Lisa Olsson is a Swedish transgender advocate, activist, and photographer. She is not only passionate about capturing the world through her lens but also dedicated to raising awareness and promoting visibility for the transgender and broader LGBT+ community. She works as an unemployment agent while continuing her academic pursuits at the university level, purely for the joy of learning.
Never one to sit idle, Lisa is always engaged in activities that challenge her intellect and creativity. Beyond her professional and academic life, Lisa has recently launched her own company, focusing on lectures, courses, and personal coaching to enhance LGBT+ inclusion in the business sector and public administration. With a strong voice in advocacy and a keen eye for photography, particularly in macro and nature photography, she is a woman of many talents.
Lisa’s journey as a transgender woman has been shaped by resilience, self-discovery, and an unwavering sense of confidence. Unlike many, she did not find solace in traditional transgender role models, instead forging her own path and embracing her background as an integral part of her identity. Her perspective on transgender issues is refreshingly positive, emphasizing personal empowerment and the importance of visibility.
Monika: It is an honor to have Lisa here today to share her experiences, insights, and thoughts on photography, activism, and life as a transgender woman in Sweden. Lisa, welcome!
Lisa: Hello, Monika! I'm thrilled to be here for this interview.
Monika: Lisa, could you share a little about yourself and what defines you as a person?
Lisa: Well, it's challenging to sum myself up in just a few words. I’m someone who can't sit idle; I always need to be engaged in some activity, preferably ones that require intellectual focus. I'm 35 years old and work as an unemployment agent, and I still pursue university studies, mostly for enjoyment.
Monika: What sparked your passion for photography? How did your journey behind the lens begin?
Lisa: I’ve always had some form of camera. For a long time, I considered investing in an SLR camera to capture better pictures. Ultimately, about three years ago, I decided to buy a simpler version, and I upgraded to a much better one shortly after.
Monika: What subjects inspire you the most in your photography? Do you focus on nature, portraits, or something else entirely?
Lisa: I primarily take photos in nature, with a focus on insects. Macrophotography fascinates me because it reveals details you wouldn’t normally see, and the colors are stunning. I also have a small studio at home for portraits.
Monika: Are you currently working on any new projects or exciting ventures?
Lisa: Not in photography, but I recently registered a company that will focus on lectures, courses, and personal coaching to raise awareness and visibility of LGBT individuals in the business sector and public administration.
Monika: At what age did you begin your transition? Was the journey challenging for you? And did you have the support of your family and friends along the way?
Lisa: I began my transition relatively recently, at the age of 30. I've always felt that something about me was different, but it took a long time to understand what it was. Once I finally realized, everything moved quickly; within six months, my social transition was complete, and I had started taking hormones on my own.
By early June 2013, I had finished the process and changed my legal gender to reflect my true identity. For me, it wasn't a difficult journey overall; the most frustrating part was the waiting. I had to wait 13 months for an appointment at the gender clinic, 12 months to receive legal hormone replacement therapy (HRT), another 12 months for them to feel ready to send my application for a new legal gender, and an additional 12 months before I submitted my application, as I didn’t want to be forced into sterilization.
All of that waiting, except for the last part, was the minimum time frame according to medical guidelines in Sweden. On the bright side, I received full support from both my family and friends. There has never been an issue, and most prefer me as I am now.
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| Common work outfit. |
Monika: During your transition, did you have any transgender role models, either from Sweden or beyond, who inspired or guided you?
Lisa: No, none. A few existed, but I couldn't relate to any of them. Most who wrote about their transgender experiences did so from a very negative perspective, with very few mentioning any positive aspects. Since I have encountered relatively few negative effects stemming from my fascinating background as a transgender person, I couldn't identify with that narrative.
Many male-to-female (MtF) transgender individuals held ultrafeminine visions and expectations that I simply couldn't agree with. The extreme aversion to any masculine aspects of oneself, along with the desire for complete stealth and a total rewriting of one's history, was far from my own experiences and aspirations.
