Fiona Corwin is a vibrant, multifaceted woman who has been sharing her transition journey online with honesty, wit, and grace. At 41, Fiona balances an impressive array of roles: she’s a web developer, IT consultant, manager, business owner, carpenter, machinist, musician, writer, martial artist, and poet. She's also a dedicated spouse and a loving parent to six children. Fiona began her transition in October 2012, started hormone therapy in January 2013, and began living full-time as a woman in May of that same year. She decided to document her journey on YouTube, especially to support other women transitioning later in life who, like her, were looking for relatable examples of what was possible. Her openness, particularly about the emotional and physical aspects of her transition, has offered invaluable reassurance to many.
With her characteristic blend of courage and candor, Fiona speaks out about the challenges of being transgender in today's society and the importance of visibility and self-love. She’s a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, having recently attended her first PRIDE event, and is committed to living openly and authentically. Her philosophy is both uplifting and clear: transition doesn’t make you brave, it reveals the strength that was already there. Fiona is happily married, deeply values family, and finds joy in fashion, artistry, and the subtle magic of everyday womanhood. She dreams of writing novels and possibly making films in the years ahead. For now, she continues to inspire others by simply being herself. It’s my great pleasure to introduce you to Fiona Corwin. Our conversation below explores her life, her transition, and the heartfelt wisdom she’s gained along the way.
Monika: Fiona, it's so lovely to meet you! Can I just say, you look absolutely radiant. What's your secret?
Fiona: Hello Monika! You’re sweet to say so. I’ll be 42 this year! Honestly, I think joy plays a big part, when you're finally living as your true self, it shows.
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| "The Story So Far" (YouTube) |
Monika: Could you share a little about yourself and what defines you beyond your transition?
Fiona: I am a 41-year-old trans woman. I started my transition in October of 2012, began hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in January of 2013, and have been living full-time as a woman since May of 2013. It’s a complicated question because I am a lot of things, depending on where you look from. I am a web developer, an IT consultant, a manager, a business owner, a carpenter, a machinist, a musician, a writer, a lover, a poet, a martial artist, a fencer, and a bit of a pacifist who likes her guns. I am both fiercely independent and serially monogamous. I fall in love with people often, they fascinate me. Every day is a new opportunity to explore who I am and what I can create in this world. My journey has taught me that identity is fluid and expansive, and I embrace all parts of myself wholeheartedly.
Monika: What inspired you to document and share your transition journey on YouTube?
Fiona: When I was exploring whether or not I would transition, I started looking around for examples of what was possible and posted by girls in my age group. Unfortunately, there weren’t very many to choose from. I decided that I would do what I could to address that need, to provide as good an example as possible for girls my age and, really, girls of any age. I think it is important to give back, and that it’s worth my discomfort and the risk to do so. Sharing my story has opened up conversations I never expected, and it feels empowering to help others feel less alone. If even one person finds hope or courage through my videos, then it’s absolutely worth it.
Monika: Can you tell us where you currently are in your transition journey, and how you’re feeling about the changes so far?
Fiona: I live full-time as a woman. I shave every day. I’m continuing to have both laser treatments and soon electrolysis in an effort to get rid of the excess hair on my face and body. I am pre-operative and may never seek surgery. It depends on how things go. For as long as my genitals work mentally and physically for me, I see little reason to change them. At such time as they don’t, I see no reason to keep them. At six months on HRT, I’ve been blessed with ample breast growth. I’m a 38C in US sizes. It’s my hope that I will not need breast implants to feel complete. Each step brings new discoveries about myself, and I’m learning to embrace my evolving identity with patience and gratitude. The journey is deeply personal, and I’m comfortable moving at a pace that feels right for me.
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| "The Story So Far" (YouTube) |
Monika: How satisfied are you with the effects of hormone therapy so far, both physically and mentally?
Fiona: So far, the results have been simply stunning. I would have a difficult time passing as a man now if I even wanted to try, which I don’t. I love the hair, the soft skin, the breasts, the hips, and the way my body shape is changing. It’s all simply marvelous! Add on the mental changes, which have been subtle, yet profound, and I wouldn’t want to go back to living in hopeless misery as a man. The hormone therapy has given me a renewed sense of confidence and peace that I never imagined possible. Every day, I feel more connected to my true self and more at home in my body.
Monika: When did you first realize that you didn’t identify as a boy or a man?
Fiona: I was perhaps three years old when I noticed I wasn’t properly equipped. I hoped and prayed, begged, and wished every night to wake up as a girl. I was a fairly happy kid, an average student with great parents, until puberty, which was when my dysphoria and depression really began. Those early feelings were confusing and isolating, but they shaped my understanding of who I truly am. Looking back, I see how persistent and deep those feelings have been throughout my life.
Monika: Many transgender girls say that school, college, or university was one of the most challenging and painful times because of discrimination and misunderstanding. Did you experience something similar during your education?
Fiona: I graduated high school at 135 pounds and 6’1” tall. I had little to no muscle development or body hair to speak of. I was picked on to some degree for being skinny and geeky, but my height intimidated many, so I never really had to fight in high school. I was a beautiful, charming boy and had the favor of the ladies, which many boys envied. I figured out how to get by. Still, beneath the surface, I often felt out of place and struggled with internal conflicts that no one else could see. Looking back, those years taught me resilience and how to navigate social dynamics despite feeling different.
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| 24 weeks on HRT and 8 weeks of living full time as a woman. |
Monika: Do you have any transgender role models who have inspired you along your journey? If so, who stands out the most?
Fiona: There are several. Lana Wachowski comes to mind first, then perhaps Laura Jane Grace. There are also several YouTube creators I admire greatly. Unfortunately, most of them are no longer making videos, and many have removed their content, Lady Vixion, Minorqback, Jesslyngirl87, Meghan’s Life, and others. Their openness and courage helped pave the way for people like me. Even though some have stepped back, their impact continues to inspire me every day.
