Interview with Lisa Olsson

Monika: Today’s interview is with Lisa Olsson, a transgender advocate, and activist, a photographer from Sweden. Hello Lisa!

Lisa: Hello Monika! I am happy to be interviewed by you.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Lisa: Well, it is hard to describe oneself in just a few words. I am a person that can not just sit idle and do nothing, there has to always be some activity. Preferable some activities that demand some intellectual focus. I am 35 years old and work as an unemployment agent. I still study at the university level, mostly for fun.

Monika: How did you start taking photos?

Lisa: I have always had a camera of some sort. For a long time, I thought about investing in an SLR camera so I could take better pictures. In the end, about three years ago I finally bought a simpler version. And upgraded to a far better one soon after that.

Interview with Aeris Houlihan

Monika: Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Aeris Houlihan, a British football player and transgender video blogger who has been documenting her transition on YouTube. With a passion for fitness, fashion, and music production, Aeris has been sharing her journey with the world, offering insight, inspiration, and a candid look into her experiences as a transgender woman. Hello Aeris!

Aeris: Hi Monika.

Monika: Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Aeris: I was born in Dublin and moved over to England when I was around 3. I have lived in England ever since. I’m an outgoing individual who loves to keep fit and take care of her appearance. I love clothes shopping and trying new makeup techniques. I’m a musician, music producer and love to work on video special effects.

Interview with Ellen Krug

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Ellen Krug, an American lawyer, author, and transgender activist. She was born in Newark, New Jersey. In 1979, Ellen graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids in and three years later she earned a Juris Doctor degree from Boston College Law School. In 2009, she became the first attorney in Iowa to engage in jury trials in separate genders. In 2011, Ellen worked as the first executive director of a Minneapolis nonprofit, Call for Justice, LLC, which helps persons earning lower incomes connect with attorneys. I am going to talk with Ellen about her autobiographical book, her amazing career, and her view on life. Hello Ellen!

Ellen: Hello Monika! I’m honored to be here today!

Monika: Could you say a few words about your career so far?

Ellen: Oh, it’s been a career that literally spans two lives. When I was a boy (I like to use the phrases “boy” and “girl” because they seem more innocent), I had always wanted to be a lawyer. At first, that career goal was driven by altruism—I wanted to change the world, just like Bobby Kennedy wanted. (Bobby Kennedy—President Kennedy’s younger brother—had been a lawyer. He too wanted to effect much positive change, and he did that by talking about the plight of the poor and people of color.)

Later, after I started law school, my goals changed—I still wanted to be a lawyer, but then I became more interested in being a trial attorney. Eventually, I did just that. However, by then I was somewhat jaundiced about the world (Reagan had been elected president), and my attention shifted to making money. That continued for a couple decades.

Interview with Sammy12534

Monika: Today’s interview features Phoebe, a vibrant young American video blogger who documents her journey of transition on YouTube under the name Ask Phoebe, previously known as Sammy12534. Phoebe has become a voice of authenticity for many in the transgender community, sharing her experiences and thoughts on everything from fashion to family and relationships. Hello Phoebe!

Phoebe: Hi! It’s great to be here today.
Monika: Could you share a little bit about yourself and what drives you?
Phoebe: Well I’m very outgoing and some say that I’m very confident but all I see is a shy girl that speaks her mind. I enjoy pushing myself out of my comfort zone and connecting with people who understand me. Sometimes it’s hard, but the more I share, the more I realize I’m not alone. My journey has made me stronger and more passionate about living authentically.

Interview with Eden Dintsikos

Monika: Welcome to a special edition of my blog today, where I have the pleasure of sitting down with a young, courageous, and inspiring video blogger. Eden Dintsikos is a rising voice in the trans community, documenting her transition with honesty, humor, and an openness that has resonated with many viewers on YouTube. Through her channel, Eden shares not only her personal journey but also offers support and information for others walking a similar path. Her journey is one of growth, courage, and empowerment, and I'm so excited to have her here today. Hello, Eden!

Eden: Hello Monika, thank you so much for having me here and giving me the opportunity to appear on your blog!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Eden: Where to start... I am 22 years young, born in Greece but living in Belgium since 2001 and I am in a relationship with Do for the past 3.5 years. I spend a lot of time crafting and making YouTube videos.