Monika: Today, it is my pleasure and honor to interview Rajée Rajindra Narinesingh, an American transgender activist, author, actress, and public speaker who has made a significant impact in both the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Rajée is best known for her autobiography Beyond Face Value, where she shares her deeply personal journey, including the traumatic experience of botched facial surgeries, as well as her advocacy for transgender rights.
In addition to her literary accomplishments, she has also made her mark on the entertainment industry, acting in notable roles such as Aunt Norma in the groundbreaking show Bella Maddo, an all-transgender production. Rajée’s activism extends far beyond the stage and page, as she has worked tirelessly to secure civil rights for transgender individuals and continues to inspire many with her commitment to justice, love, and self-acceptance. Hello Rajée!
Monika: In your autobiography Beyond Face Value, you share your deeply personal story about seeking filler injections from Oneal Ron Morris, also known as “The Duchess.” What followed was a traumatic experience involving botched injections that were meant to feminize your appearance but turned out to be a dangerous mixture of concrete, tire sealant, mineral oil, and glue. Writing about such a painful chapter must have been difficult. What was the process like for you, and how did it feel to share such a vulnerable part of your life?
Rajée: Writing Beyond Face Value was an emotional journey, and it was definitely the hardest book for me to write. I’ve written several books before, but this one required me to dive deep into a painful and vulnerable part of my past. The decision to go to Oneal Morris for filler injections was one that I regretted deeply when the consequences started to surface. At that time, I didn’t realize the gravity of the situation. I trusted Morris because I believed she had some medical training, and I was just desperate to feel more feminine. What followed—realizing that the substances injected into me were not only toxic but also caused physical harm—was something I never imagined I’d have to face. It took years for me to come to terms with my body’s reaction and the stigma I felt.
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Available via Amazon. |
Writing about this process brought up so many emotions, embarrassment, anger, sadness, but it was also part of my healing. I wanted to be as honest as possible because I knew that sharing this part of my story could help others who might be going through something similar, whether it’s dealing with body dysphoria or the aftermath of harmful choices. It wasn’t easy, but I felt it was important to speak out and offer a real, unfiltered account of what I went through.
Monika: Your autobiography explores a deeply personal journey, and your story is one of resilience, struggle, and triumph. One of the key messages you share is that "you can never see yourself as the world does" and that no matter how many mirrors you look into, you won’t see what others see. Your experiences with prejudice and discrimination, both personally and as a transgender woman, are not just about your own transformation but also about understanding a much larger concept of beauty and identity.
Have you ever believed you were destined for a path that was totally different from where you started? Did you ever feel like life was guiding you away from the expected, and that every challenge was part of a higher purpose, leading you to something greater?
Rajée: Oh, absolutely. There have been moments in my life when I felt like I was on a completely different path than everyone else, and it felt like life was constantly pushing me away from the normal, the comfortable, and what people expected from me. I grew up facing racism, ignorance, and rejection. It wasn’t easy, but I do believe every challenge I faced was somehow part of a larger journey—one that, in the end, would lead me to a place where I could speak my truth and help others do the same.
It wasn't always clear at the time, but now looking back, I see how those painful experiences led me to a deeper understanding of myself, and that struggle became my strength. I’ve realized that the things we go through aren’t just obstacles; they can be transformative forces. Even the most difficult times, like the botched injections I suffered, pushed me toward a platform where I could share my story with the world. In a way, it was like I was meant to go through that pain to inspire others and show them that no matter what, you can still emerge stronger, more beautiful, and more aware of your own worth.
Monika: Your story became widely known after the media picked up on the horrific effects of the botched silicone injections, and you made appearances on high-profile platforms like CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 and Dr. Phil. How did it feel to have your painful experience turn into an international platform for raising awareness about both the dangers of unregulated cosmetic procedures and the struggles faced by transgender individuals? And how did these experiences shape your ongoing activism?
Rajée: It was surreal, to be honest. At 44, I never expected to find myself on national and international television, speaking out about something so personal and traumatic. But I also knew that this was an opportunity I had to seize. After the media attention, I realized that my pain wasn’t just mine to carry anymore, and it had become a conversation, a way to educate others about the dangerous realities of unregulated surgeries and the immense challenges that transgender people face.
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| LITTLE RAJEE. The little girl was peeking out! |
Monika: You were born in Brooklyn but raised in Philadelphia, and you have a rich cultural background with your Indo-Trinidadian father and your mother’s diverse roots of French, Afro-Trinidadian, and Polynesian heritage. How has your upbringing and multicultural background influenced your identity and your journey as both a transgender woman and an activist?