Monika: What was the most challenging part of coming out as a transgender woman for you, and how did you overcome it?
Fiona: Getting over the fear, and getting on with it. Once I saw there was little or nothing to be afraid of, things went both quickly and smoothly. The anticipation was far worse than the reality, which taught me a lot about facing fears head-on. In the end, being true to myself brought a huge sense of relief and freedom.
Monika: How do you perceive the current social and cultural status of transgender women in American society today?
Fiona: Like any minority, we’re struggling for our piece of the pie. I’ve lived long enough to know that things have come a long, long way from the 70s and 80s when I grew up. Trans people are no longer caricatures to be made fun of and used as cautionary tales, we are becoming mainstream. The passage of laws protecting our rights, and the general visibility of our subset is changing the way people view trans folk. We live in exciting times! There’s still a long road ahead, but progress feels real and tangible. I remain hopeful that understanding and acceptance will continue to grow in the years to come.
Monika: Today, we see more transgender women stepping into the spotlight, gaining visibility as celebrities and leaders in diverse fields, from Lana Wachowski in film directing, Jenna Talackova in modeling, Kate Bornstein in academia, Laura Jane Grace in music, to Candis Cayne in acting. Do you believe we will continue to see more transgender women rise to such prominence in the future?
Fiona: I do hope so. I would love to be one of them. Representation matters deeply, and seeing women succeed in all walks of life inspires others to follow their dreams. The more visible we become, the easier it will be for the next generation to believe that anything is possible.
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| In the black dress. |
Monika: Do you think it’s possible within our lifetime that a transgender woman could be elected President of the United States?
Fiona: Oh my, that’s quite a thought… We haven’t even seen a cisgender woman in the Oval Office yet. What a monumental victory it would be for a trans woman to hold that position! I wonder if she would be more or less accepted because she was once considered a man. I can tell you, I don’t think I’d want the job myself. Still, I believe it’s possible. I have faith in the innate kindness of the human soul, and I believe that with enough love and perseverance, we can overcome any obstacle. Society is slowly evolving, and I hold hope that leadership will one day reflect our true diversity.
Monika: How would you describe your personal style? Do you enjoy fashion as a form of self-expression, and are there any particular colors, fabrics, or trends you gravitate toward?
Fiona: I LOVE fashion! It’s one of my favorite parts of being a girl. I wear business casual outfits for the most part. I like blues, purples, and reds, and I despise pastels. I enjoy brocades, silks, and lace.
Monika: What’s your take on beauty pageants specifically for transgender women? Do you see them as empowering, or do they reinforce unnecessary divisions?
Fiona: I’m put off by them. I’m a woman, let me compete with the women. Creating separate categories feels like an exclusion wrapped in celebration. While I understand the intent behind them, I believe true progress means full inclusion, not side stages.
Monika: Have you found yourself getting more involved with your local LGBTQ+ community over time? What does that connection mean to you personally?
Fiona: Until fairly recently, I would have said no, but now I have to say yes. I’ve committed myself to being publicly out as a trans woman. I have chosen to stand for the rights of all people. I recently attended my first PRIDE event and had a wonderful time. What a wonderful group of people to be a part of! I’ve met kindred spirits and made friendships that continue to inspire me. The sense of solidarity and celebration is something I’ll carry with me always.
Monika: Do you see marriage and family life as part of your future, or are they already part of your present? And how central is love to your happiness and sense of self?
Fiona: I have been married for eight years now. I intend to stay married. We have among us six kids, currently ranging in age from 13 to 21. Family matters. Without the love and support of my sweet wife, this would be much harder. With it, though, I feel insulated in the safe and loving arms of my wife. Our life together isn’t always easy, but it’s full of grace. Love is the foundation that keeps everything strong, even when challenges arise.
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| The little red dress. |
Monika: Many transgender women hesitate to begin their transitions because they fear discrimination, rejection, or even hatred. What advice would you offer to those who are struggling with these fears and unsure of how to take the first step?
Fiona: You must face it. You must stand up and go through the experience. You must not lose heart. You must find your strength, your power, your grace, and step forward into a future you cannot possibly comprehend or anticipate. Only in doing so can you live fully. Only in facing your fears can you emerge complete. Transition is not going to give you qualities you didn’t have before transition. You’re not going to become brave or confident, smart or dumb, etc. You have on the other side what you had going in, so remember to love yourself first. Be proud rather than ashamed. You are magnificent and unique! There will be moments when you doubt everything, but those moments pass. What remains is the life you’ve built in truth, and it’s worth every step.
Monika: What goals are you currently working on, and where do you envision your life heading over the next five to seven years?
Fiona: I’m working on getting my name change completed. I’m applying and interviewing for work as a woman. I don’t want to transition at work again. I’d imagine that in another five to seven years, I’ll be living in another city. My kids will be grown and gone, and my wife and I will be sorting out what to do with our time and excess income. I hope to have finished a novel or two and maybe a film or two. I also hope to travel more and explore new places that inspire my writing. Most of all, I want to keep growing into the happiest, most authentic version of myself.
Monika: Looking at your journey so far, would you say that you’ve found happiness in your life as a woman?
Fiona: I can say with clarity that I am happy as a woman now. I’ve embraced my true self, and that alone brings a deep sense of peace. Every day feels more authentic, and I finally feel at home in my own skin.
Monika: Fiona, it was a pleasure to interview you. Thanks a lot!
Fiona: The pleasure was mine. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story!
All the photos: courtesy of Fiona Corwin.
© 2013 - Monika Kowalska
