Interview with Vanessa Lopez

Vanessa Lopez is a Chilean-born Swedish model, television personality, beauty queen, and the groundbreaking author of Jag har ångrat mig (2014), which translates to I Changed My Mind. Known for being one of the youngest transgender women to transition in Sweden, Vanessa began her journey of gender affirmation at 16 and underwent surgery by age 20. Her life story and public presence have made her one of Sweden’s most visible and outspoken transgender figures. In 2011, Vanessa rose to national fame by participating in the Swedish edition of Big Brother, where her presence sparked widespread discussion on gender diversity. That same year, she represented Sweden at Miss International Queen in Thailand, one of the world’s most prestigious beauty pageants for transgender women. Through this experience, she deepened her connection with cultures that embrace gender variance and found solidarity among international transgender sisters. Vanessa's autobiography challenges conventional ideas about transgender identity, hormone therapy, and surgery. Drawing inspiration from the indigenous Mapuche heritage and the Native American concept of the Two-Spirit, she advocates for broader acceptance of gender diversity and self-expression beyond binary norms.

 

She openly reflects on her own transition, questioning whether invasive medical procedures are always necessary, and calling instead for a society that honors natural gender variance. As an activist, Vanessa has written opinion pieces, delivered public lectures, and continues to speak out against transphobia, including the marginalization of trans people within the LGBTQI community itself. She’s especially vocal about the lack of transgender visibility in Swedish media and the need for stronger representation and solidarity. A vegan and conscious fashion lover, Vanessa champions cruelty-free living and no longer wears materials derived from animals, though she still admires the aesthetics of high fashion. Her advocacy is not limited to identity politics; it extends to environmental and ethical concerns as well. Though she is not formally engaged in political lobbying, Vanessa contributes to societal change in her own way, through public discourse, media presence, and by simply being unapologetically herself. She continues to inspire others with her intelligence, charm, and a fierce dedication to redefining womanhood on her own terms.

Interview with Paulina Ashley Angel

Paulina Ashley Angel, a trailblazing transgender woman, activist, musician, songwriter, producer, and blogger whose life and work embody courage, creativity, and unwavering authenticity. Born and raised in Indio, California, Paulina is a 32-year-old artist whose journey has been as inspiring as it has been transformative. From a young age, she discovered a passion for music, writing her first song, The Rain, from a place of deep personal struggle, turning pain into art, a testament to her resilience and ability to transform life’s challenges into beauty. Over the years, she has written over 200 songs, drawing inspiration from her dreams, personal experiences, and the world around her, including the vibrant cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Her albums, from Angel to Saturday Morning Around the Pool, are intimate love letters to life, place, and identity, each one carrying a piece of her heart. Beyond music, Paulina is a passionate advocate for transgender and LGBTQIA rights. She founded the influential Facebook pages Trans Role Models and Trans Fund Raising, and has worked tirelessly to create safer, more inclusive spaces in higher education through her student activism. She became the first transgender individual elected to office in her student senate, advocating for policy changes that have since been adopted by multiple colleges, demonstrating her vision for meaningful, systemic change.

 

Her activism, like her music, is deeply personal and rooted in lived experience, informed by mentors such as Danielle Askini and Sylvia Guerrero, and inspired by the ongoing fight for equality. Paulina’s journey of self-discovery and transition has been both challenging and triumphant. From self-medicating in her mid-twenties to resuming hormone therapy under medical supervision, she has navigated the emotional and physical complexities of transition with bravery and grace, emerging as the woman she was always meant to be. Her story resonates with hope for others facing gender dysphoria, reminding them to surround themselves with positive influences, do their research, and above all, love themselves. Through her music, activism, and personal example, Paulina Ashley Angel stands as a beacon of inspiration. She is not only a talented artist and leader but also a dreamer whose vision for the future includes love, equality, and the freedom for every person to live authentically. Whether performing her soulful songs, mentoring fellow transgender individuals, or fighting for equality in politics and education, Paulina reminds us that courage, creativity, and authenticity can truly change the world.

