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.
Monika: What inspired you to document your transition on YouTube? Was it a personal decision, or did someone encourage you to share your journey with the world?
Braylen: I decided to share my transition on YouTube with hopes that it would shine a little more light on Transgenders and some of what we have to go through on a day-to-day basis. I also feel my videos can help new Transgenders in their development as I have talked about hormones and important topics regarding our health in a few videos. Beyond that, I wanted to create a space where people like me could feel seen and understood.
When I first started transitioning, I often found myself searching for stories and advice from other transgender women, and I realized how comforting it was to hear someone talk about experiences that mirrored my own. Representation matters, and I wanted to contribute to that visibility. It’s also been an amazing way to track my own progress, looking back at older videos reminds me how far I’ve come, both physically and emotionally. And most importantly, I love connecting with my viewers; the support and messages I receive make me feel like I’m truly making a difference.
Monika: Where are you in your transition journey right now? Have you noticed any significant changes, both physically and emotionally, since you started?
Braylen: A lady never reveals her age ;) LOL kidding. I am going on 9 months of my transition. It’s been an incredible ride so far, full of exciting milestones and self-discovery.
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| First time flaunting her new dress. |
Monika: Are you happy with the changes you've experienced from hormone therapy so far? Has the journey met your expectations, or have there been any surprises along the way?
Braylen: Yes! I am very satisfied! Even though I still have more time to go with my hormone therapy, I already see great results! Physically, I’ve noticed my skin getting softer, my curves becoming more defined, and my facial features subtly changing, which is really affirming. Emotionally, I feel more at peace with myself than ever before, it’s like I’m finally aligning with the person I was always meant to be. Of course, there have been challenges, like moments of self-doubt or impatience, but I remind myself that transition is a journey, not a race. Every day, I wake up feeling a little more confident and a little more me, and that’s the best part of it all.
Monika: Can you tell me about your childhood? When did you first realize that being assigned male at birth didn’t align with who you truly are?
Braylen: My childhood was a-mazing! I am blessed with the most accepting family I know so my parents allowed me to express myself in any way I chose to.
I can remember being in the 3rd or 4th grade and my girlfriends and I would play “Sailor Moon” which, if you don’t know what that is, was a very popular-female dominated cartoon series in the ’90s.
I would say that was when I first realized I shouldn’t be a boy. I didn’t want to pretend to be a male superhero. I was always female.
Monika: Many transgender girls face their toughest challenges during school, college, or university due to discrimination and lack of acceptance. Did you have a similar experience, or was your journey different?
Braylen: It makes me sad to hear that a lot of transgender girls were discriminated against in the one place that we are meant to learn and discover who we are. I commend those girls, it takes strength to go through something like that. Luckily, it was not the case for me though.
I spent my high school years as a “gay boy”. Although I wore my hair long and was always mistaken for a girl, I never identified myself as transgender. I didn’t even know what it was. If I had, I would have loved to spend those years as a girl. Even if I faced discrimination I know I would have been happier knowing who I am!
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| Braylen: M2F transition (YouTube) |
Braylen: I would have to say Andrej Pejic, Lea T, and Isis King, baby! These girls are my inspiration; each of them is a popular, well-known model in the fashion world, and it is my dream to one day make it in that industry! So they are my role “models.”
Their success proves that transgender women can break barriers in the mainstream fashion world, and that gives me so much hope. I admire how they carry themselves with such confidence and grace, even in an industry that hasn’t always been welcoming. Seeing them in high-fashion campaigns and on the runway reminds me that beauty isn’t limited to just one standard, it’s about authenticity and self-expression. Beyond fashion, they also advocate for transgender visibility, which makes them even more inspiring to me.
Monika: Coming out can be one of the most emotional and challenging moments in a transgender person’s journey. What was the most difficult part for you, and how did you find the courage to take that step?
Braylen: The hardest thing about coming out? It was the fear of rejection. It was almost crippling. I waited until like 3 months before I came out as transgender. I kept playing different scenarios in my head, wondering how my family and friends would react. Would they still love me? Would they see me differently? The uncertainty was overwhelming, and there were nights when I couldn’t sleep because of it. But eventually, I realized that living as my true self was more important than living in fear. No matter how scary it was, I knew I had to take that leap for my own happiness.
Monika: Transgender visibility has grown significantly in recent years, with more representation in media, politics, and various industries. However, challenges like discrimination, healthcare access, and legal rights still persist. What is your take on the current status of transgender women in American society? Do you feel that progress is moving in the right direction?
