journey on YouTube. With her engaging content and authentic storytelling, she has become an inspiration to many in the transgender community. Hello, Ramona!

Ramona: Hello Monika.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Ramona: Well, I’m a college student in Denver, Colorado and I am currently working for my degree in 2D animation.

Interview with Brooke Sullivan

Monika: Today’s interview will be with Brooke Sullivan, a young American transgender woman and HIV activist from California. In addition, she is a video blogger that documents her transition on YouTube. Hello Brooke!

Brooke: Hello Monika!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Brooke: I am a 28-year pre-op female transsexual living in beautiful San Diego, Ca. I currently work as the Communications and Consumer Marketing Manager for a start-up telemedical company called EXUSMED.

Some of my passions in life are volunteering with non-profits/non-profit events, making music, and creating digital art. I like to think I am a jack of all trades and master of some. 
Monika: Why did you decide to share your transition details on YouTube? 
Brooke: I felt compelled to share who I was with others, I have always been that way. I thought my story might empower others, as it has also empowered me by exposing myself to the world. When you find yourself and work towards an end goal, it gives you a sense of pride. I wanted to share that with the world. I also wanted to find solidarity…and posting a timeline video seemed like a good way to achieve it.

Interview with Melony VonKruz

Monika: Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with the dazzling Melony VonKruz, a talented video blogger, showgirl, and beauty pageant queen from Florida. Melony is not just a performer but also a passionate advocate for transgender visibility, using her YouTube channel to document the ups and downs of her transition and share insights into her life as a transgender woman. Her journey is one of courage, resilience, and self-discovery. Whether she's captivating audiences on stage, discussing trans issues online, or simply living her truth with elegance and confidence, Melony embodies the strength and beauty that inspire so many in our community. Melony, welcome! I’m so excited to have this conversation with you.

Melony: Hello Monika!

Monika: I'd love for our readers to get to know you better. Could you share a little about yourself and what defines you?

Melony: Well, I'm 24 years old. I live in the city of Brotherly Love (Philly), and currently, I'm a video blogger on YouTube who focuses on trans-related issues.

Interview with Jenny-Anne Bishop

Monika: Today I have invited Jenny-Anne Bishop, a British transgender activist and former sales and marketing manager in scientific instruments. She is a graduate in industrial chemistry and a staunch advocate of the Transgender and LGBT communities. Jenny-Anne is a lay pastoral leader and Board of Directors member of the Manchester Metropolitan Community Church, a member of the Westminster Parliamentary Forum on Gender Identity, and a trustee for several LGBT organizations. Sie is also a member of many organizations and steering groups on reporting and reducing hate crime and on equality and diversity standards. She is living with her partner Elen in Rhyl, North Wales. Hello Jenny-Anne!

Jenny-Anne: Hello Monika, Thank you so much for asking me to do this interview, I feel quite humbled to be included in your series of outstanding Trans People.

Monika: What are you doing for a living these days?

Jenny-Anne: Well I've been retired for over 5 years now, so I am able to devote my time to trying to help and improve life for all our Trans* community.

Interview with Ashlee Edwards

Monika: Today, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Ashlee Edwards, a vibrant and inspiring 19-year-old American video blogger who passionately shares her transition journey on YouTube. Ashlee uses her platform to connect with others, providing a sense of community and support for those navigating similar paths. With her creative background in film and television production, she not only documents her experiences but also seeks to empower others to embrace their true selves. When she's not filming, Ashlee enjoys hiking and spending time in nature, finding balance and tranquility in the great outdoors. Hello, Ashlee!

Ashlee: Hi Monika, it's a pleasure talking with you today.

Monika: To kick things off, could you share a little about yourself?

Ashlee: Sure, I'm 19 years old, really into film and television producing, and just like to go hiking and relax.

Interview with Liliana

Monika: Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Liliana, a vibrant and inspiring 23-year-old video blogger from Texas. Her YouTube channel, "Sincerely, Liliana," beautifully documents her journey of self-discovery and transition, providing a source of support and encouragement to countless others in the transgender community. With a passion for beauty, she showcases her talent as a freelance hairstylist and makeup artist, creating captivating content that resonates with viewers.

Liliana: Hello Monika! Thank you so much for this opportunity!

Monika: Could you introduce yourself and share a little about who you are?

Liliana: Well I'm a 23-year-old girl from Texas. I'm a freelance hairstylist/makeup artist and I make beauty as well as transition videos on YouTube.