My transgender background is an essential part of who I am today. It has provided me with experiences and knowledge that few people possess. That is not something I can or want to ignore or forget. I am who I am today because of, not despite, my fascinating background.
Monika: What was the most challenging part of coming out for you?
Lisa: The hardest part was telling my family about my being transgender. Once that was done and they quickly accepted it, there weren't any more truly difficult moments. I’ve even used my background as a transgender person as an argument when applying for a job, and it worked, I got the job!
Monika: Transgender women often face the harsh scrutiny of 'passing' as women. You are a beautiful woman yourself, but many others struggle with this daily. What advice would you give to those who find passing challenging?
Lisa: The fact that passing is considered a test is, in itself, a problem. In a perfect society, there would be no need to pass; everyone should be accepted and treated according to their self-identified gender, regardless of their transgender background. No one should have to struggle to pass! Being forced to pass is a form of discrimination, yet it's often necessary.
So, what would I recommend in this imperfect world? Primarily, confidence. With confidence and enough relevant gender cues, you will seldom be questioned. If others perceive you as insecure, you will be scrutinized more closely and are easier to challenge. I believe that confidence combined with relevant gender cues is key, but, of course, that's not easy either.
Monika: How would you describe the current situation of transgender women in Swedish society? Do you think progress is being made, or are there still significant challenges to overcome?
Lisa: I would say that, from an international perspective, the situation is quite good. It’s not perfect, and there’s certainly room for improvement, but we have come a long way. A few groups actively work against transgender individuals, primarily extreme right-wing and conservative Christian groups, but they are relatively small in Sweden.
In most places, transgender women are safe. Incidents do occur, mostly when alcohol is involved. This highlights that there is still a cultural bias against transgender people that needs to be addressed. It’s a slow process, but progress is being made every day.
Monika: What are your thoughts on how transgender stories have been portrayed in the Swedish media? Do you think the representation has improved over time?
Lisa: My views are very positive. I am very happy that transgender individuals are no longer portrayed as stereotypes. Instead, we are seen as individuals with diverse backgrounds and lives. The focus is more on positive stories rather than just the worst media can find, and I really appreciate that. To change public opinion and foster acceptance, we need to showcase our diversity, transgender people can be anyone, anywhere.
Monika: I’ve always considered Sweden one of the most democratic countries that upholds the rights of all citizens. However, I was taken aback to learn that transgender women in Sweden were required to undergo sterilization to change their legal gender. That seems incredibly harsh...
Lisa: It is indeed cruel. It all began in 1972 when Sweden was still sterilizing individuals deemed 'unwanted' in the name of eugenics. I regret to say that Sweden was one of the worst offenders in this regard. Forced sterilization became illegal in 1975 for everyone except transgender individuals applying for gender recognition. While everyone else was awarded monetary damages in 1999, transgender people were still subjected to sterilization.
It wasn't until December 2012 and January 2013 that this law was overturned by the court, referencing human rights. From July 1, 2013, it was also formalized in law. When the first law on gender recognition was introduced in 1972, it was truly progressive; unfortunately, it was never improved, and nearly 1,000 transgender individuals lost the possibility of having children forever. It's important to remember that this law not only mandated sterilization but also prevented individuals from being able to procreate. Any saved gametes had to be destroyed.
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| Winter photo. |
Monika: Are you pleased with the recent legal changes in Sweden regarding transgender rights? How do you feel about the government's approach to implementing these changes?
Lisa: I am very happy that this part of the law was finally overturned. However, I am deeply disappointed with how the government handled it. They delayed action for as long as possible, and every week that passed, another person was forcibly sterilized.
They could have changed this law much earlier, but instead, they chose to ignore and dismiss the fact that they were violating human rights, even when it was repeatedly brought to their attention.
Monika: What are some of the key issues currently facing the transgender community in Sweden? What topics are at the forefront of the agenda?