Braylen: “We’re taking over America, deal with it!” ;) But seriously, we have come a long way, and it’s amazing to see so many transgender women stepping into the spotlight and owning their truth. More people are beginning to understand our experiences, and that’s a huge win. That being said, there’s still a lot of work to be done, especially when it comes to equal rights and safety. Too many of our sisters still face violence and discrimination just for being who they are. I believe that continued education, representation, and advocacy will push us even further. We deserve to live our lives with the same freedom and opportunities as anyone else, and I won’t stop believing in that future.
Monika: In recent years, we’ve seen a growing number of transgender women stepping into the spotlight and making waves in various fields, from film and music to academia and activism. Names like Lana Wachowski, Jenna Talackova, Kate Bornstein, Laura Jane Grace, and Candis Cayne are just a few examples of transgender women breaking barriers. Do you think this visibility will continue to grow? And what impact do you think it will have on future generations of transgender individuals?
Braylen: Well hell, I thought I’d be the first Braylen to make it as celebrity status as a Transgender Woman. Seriously though, of course, we will! Transgenders are the only people who have walked this beautiful Earth as both male and as female. We have the knowledge of the ages and a drive of ambition unexpected by society. We got this! The more transgender women step into these roles, the more the world will see that we are just as talented, intelligent, and capable as anyone else. Every new trailblazer makes it easier for the next generation to dream bigger and aim higher. It’s inspiring to know that young transgender kids today are growing up with real role models to look up to. One day, I hope to be one of those role models myself, showing others that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
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| Smile :) |
Monika: Do you think that in our lifetime we could live until the day when a transgender lady could become the President of the USA?
Braylen: I know what the appropriate answer should be. “Yes”. Unfortunately, our country is still establishing rather or not same-sex marriage should be legal. Our government wouldn’t know what the F to do if we had a Transgender President.
I will say this though; it wouldn’t surprise me if we end up having a Transgender First Lady! Which, if you know who Michelle Obama is, comes with a lot of authority in itself. No man can rein properly without a good woman by his side. Transgendered or not!
Monika: Do you like fashion? What kind of outfits do you usually wear? Any special fashion designs, colors, or trends?
Braylen: Umm heck yes I love fashion! I don’t go overboard with expensive name brands or anything like that but I like to switch it up.
One day I’m in a nice summer dress, the next I’m rockin’ skinny jeans and a cut-off shirt, usually with a distinct symbol or saying on them.
Monika: What do you think about transgender beauty pageants?
Braylen: I have mixed feelings about them. I think they are wonderful because like regular pageants these women get to express their individuality and beauty, on the flip side, why does it have to be a pageant just for transgenders? We should be able to compete against the women who are going for let’s say “Miss America” or wherever you live in the world.
Monika: Are you involved in the life of your local LGBT community?
Braylen: I am not. I love the LGBT community! I have gay friends, lesbian friends, bi friends, and transgender friends but I don’t feel that just because I am Transgender I should actively be a part of the LGBT community.
In fact, we are fighting so hard for equality and to be treated and given the same rights as everyone else yet we are distinctively distinguishing ourselves from everyone. I don’t see LGBT or even Heterosexual, I just see people!
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| Pink! |
Monika: Do you intend to get married and have a family? Could you tell me about the importance of love in your life?
Braylen: Totally! I would LOVE to get married someday and have a family. I have a maternal instinct that you wouldn’t believe! Love is very important in my life.
When I say “Love” I mean love for and from everyone. Love is what fuels this world and our spirits. It floods us with every emotion in the book and can overwhelm us in the best of ways.
Love is inspiration, it’s beautiful, and when you learn to love everyone for who and what they are, then you can truly live.
Monika: What would you recommend to transgender women that are afraid of early transition, discrimination and hatred?
Braylen: “Don’t be afraid”, although I waited until my early 20’s to start my transition if I could go back in time and start earlier. I would!
If going through the transition is something you really want, seize the moment. Fight your fears. Sure, you may face discrimination and hatred, but who cares! Cause guess why? I promise you that once you start living your life the way you truly want to, you’ll find happiness so strong that no one can tear you down!
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| This is her little family. |
Monika: What is your next step in the present time and where do you see yourself within the next 5-7 years?
Braylen: Next step? Hmm...I would have to say just keep making my videos and pursue my career as a model (if anyone can help a sista break into the industry let me know) hah!
In the next 5-7 years this girl will be married! By then I would have lived out my dream as a model or hopefully would still be a model, traveling the world with the people I love and seeing the beauty that this Earth has to offer.
Monika: Could you say that you are a happy woman now?
Braylen: Oh you bet’cha! I am beyond happy now as a woman.
Monika: Braylen, it was a pleasure to interview you. Thanks a lot!
All the photos: courtesy of Braylen.