Interview with Braylen

Monika: Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Braylen, a young and vibrant video blogger who has been documenting her transition on YouTube. With her candid storytelling and engaging personality, she has built a platform that not only shares her personal journey but also offers guidance and inspiration to others in the transgender community. Through her videos, she discusses hormone therapy, self-discovery, and the everyday experiences of a transgender woman, all with an open heart and an uplifting spirit.

Braylen, thank you so much for joining me today!

Braylen: Hello Monika! Thank you for having me!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Braylen: Sure, a 24-year-old aspiring model, bi-racial background, and just an all-around free-spirited individual. I hope that was enough.

Interview with Paula Nielsen

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Sister Paula Nielsen with whom I would like to discuss the role of religion in the life of the transgender community. Paula is also known as America's foremost transgendered evangelist. She was born in Portland, Oregon. In the 1980s, she performed a regular nightclub act at the legendary drag club, Darcelle XV in downtown Portland.

After starting her career as "the world's first trans-evangelist", Paula was invited to a series of television shows including the Joan Rivers Show, The Daily Show with Craig Kilborn, and Saturday Night Clive for the BBC. Her Sister Paula Show was also seen on cable access stations in Seattle and Los Angeles. She is the author of The Trans-Evangelist: The Life and Times of A Transgender Pentecostal Preacher (2012). Hello Paula!

Paula: Hello Monika!

Monika: You have just published your autobiography titled “The Trans Evangelist”. How would you recommend the book to the readers of this interview?

Paula: It is a chronicle of seven decades. The 1940's through the 2lst Century. What it was like to grow up trans in the 1940s and 1950s when the word trans was unheard of. It has a history of religious movements and the changing explosive times throughout the decades.

Transitioning my identity to Paula in 1963 was much different than it is today. I am hoping that future generations of trans youth will appreciate what trans pioneers went through to pave the path for them.

Interview with Brina Healy

Brina Healy is a visionary film director and photographer hailing from Boston, Massachusetts. Brina’s journey in the world of cinema began back in 1978 when, as a student in Kansas, she directed her first short film while juggling her role as a yearbook photographer. Her early career included working behind the scenes on TV in Boston, where she appeared on beloved children’s shows like Major Mudd and Boomtown. She later made an appearance in Happy Madison’s Grown Ups and gained recognition for her cult classic 2012 spoof film, Transsexuals from Space.

Beyond the camera, Brina is also a second-degree black belt in Shotokan karate, showcasing her diverse talents and relentless spirit. With decades of experience in the film industry, Brina brings a unique perspective to her work, merging creativity with a keen understanding of the challenges faced by transgender individuals in entertainment. Her passion for storytelling and commitment to inclusivity shines through in her projects, particularly in her desire to elevate transgender narratives and portray authentic experiences.

Interview with Sarah McBride

Monika: Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Sarah McBride, an inspiring young trans activist from Delaware, USA. Despite her young age, Sarah has already made a profound impact on the fight for transgender equality. While serving as Student Body President at American University from 2011 to 2012, she bravely came out as transgender, marking the beginning of her journey as a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

Since then, Sarah has worked at the White House, played a crucial role at the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, and continues her advocacy as a board member of Equality Delaware. She has been instrumental in pushing for policies that protect and uplift transgender individuals, particularly through her work in advancing the Delaware transgender rights bill. Sarah’s dedication and passion for justice have made her a leading voice in the movement for equality.

Today, I would love to discuss with her the role of transgender women in U.S. politics, the progress of transgender rights, and the challenges that still lie ahead. Sarah, welcome! It’s a pleasure to have you here.

Sarah: Hi Monika! It is great to talk to you!

Interview with Aleshia Brevard: Part 5

Monika: Apart from acting, you directed over 20 theatre plays. How did you find theatre directing?

Aleshia: Directing seemed a natural extension of my years spent touring in dinner theatre. As with most things that occurred in my life, it just sorta happened as a matter of course. The opportunity presented itself and I took it. There had, of course, been courses in directing as part of the curriculum in both undergraduate and graduate school.

Once out in the real world, I gradually began expressing my desire to direct, then negotiating this as part of my contractual acting agreement with several theatres. Nothing ventured; nothing gained. It worked out nicely. I truly love directing, perhaps more than I adore being on stage. Later, when I became a professor of university theatre, the foundation for directing main stage productions was already in place. From time to time, things do just seem to fall naturally into place.