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.
Monika: What inspired you to share the details of your transition journey on YouTube?
Ramona: When I first started following my heart and mind to be the woman I knew I was, I watched some ladies on YouTube who, as well, were undergoing their miraculous changes. I consider all of them as my own idols that I connect with on a very personal level. Their stories resonated with me, and I found comfort in knowing I wasn’t alone in my struggles. I wanted to contribute to that sense of community and support. Sharing my experiences helps me process my journey and allows others to see the realities of transitioning, both the challenges and the triumphs. I've received messages from viewers who felt inspired by my journey, and that motivates me to keep creating content. Ultimately, I hope to empower others to embrace their true selves, just as those women inspired me.
Monika: At what stage of your transition are you currently?
Ramona: I am officially one year on hormones. It’s been a transformative journey, and I can already see so many changes, both physically and emotionally. I feel more in tune with my true self, and the support I've received along the way has been incredible. Each day brings new experiences and challenges, but I embrace them all as part of my growth. Being one year on hormones has also helped me connect with others in the community who share similar journeys. Overall, I’m excited about the future and what lies ahead!
Monika: How satisfied are you with the results of your hormone therapy so far?
Ramona: More than satisfied, I'm ecstatic! The changes I've experienced have been incredible, from physical transformations to emotional shifts. I feel like I'm finally aligning my outer appearance with who I truly am on the inside. It's a wonderful feeling to see my body reflect my identity, and I couldn't be happier with the progress. The support from my friends has also made this journey even more meaningful. Overall, this year has been a whirlwind of positivity, and I’m excited to see what the future holds!
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| 7 years old little did she know. |
Monika: Could you describe your childhood? When did you first realize that you should not be a boy or man?
Ramona: At a young age, I had an understanding in my mind that my feelings toward masculine things were nowhere near the interest I had in the feminine lifestyle. I constantly questioned myself about whether it was possible to be in the wrong body, especially since I was raised Christian. I often felt out of place and struggled to fit into the expectations placed upon me.
At the age of 11, I mustered up the courage and told my mother, who was displeased but still loved me and told me to think about it. That moment was both terrifying and liberating, as it marked the beginning of my journey toward self-acceptance. Looking back, I realize that those early feelings were the foundation for the person I am today, and I'm grateful for the strength I found in expressing my true self.
Monika: For most transgender girls, the time spent in school, college, or university can be particularly traumatic due to discrimination. Was that the case for you as well?
Ramona: Surprisingly, I’d say I’m one of the lucky few who didn’t face too much ridicule. Although I lived in a small town, I kept my transition apparel at home or out of town and never went out in public until I was ready to move away for college. I wanted to ensure I felt comfortable and secure before presenting myself as my true self. Since starting college, I have yet to be questioned about my gender identity, which has been a relief. While I do tend to get some attention here and there, it’s nothing major. I think being in a more accepting environment has made all the difference, and I feel grateful for the positive experiences I’ve had so far.
Monika: Are there any transgender role models that you follow?
Ramona: AGirlLikeMe916, casey4441, Fiorwestcoast, girloftomorrow, and the one that started it all was minorqback.
Monika: What was the hardest part of your coming out experience?
Ramona: Telling my mother was hard for her, but she had a feeling I’d bring it up again since I first told her. Ultimately, she accepted that this was what I was going to do, with or without her permission. The first couple of years after telling her were a nightmare; I was ridiculed by family and lost some “best” friends in the process. It felt isolating and painful, but I knew I had to be true to myself. Thankfully, my family has since become supportive and apologetic for the way they treated me in the beginning. I've also made new friends at college who understand my journey, and their support has been invaluable. Looking back, I realize that those early struggles shaped me into the resilient person I am today, and I’m grateful for the love and acceptance I’ve found along the way.
Monika: How do you view the current situation of transgender women in American society?
Ramona: I am grateful to be born in this day and age, where it’s starting to become a little more acceptable. However, I feel for the older generations who had a much harder time than I did. Their struggles and resilience paved the way for the progress we see today. While there is still a long way to go regarding acceptance and rights, the growing visibility of transgender individuals in media and politics gives me hope. I believe that as more people share their stories, society will continue to evolve and become more inclusive. We must remember that change takes time, but each step forward counts, and I’m optimistic about the future for transgender women.
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| First time going out in public. |
Monika: With the increasing visibility of transgender women coming out, we now see some achieving celebrity status, like Lana Wachowski in film, Jenna Talackova in modeling, Kate Bornstein in academia, Laura Jane Grace in music, and Candis Cayne in acting. Do you think we will continue to see more women like them in the future?
Ramona: I hope so! Having more accepted figures transitioning will definitely help future boys become the women they always knew they were. Visibility is crucial for breaking down stereotypes and fostering acceptance, and these role models provide hope and inspiration to many. As society becomes more aware of the challenges transgender individuals face, it opens doors for conversations that promote understanding. With more representation in various fields, we can show the world that transgender women are talented, capable, and deserving of respect. I truly believe that every new story shared adds to the momentum for change, paving the way for future generations.