Interview with Ann-Christine Roxberg

Ann-Christine Roxberg is a woman whose life gently but firmly bridges faith, courage, and authenticity. A Swedish priest and theologian with more than three decades of service, she has walked the long road from traditional ministry to becoming one of the most thoughtful and compassionate voices on transgender faith and theology. Her story is not one of rebellion against God, but of deep trust in divine love, a love she believes embraces people exactly as they are. Having served congregations from Sweden to Zimbabwe, Ann-Christine carries with her a global perspective shaped by humility, learning, and profound respect for human dignity. Today, as a lecturer, trans activist, and inspiration to many, she speaks with rare honesty about fear, silence, love, and hope, reminding us that faith can be a place of refuge rather than exclusion, and that living truthfully is not only an act of self-respect, but also a gift to the world.

 

Beyond her own journey, Ann-Christine’s voice resonates through the lives of others, especially those who have felt unseen or unwelcome in religious spaces. Her experience as a mother, a partner, and the subject of her daughter Ester Roxberg’s deeply personal book Min pappa Ann-Christine adds a powerful relational dimension to her story, showing how transition is never an isolated act, but a shared process of love, loss, and growth. With warmth, intellectual depth, and disarming humility, she challenges churches to move beyond polite silence toward genuine embrace, and invites society to replace fear with knowledge and compassion. In doing so, Ann-Christine stands not only as a theologian of words, but as a living testament to the transformative power of truth, love, and faith lived openly.

Interview with Angela van Bebber

Angela van Bebber is a remarkable Dutch transgender activist from Tilburg, the Netherlands, whose life story is a testament to authenticity and quiet strength. A businesswoman, blogger, lecturer, and the author of the autobiographical book “Eindelijk, ik lééf!” (Finally I Live), Angela has spent decades finding her way toward herself, and then generously opening that path for others. After coming out in 2001 and completing her transition in 2006, she transformed years of struggle, solitude, and perseverance into a source of wisdom that now reaches schools, universities, and audiences across the country. Angela’s story is not one of easy victories, but of courage built step by step, often without role models, and with an unshakable belief that every experience carries meaning. Through her lectures, writing, and advocacy, she speaks honestly about pain, growth, and the long journey toward inner peace, always with the intention to educate, inspire, and foster understanding.

 

Her voice carries a universal message, one that goes far beyond transgender experiences, reminding us all of the power of being authentic, open, and compassionate, both toward others and toward ourselves. What makes Angela’s journey especially powerful is her willingness to share not only her achievements, but also her doubts, vulnerabilities, and ongoing process of healing. She does not present herself as someone who has all the answers, but as someone who keeps learning, reflecting, and growing. By standing on stage and speaking openly about her life, she turns personal history into collective insight. Her work shows that visibility can be an act of service, and that honesty can change minds and hearts. Above all, Angela embodies the idea that living fully is not a destination, but a courageous, lifelong practice.

Interview with Bambie Nicole

Bambie Nicole is an inspiring American video blogger who has been documenting her transition on YouTube for over a decade. With a bold, sassy, and genuine personality, Bambie uses her platform to encourage others to embrace their journey, showing that with patience and dedication, dreams are achievable. Transitioning since the age of 12 and on hormone therapy for 14 years, Bambie has always known who she truly is. Despite facing challenges and discrimination, she remains a beacon of strength and positivity, offering advice to others navigating their own transitions. A proud advocate for transgender rights, Bambie admires role models like Caroline Cossey, who paved the way for transgender visibility. While not politically active, she’s deeply involved in the LGBTQ+ community and strives to raise awareness and create change. With a love for fashion and a vision for expanding her YouTube channel, Bambie looks forward to growing her impact in the next 5-7 years. For Bambie, true happiness lies in being at peace with herself and the joy of simply being a woman.

 

Beyond her online presence, Bambie is known for her unwavering authenticity, never shying away from sharing the highs and lows of her journey. Her storytelling resonates with people from all walks of life, making her a trusted voice within the transgender community. She believes in the power of visibility and representation, often highlighting the experiences of other trans women to foster solidarity. Bambie also emphasizes self-love and patience, reminding her audience that every transition is deeply personal and unique. Her sense of humor, combined with her compassionate outlook, makes her both relatable and inspirational. Outside of advocacy, she enjoys expressing herself through fashion, photography, and creative content, blending artistry with personal expression. Ultimately, Bambie’s journey is not only about transformation, but about embracing life fully, teaching others that authenticity is the greatest form of courage.