Rajée: Growing up in such a diverse cultural environment definitely shaped who I am today. My father's Indo-Trinidadian heritage and my mother's blend of French, Afro-Trinidadian, and Polynesian roots gave me a unique perspective on identity from a young age. I’ve always been aware that my identity is a blend of so many different influences, and that’s something I embrace fully.
I think that experience also helped me develop resilience in the face of adversity. As a transgender woman, I’ve often had to navigate the complexities of multiple identities—race, gender, and culture—and understanding the fluidity of identity early on made me more open to the idea that our journey is about integrating all parts of ourselves. In terms of activism, I draw strength from that multicultural background, understanding that each of us is shaped by our unique stories and struggles.
My upbringing taught me to stand firm in my identity, no matter how complex it may be, and that’s something I try to share with others, especially in my work with the LGBTQ+ community. I think it’s this cultural diversity that has given me the ability to relate to so many different people and fight for justice on multiple fronts.
Monika: For a number of years you expressed your creativity through dance, acting, fashion, music, and literature. Which art is your favorite?
Rajée: I would have to say acting on film & TV and writing!
Monika: You played the principal role of Aunt Norma in the show Bella Maddo, the all transgender production, including the famous model Isis King. Could you elaborate more on the project and your cooperation with Isis?
Rajée: Bella Maddo is such a groundbreaking project! It’s truly the first of its kind. With an all-trans cast playing non-trans roles. It was refreshing to me as a trans actress to be able to play something other than the stereotypical transsexual prostitute/drug addict!
Monika: What is your general view on the present situation of transgender women in American society?
Rajée: I feel that things have gotten better for trans women here in America but there is still a great amount of discrimination we deal with.
Monika: At that time of your transition did you have any transgender role models that you could follow? What was your knowledge about transgenderism?
Rajée: I would see other trans girls out in the gay clubs but I really didn’t have a close trans girlfriend at the time to guide me. I kind of found my own way and then as I came out more I began to connect with other trans girls.
Monika: What was the hardest thing about your coming out?
Rajée: Dealing with the negative ways people treated me because of my transgenderism.
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| THE ACTIVIST IN HER. Transsexuals are people too! |
Monika: What is your view on transgender stories or characters which have been featured in films, newspapers, or books so far?
Rajée: Thank God it is getting better. But for the longest trans people were featured as freaks. We were not being taken seriously. It has gotten a lot better now that people and society is more educated about transgenderism but we still have a long way to go.
Monika: Are you active in politics? Do you participate in any lobbying campaigns? Do you think transgender women can make a difference in politics?
Rajée: I certainly think women can make a big difference in politics. I actually think if more women were running the world there would not have been as many wars. Lol, I am a lot more involved in an activist capacity.
For example, I have participated in lobbying to get transgender people added to the human rights ordinances in three different cities.
Monika: Is there anyone in the US transgender society whose actions could be compared to what Harvey Milk was doing in the 60s and 70s for gay activism?
Rajée: Off the top of my head I can’t really think of any trans activist that is like Harvey Milk. But I am happy to say that many transgender people are advocating in their own unique ways. We are letting the world know that we are here and that we are relevant. Monika, you are an activist for writing this publication. Many of us are playing an important role in the transgender equality movement.
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| RAJEE speaking at the Wilton Manors Pride Center for the International Transgender Day of Remembrance. |
Monika: Could you tell me about the importance of love in your life?
Rajée: I believe that love is the core of what all of us human beings are. Some people are at a place where they are disconnected from it. But I do feel that love transcends all of eternity. God’s love is actually the most important thing in my life and it is the reason why I have been able to get through many of my hardships.
Monika: Do you like fashion? What kind of outfits do you usually wear? Any special fashion designs, colors, or trends?
Rajée: I am definitely a girly girl. I love big hair, lots of make-up, jewelry, and colorful outfits. But I do always look for a sale! Lol
Monika: What do you think about transgender beauty pageants?
Rajée: Sometimes pageants can be a little catty. But I think that they are nice. I’ve just never been a pageant girl myself.
Monika: Are you working on any new projects now?
Rajée: Well I continue to do activist work for the LGBT community and my public speaking. I am currently working on some new music. I’m also in talks with a few producers about participating in some up-and-coming TV shows.
Monika: Rajée, your story serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope. The pursuit of beauty can sometimes lead us down dangerous paths, making us vulnerable to those who prey on our insecurities. But your journey is proof that even in the face of hardship, resilience and self-love can turn tragedy into triumph. Your strength reminds us all that true beauty is not just about appearance but about courage, perseverance, and embracing our worth. Thank you for sharing your story and inspiring so many!
All the photos: courtesy of Rajée Rajindra Narinesingh.