Monika: Do you think that in our lifetime, we could see a transgender woman becoming the President of the USA?
Ramona: I’d say, as long as her views aren’t too extreme, anything is possible! Politics can be very tricky, and public opinion plays a huge role in shaping a candidate's success. As we continue to see more representation in various levels of government, it becomes increasingly likely that a transgender woman could run for office. Society is gradually becoming more open-minded, and I believe that with the right platform and support, she could resonate with voters. It’s essential to challenge the old stereotypes and show that transgender individuals can be effective leaders. I’m hopeful that one day we will see a transgender woman in the highest office, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.
Monika: Are you a fan of fashion? What kind of outfits do you typically wear? Do you have any favorite designs, colors, or trends?
Ramona: Actually, I don’t follow any big-name clothing brands. I prefer to pick and choose pieces that resonate with me, whenever I have some extra money to spend, of course! I love exploring thrift shops and local boutiques for unique finds that add personality to my wardrobe. My style is a mix of casual and feminine, often featuring bright colors and fun patterns that reflect my vibrant personality. I believe that fashion should be an expression of who you are, so I like to experiment with different styles and accessories. Ultimately, I aim for comfort and confidence in my outfits, because feeling good in what I wear is the most important part of my fashion journey!
Monika: What are your thoughts on transgender beauty pageants?
Ramona: To be honest, I’m not really into the beauty pageant scene. I think they can be a mixed bag—on one hand, they can provide visibility and a platform for transgender women to showcase their beauty and talents. However, as long as we aren’t being glorified as cross-dressers, I see no problem with them.
It’s crucial for these events to focus on empowerment and self-expression rather than perpetuating stereotypes. I appreciate when pageants celebrate diversity and highlight the unique experiences of transgender women. Ultimately, beauty should be about confidence and authenticity, not fitting into a specific mold. If pageants can promote those values, then I’m all for it!
Monika: Are you actively involved in your local LGBT community?
Ramona: I was involved at one point, but I found it challenging to be around others due to their attitudes toward certain topics that weren’t very personal to begin with. It felt like there was a lack of understanding and support, which made me hesitant to engage. I really wanted to connect with people who shared similar experiences, but sometimes the discussions would veer into uncomfortable territory.
I believe in the importance of building a supportive community, and it’s disheartening when that support feels absent. However, I’m still open to finding new spaces where I can feel accepted and valued. It’s all about seeking out connections that foster positivity and growth!
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| Full year on hormones, with friends. |
Monika: Do you intend to get married and have a family? Could you share your thoughts on the importance of love in your life?
Ramona: I definitely plan to get married someday. As for having children, I can only hope that I may still be able to have a biological child, but I also plan to adopt. I believe that love is one of the most important aspects of life; it brings joy, support, and a sense of belonging. Right now, my love life is exactly where I want it to be. I’m happily in a relationship with a beautiful girl who makes me feel cherished and understood.
Love, for me, is about finding that special connection and building a life together filled with trust and laughter. I hope that our relationship continues to grow and flourish as we navigate life side by side!
Monika: What would you recommend to transgender women who are afraid of early transition, discrimination, and hatred?
Ramona: It’s definitely a hard struggle to overcome, but I believe it ultimately makes us stronger than cisgender women and men. We face challenges that can be incredibly tough, yet through these experiences, we can grow into resilient individuals. My advice is to never give up on your dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem.
Family can be a crucial part of our journey; even if they treat you poorly at times, I encourage you not to give up on them completely. They are an essential part of your life, and severing those ties can lead to more pain in the long run. I’ve seen many girls who consider their family to be “poison” and choose to cut them off, but I believe it’s wrong to give up on those relationships. My family called me a freak at first, but I forgave them, and now we are closer than ever before. Love and understanding can blossom from forgiveness, and that connection can be incredibly rewarding as we all navigate our journeys together.
Monika: What are your current goals, and where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 7 years?
Ramona: Right now, I'm focused on saving for my surgery and hair removal. It's an exciting journey, and I have a clear vision of what I want to achieve. I see myself completing all these goals within the next five years, ideally relaxing on a beautiful beach in Hawaii, sporting a smoking hot surfer body. A girl can dream, right? I want to embrace my true self fully and enjoy life to the fullest.
Beyond physical changes, I also hope to grow personally and professionally during this time, perhaps even starting my own creative project or business. Ultimately, I envision a future filled with love, happiness, and the freedom to express myself authentically.
Monika: Would you say that you are a happy woman now?
Ramona: The happiest I’ve ever been, and it only gets better from here on out.
Monika: Ramona, it was a pleasure to interview you. Thanks a lot!
All the photos: courtesy of Ramona Limon
© 2013 - Monika Kowalska