Interview with Ugla Stefanía Jónsdóttir

Ugla Stefanía Jónsdóttir is a remarkable young transgender activist from Iceland whose tireless work has made a profound impact on the lives of trans people both locally and internationally. As the chair of Trans-Iceland and an active member of multiple LGBTQ organizations, Ugla has dedicated herself to advancing human rights, advocating for trans healthcare access, and challenging the prejudices that trans people face every day. Her work extends beyond Iceland, contributing to international conferences, educational workshops, and collaborative projects across Europe, all with the aim of fostering understanding, solidarity, and inclusion. Ugla’s activism is deeply personal, informed by her own journey as a trans woman and her unwavering commitment to creating a world where everyone can live authentically and safely.

 

Whether speaking to the media, lecturing in schools, or lobbying for legal reform, she combines courage with compassion, offering guidance and hope to young trans people navigating their own paths. Beyond her advocacy, Ugla is also a creative spirit, exploring new projects from podcasts to music, and even writing her own story, embodying the message that living authentically is both a personal journey and a powerful act of change. In every role she takes on, Ugla Stefanía Jónsdóttir exemplifies the transformative power of visibility, resilience, and love, for oneself and for others. She is not just a voice for trans rights; she is a beacon of possibility, inspiring countless people to believe in a world where everyone’s identity is respected and celebrated.

Interview with Greta Martela

Greta Martela is a woman whose life and work sit at the powerful intersection of technology, courage, and radical compassion. A software developer based in San Francisco, Greta is also a transgender activist and the co-founder of Trans Lifeline, the first national U.S. crisis hotline created by trans people, for trans people, and staffed entirely by members of the community it serves. Her activism was born not from abstract ideals, but from deeply personal experience, including a moment of crisis in which she encountered transphobia at a time when understanding should have been guaranteed. Rather than turning away, Greta transformed that pain into action, helping to build a support system grounded in empathy, peer connection, and lived truth.

 

Greta’s story is one of late transition, hard-won self-acceptance, and an acute awareness of both vulnerability and privilege. She speaks openly about loss, backlash, and the professional costs of transition, while also insisting on using her position to uplift others. Thoughtful, uncompromising, and quietly defiant, Greta challenges outdated gender norms, critiques harmful media representation, and reminds us that trans liberation has the power to free everyone. This interview offers a rare glimpse into the mind of someone who refuses the spotlight unless it serves a purpose, and who believes, above all else, that finding a way to love yourself is not a luxury, but a necessity. 

Interview with Pam Bennett

Pam Bennett’s life reads like a testament to resilience, public service, and the quiet courage of showing up as oneself in spaces that were never designed with you in mind. A military veteran shaped by discipline and a sense of duty, she later stepped into politics with the conviction that representation is not just symbolic, it changes what becomes possible for those who follow. Her years in Colorado and now Maryland have been marked by advocacy, community work, and a willingness to take risks even when the odds were stacked against her. What makes Pam compelling is not only her political experience but the emotional clarity with which she reflects on it: the loneliness of being one of the first, the pressure to carry a community’s hopes, and the joy of discovering unexpected allies along the way.

 

She speaks openly about the challenges facing transgender Americans, yet she never loses sight of progress, whether in media portrayals, workplace protections, or the growing number of trans people stepping into public life. Away from politics, she is grounded by the simple pleasures of her Chesapeake Bay home, her beloved sailing cat Boo, and a life that has taken many turns but always returned to service, honesty, and connection. Her voice is warm, candid, and often disarmingly funny, shaped by decades of navigating institutions, rebuilding herself, and helping others do the same. Introducing Pam means introducing someone who has lived boldly, questioned deeply, and continues to believe that visibility and leadership matter, not in theory, but in the everyday lives of people who are still searching for a path forward.

Interview with Maki Yamazaki

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honour to interview Maki Yamazaki, a Japanese-British musician, producer, artist, games developer, trans-feminist, and advocate of queer and disabled people’s rights, the creator of Dr. Carmilla - a retrospective-futurist cabaret, the head of Silvana Studio and games developer.Hello Maki!

Maki: Hi there, lovely to meet you, and thanks for having me!

Monika: You describe yourself as a transfeminist. What does transfeminism espouse?

Maki: Trans-feminism is basically feminism that is fully trans-inclusive. It's not implicitly one kind of feminism but an umbrella term for different types. But the key thing is about trying to make things better for women of all kinds, with the inclusion of trans-feminist writings and ideas (such as 'Whipping Girl' by Julia Serano).

Interview with Naomi Fontanos

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honour to interview Naomi Fontanos, a Filipino trans rights advocate, one of the founders and current Executive Director of the transgender rights group GANDA (Gender and Development Advocates) Filipinas in the Philippines, and blogger. Hello Naomi!