Lisa: Several issues are still being addressed, some are ongoing, while others are newly emerging. One major issue is securing damages for those who were forcibly sterilized. Other concerns include gender recognition and access to surgery for individuals under 18, various legal and social challenges related to transgender parenthood, and improvements in the care and treatment provided to those seeking transition-related healthcare.
There is also a need for better workplace protections, as discrimination against transgender individuals remains an issue in certain sectors. Mental health support is another critical area, as many transgender individuals struggle with access to competent and affirming care. Additionally, there is a push to modernize legal gender recognition processes, making them more accessible and less bureaucratic. Visibility and representation in media and politics are also key concerns, as greater awareness can lead to more acceptance and policy changes. Finally, addressing hate crimes and ensuring better law enforcement training on transgender issues remains a priority for the community.
Monika: Are you involved in political activities or lobbying campaigns? Do you believe that transgender women can have a significant impact in the political sphere?
Lisa: Lisa: I am not active in any political party, but I am a member of RFSL, Sweden’s major LGBT organization. I participate in various campaigns and stay as engaged as possible. I also started my own company to promote awareness of LGBT issues. Transgender people can absolutely make a difference, by staying active, visible, and involved, we can drive meaningful change.
Monika: The transgender cause often aligns with the broader LGBT community. As the last letter in that abbreviation, do you think the transgender community is able to effectively advocate for its own issues within the larger LGBT movement?
Lisa: There’s no doubt that we can. In Sweden, transgender issues have been at the forefront of LGBT political campaigns for some time. However, when it comes to general LGBT awards and recognition, transgender people still remain largely invisible. The big names in the gay community tend to receive the most attention.
Monika: Have you ever been married? Could you share your thoughts on the importance of love in your life?
Lisa: I have never been married, but I’ve had a few serious relationships. Right now, love isn’t a priority, but if it finds me, I certainly wouldn’t say no.
Monika: Are you a fan of fashion? What types of outfits do you typically wear, and do you have any favorite styles, colors, or trends?
Lisa: I like fashion, but not necessarily current trends, I prefer to be a bit behind. My style is simple yet feminine. For work, I usually wear skirts that fall just above the knee paired with professional tops. At home, I love bright, vibrant colors. And high heels? Absolute must-haves, I can’t live without them!
Monika: What are your thoughts on transgender beauty pageants? Do you see them as beneficial or problematic for the community?
Lisa: I’m not a fan of them myself. On the positive side, they provide visibility. However, they also reinforce passing and stereotypes too much. The beauty standards in these pageants are just as problematic as those in the rest of society.
Additionally, they can create unrealistic expectations for transgender individuals, making it seem like conformity to narrow beauty ideals is a requirement for acceptance. This can lead to increased pressure on trans women to meet these standards, which may not be attainable or healthy for everyone. Furthermore, focusing on physical appearance can overshadow the diverse talents and accomplishments of transgender individuals, reducing them to mere aesthetics. Ultimately, while some may find empowerment in participating, the overall impact on the community can be mixed and warrants critical discussion.
Monika: Many transgender women have written memoirs about their journeys. Have you ever considered writing a book about your own experiences?
Lisa: To be honest, I haven’t read a single one of these memoirs. I’m sure many find them interesting and helpful, but they’ve never really appealed to me. Because of that, I have no interest in writing one myself. My blog is more than enough, and probably more enlightening.
Monika: What are your immediate goals, and how do you envision your life in the next 5 to 7 years?
Lisa: I have no idea what my next step is. As far as my transition goes, I’ve felt complete for years, so that chapter is closed. I’m also happy with my life and don’t feel there’s much left to do, aside from continuing my work, studies, and activism, of course.
Monika: Would you say that you are a happy woman now?
Lisa: Oh yes, without a doubt!
Monika: Lisa, it was a pleasure to interview you. Thanks a lot!
All the photos: courtesy of Lisa Olsson.
© 2013 - Monika Kowalska