Naomi: Hello Monika. The pleasure and honor are all mine. How lovely indeed to finally have a conversation with you.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Naomi: I grew up in a small town in the Philippines where the country’s superstar also comes from. I was a straight-A student from grade to high school. In high school, I graduated on top of my class and went on to attend the Philippines national university, which is like the Harvard of the Philippines, the University of the Philippines Diliman.

There, I earned a degree in education. I am a licensed teacher and currently work as an education consultant. I love languages, fashion, music, art, and travel. I love to write, read and watch movies in my spare time. Best of all, I love to sing. I love doing karaoke and love spending time with friends this way.

Interview with Miranda Yardley

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honour to interview Miranda Yardley, a British accountant, music magazine publisher, blogger and businesswoman. Hello Miranda!

Miranda: Hello Monika! Thanks for asking me to do this and for helping my voice to be heard.

Monika: You can boast a considerable number of music magazines such as Terrorizer, Dominion, and Sick Sounds, which specialized in extreme music. Has your music preference changed over the years? 
Miranda: Terrorizer is the only one of these magazines that is still regularly published. My taste in music has always been very broad, I’m open-minded to most kinds and I continue to search out both old and new music that interests me.
Monika: How did you enter the publishing business?
Miranda: I had an accounting client who owned Terrorizer and wanted to drop the title. The rest is history!

Interview with Sarah Brown

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honour to interview Sarah Brown, a talented British Liberal Democrat politician and transgender activist, the former Cambridge City Councillor for Petersfield ward, for several years the only openly transsexual elected politician in the UK, listed many times on the Independent on Sunday "Pink List" of the most influential LGBT persons in the UK. Hello Sarah!

Sarah: Hello Monika!

Monika: I was so sorry when I heard that you failed to be re-elected as a Cambridge councillor in May 2014? How would you summarize your term and legacy?

Sarah: Thanks. It was always going to be a tough campaign, given the demographics of the ward I represented and being elected originally during “Cleggmania”. Still, I’m pleased that I managed to do some good during my time as a councillor. The two things I’m most proud of are setting up a fund to help teach disadvantaged kids to swim, and getting a motion to introduce a 20mph limit on all residential streets in Cambridge through the council with unanimous support. There were times when it was really stressful though.

Interview with Katie Leone

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honour to interview Katie Leone, an American writer, former stock broker, teacher, preacher, and wrestling champion. Hello Katie!

Katie: Hi, Monika. Thanks for inviting me over, it’s a real treat and an honor.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Katie: I’m a very simple woman. I enjoy keeping to myself for the most part. I love writing stories and try to promote transgender equality through fiction. Most of the time I’m with my f2m boyfriend Felix and we spend time talking and laughing. Hopefully there will be a wedding in the near future. 
Monika: You are the author of 25 transgender fiction novels. When you create transgender characters in your books or projects, do you include any autobiographical elements in their lives or stories?
Katie: It is hard not to include part of yourself in your characters or they wind up coming up flat. A lot of the characters in my books are usually a part of me whether good or bad. We all have those sides of us that we wish we didn’t and I use that to create some of my evil characters. Fiction is a great place to let those demons out because at least you can see it for what it is and address the issues.

Interview with Kimberly Luciana Dias

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honour to interview Kimberly Luciana Dias, a Brazilian transgender activist, artist, beauty pageant queen, blogger, and creator of “Mundo T-Girl – Travestis e Transexuais”. Hello Kimberly!

Kimberly: Monika, please bear in mind that I am trying to use the social network of my country to spread the visibility of our trans community, especially Brazilian transvestites and transsexuals. I love doing this, so it is a great pleasure when I'm in front of my computer, building a virtual policy and manifesto, trying to use everything I have learned in my life through activism, stage, model catwalk, and my experience as a transgender woman. I am doing this just to show our vision, glamour, and beauty because our community deserves it!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Kimberly: I am a very accomplished person; I have all my dreams come true, but not all of them. It has taken me a lot of years but although I have a very serious look, I'm a very humorous person. I like my independence and I have a few friends, I love my family and my life story, and I really like my solitude that makes me feel good to be alone!

Interview with Petra De Sutter

Petra De Sutter is one of Belgium’s most respected figures in both medicine and politics, admired for her intellect, integrity, and commitment to social justice. Born in Oudenaarde in 1963, she built a distinguished career as a gynaecologist and academic long before entering public life. After earning her medical degree and PhD from Ghent University, she became a professor of reproductive medicine and later headed the Department of Reproductive Medicine at Ghent University Hospital. Her scientific expertise and ethical insight led her to address complex issues such as surrogacy, fertility treatment, and biomedical ethics, always guided by compassion and respect for human dignity. Her transition in 2004 marked a deeply personal milestone, but also inspired countless people who saw in her a role model of courage and authenticity.

 

When Petra De Sutter entered politics with the Flemish Green Party in 2014, she became the first openly transgender candidate on a Belgian election list. As a senator and member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, she worked tirelessly on matters of public health, refugee protection, and human rights. Her advocacy extended across national borders, and her contributions helped shape discussions on genetic technology, surrogacy ethics, and the rights of vulnerable communities. Petra De Sutter embodies a rare blend of scientific precision and human empathy. Whether in a laboratory, a lecture hall, or a parliamentary chamber, she has continued to promote fairness, equality, and evidence-based policy. Her journey reflects the power of authenticity and the belief that one’s identity should never limit one’s ability to serve and lead.

Interview with Ahya “Yah-Yah“ Nicole

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honour to interview Ahya “Yah-Yah“ Simone, a young woman of many talents from Detroit, model, aspiring make-up artist and harpist. Hello Yah-Yah!

Ahya: Hi! Let me first say that I am so happy that you found me interesting enough to interview. Thank you!

Monika: You were featured in the Barney’s “Brothers, Sisters, Sons & Daughters Campaign” which was targeted towards bringing trans positive awareness within fashion. There are more and more transgender models that are successful in the fashion business…

Yah-Yah: Yes!! And I am so excited for that. Visibility and diversity is very important. It’s time for a breakthrough for trans people in the US. It is time to stand up and be recognized.

Interview with Jennifer Lydon

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Jennifer (Bryant) Lydon, a senior account executive at Metro US — a free daily newspaper popular in New York, Philadelphia and Boston; She is also the organizer of the Mid-Atlantic Transgender Community (M.A.T.C.) as well as the hostess of The Raven TG pride events in New Hope, PA. Hello Jennifer!

Jennifer: Hi Monika. Thank you so much for allowing me part of your site. It is an honor to be amongst so many inspirational people.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Jennifer: Questions like this are always tough for me… I either say too much or have nothing to say… lol … Anyway, here goes… I am a 48 year old trans-woman that has successfully navigated one life into another. I was married for almost 20 years and have 4 adult children that are still very much a part of my life.
I work as an account executive for Metro News Media. I’ve been there for over 14 years… the first 13 of which I worked as a mild mannered male… lol. Times have changed for sure!

Interview with Naomi Ceder

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honour to interview Naomi Ceder, an American Python language programmer, blogger, transgender activist, lead software architect and developer at Razor Occam, former IT Director and Python developer at Zoro Tools, Fellow of the Python Software Foundation, and the author of The Quick Python Book. Hello Naomi!

Naomi: Hi Monika! Thanks for interviewing me!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Naomi: As my intro says, I’m a Python developer and systems architect. I’m currently working in London and Düsseldorf, which has been a lot of fun. 

Interview with Jessica Vorster

Monika: Today’s interview will be with Jessica Vorster, a young video blogger that documents her transition on YouTube. Hello Jessica!

Jessica: Hi Monika! Thanks for inviting me to do this interview!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Jessica: I’m a transgender woman, 22 years of age. I’m just trying to find my place on this world. I’ve been living full time since December 2013 and have been on HRT for a year and 10 moths now. I’m a happy go lucky kind of person that likes to talk and help people. 

Monika: Why did you decide to share your transition details on YouTube?

Jessica: At first I wanted to raise money in order to go for surgeries, but people wanted to hear the story behind the story so I have been working on a few new videos that will be up on YouTube soon.

Interview with Alice Denny

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honour to interview Alice Denny, a British poet, and transgender activist from Brighton, England. Hello Alice!

Alice: Hello Monika, it’s a pleasure to meet you - so to speak.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Alice: Well I came out and transitioned later in life than most, after bringing up a family. As such transition has given me a new lease in life, a new energy. It has presented some interesting issues with relationships. I Identify primarily as a woman, parent, poet etc. and trans is more coincidental, a reference to my development that has little current relevance. Although in practice it has a big impact on the way I interact in the world and the world treats me.

Interview with Abby Grace Hughes

Monika: Today’s interview will be with Abby Grace Hughes, known to friends and family as Abby-Grace. She is a video blogger that documents her transition on YouTube and on her blog. Hello Abby!

Abby: Hello Monika, thank you for this privilege. So much has happened in my life. From coming out at around 6, to struggling through puberty and school. Touring the UK in my Rock band in the 80s and early 90s. Transitioning in my early 20s to turning away to have children.

Three gender dysphoria caused nervous breakdowns putting me into psychiatric help. Coming out. Starting hormones. Changing name. Being beaten up for being trans. Life threatened. Had people arrested. I falsely had the police called out on me. Falsely tricked and lied about. Ran away from the UK to the States. Got stuck in Germany during my connecting flight because of a slight error on my Visa which cost an extra $800. 2 years RLE now as good as complete. Finding work here and processing my Visa. Then I’m off to college if I can.

I think I am now better equipped to help people having gone through it all, so there was a reason.

Interview with Venus de Mars

Venus de Mars has always moved at the intersection of art, courage, and raw creative fire. A legendary transgender artist from Minnesota, she has carved out her own place in the worlds of music, poetry, painting, and performance, all while leading the punk glam band All the Pretty Horses with unmistakable vision. Her journey has taken her from the underground music scenes of the Midwest to iconic stages in New York and beyond, and her story is intertwined with both artistic rebellion and the deeply personal challenges of living authentically long before society understood the language for it. Her voice has shaped not only her own music but also the broader cultural landscape around gender, identity, and artistic freedom. 

 

Her work has never fit neatly into a single category and that is exactly what makes her so compelling. Whether she is reinventing her sound through intimate acoustic performances, fronting a full electric band on tour, or creating visual art that carries the same bold energy as her music, Venus brings a sense of authenticity that resonates deeply with her audiences. Her career has weathered closed doors, shifting cultural attitudes, and even a surreal battle over her legitimacy as a professional artist, yet she has continued to thrive through determination, community support, and an unwavering belief in her voice. Speaking with her today feels like meeting an artist who has lived several creative lifetimes and still has new stories to tell.

Interview with Alessandra Bernaroli

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Alessandra Bernaroli, a transsexual activist from Bologna in Italy, whose legal victory was an important step for transgender rights in Italy. Hello Alessandra!

Alessandra: Hello Monika, thanks for this opportunity to talk about LGBTI Civil Rights!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Alessandra: I was born a man in 1971 and lived my life forcing myself to adhere to the image that the society established for people who had a male appearance. In my teen years, there was neither Internet nor so much “correct” information about transsexualism, so I always tried to deny my intimate feelings, believing that they were wrong and that it was happening only to me and no one else in the world.

However, that was not true; now I know it! So I behaved trying to look as manly as possible, and I succeeded easily in doing this also because of my physical appearance, which was, at that time, indubitably a male appearance both in aspect as well as in attitude. Year after year my deep feeling to be a woman didn’t disappear, of course.

I graduated in economics, served one year in military service, practiced charted accounting and finally worked as a clerk. In the meantime, I found love and I got married. Until then, it was 2005, and I was a man!

Interview with Natalie Colleen Gates

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Natalie Colleen Gates, an American writer, blogger, the author of Straight Boy/Queer Girl: A Memoir. Hello Natalie! 

Natalie: Hi Monika!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Natalie: Oh my God, I'm so bad at things like that. You'd think being a blogger and having just written a memoir I'd be better at it. I don't know: I'm 32. I live with my dog Victoria Elizabeth in Richmond, Virginia.

Monika: Why did you decide to write your autobiography “Straight Boy/Queer Girl: A Memoir“ (2014)?

Natalie: To make money [laughing] at first. I've been blogging for a long time and people for the most part like my writing I thought I should take some of the energy I put into blogging and write a book. As I got into the project I realized it was important because I was writing the trans* memoir I wish existed before I transitioned.

All the memoirs I've read start with the trans* person in the present after they've transitioned. I didn't want to do that. I wanted to share my experience of thinking I might transition but not being sure about it. I really wanted to share with my readers how I came to the conclusion that I needed to transition.

I also wanted to share how what I was going through as a closeted trans* person was similar and how it was different from other closeted people's experiences.

Interview with Anna Kristjánsdóttir

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honour to interview Anna Kristjánsdóttir, a transgender activist from Iceland, former marine engineer, and co-founder of Trans-Iceland. Hello Anna!

Anna: Thank you Monika for giving me this honour.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Anna: As for my education and work, I am educated as a marine engineer officer and still working as a technical person; now working as a control room engineer at Reykjavik Energy, and going out to sea on merchant vessels every summer and also voluntary working as an engineer aboard a SAR boat (Search And Rescue), similar to the RNLI service in Great Britain. 
Monika: Anna, you are the icon and legend of the transgender movement in Iceland. How do you carry this burden?
Anna: I did never try to be such a legend. I tried to go through my transition for myself; it was a pure coincidence that I became the face of the transsexual movement in Sweden in the early 90s and I lost my “virginity” as a transgendered person making the transition in peace. I became known in Sweden and Iceland and the Lutheran bishop of Iceland at that time asked God to save his soul from this terrible person. :)

Interview with Kathryn Camfield

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Kathryn Camfield, a blogger, writer, former radio announcer, and transgender ally from Reno NV. Hello Kathryn! 

Kathryn: Hi Monika, and thanks for your interest in me.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Kathryn: A few words? I laugh because my wife Cindy would be saying “be careful what you wish for.” Anyhow, I’m a transgender ally. An experienced crossdresser since 1957, I have lived and worked as a woman, on and off, since 1998. I reside in Reno NV with my wife, Cindy. I was a radio announcer for about 34 years in Ohio, Michigan, Texas, and Florida. In addition, I have written four published books and I taught people how to write books, on America Online, for 7 years. I have played guitar, bass guitar, and djembe (a hand drum) and have worked on various computers since 1986.

Since I came out in 1998, I have worked as a woman. First, (1998-2005) as office manager and workshop coordinator for Mark Allison Acting Workshops in Pasadena, California. Secondly, (2005-2013) Supervisor of store operations for Las Vegas HQ, a chain of souvenir shops in four Las Vegas casinos (Tropicana, MGM Grand, New York New York, Excalibur).

Interview with Heli Hämäläinen

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honour to interview Heli Hämäläinen, a married woman from Helsinki, Finland, Senior Customs Officer in Finnish Customs, and a father. Hello Heli!

Heli: Hello Monika, it is my pleasure to meet you.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Heli: I am soon 51 years old. I have worked most of my career as a public servant. I graduated in 1991 from the Helsinki School of Economics which is nowadays a part of Aalto University. I got married in 1996 in Keuruu Church, which was built in 1892. I am Evangelical Lutheran. My daughter was born in 2002.

In the Autumn of 2004, I felt that I could no longer suppress my female identity. My life was awful because even the advertisements at bus stops reminded me of my gender. I couldn’t read women’s magazines.

My wife gave me the advice to seek professional help and I did. A referral was written to official transsexuality investigations in November 2004 and I met the psychiatrist in February 2005. I was diagnosed as transsexual in April 2006 and I changed my forename in June 2006.

Interview with Shelley Bridgman

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Shelley Bridgman, a British stand-up comic, presenter, actress, and writer who started stand-up in 2004 under the stage name Shelley Cooper before reverting to her real name, the 2012 Silver Stand-Up honoree, transgender activist, the author of Stand-up for Yourself: And Become the Hero or Shero You Were Born To Be (2014). Hello Shelley!

Shelley: Hello Monika!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Shelley: Not sure what is most relevant. I have several roles as in addition to Stand-up I am a Psychotherapist working with children and adults who have issues with their gender identity. I also do a weekly podcast when I interview people. 

Monika: I have conducted over 200 interviews and I find it striking that so many of my transgender interviewees are stand-up comics: Alison Grillo, Sally Goldner, Natasha Muse, Julia Scotti and now you …

Shelley: I think it is something about having a voice. Many of us, especially transwomen, lose status when we transition but I think I reconnected with my love of comedy after transitioning. It helped me find a vehicle to express myself.

Interview with Bobbie Lang

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Bobbie Lang, a transgender activist from the USA, businesswoman, blogger, Viet Nam veteran, and the author of "Transgender Christian in Chains". Hello Bobbie!

Bobbie: Hi Monika, thank you so much for asking me to be part of this wonderful group of people who are doing so much to advance the acceptance and civil rights of the trans community.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Bobbie: Well to start with I started my transition in 1981 and had GRS in 1984. At that time the term “transgender” had not even been coined yet. We were called transsexuals and even the professional community knew very little of this dysphoria. Many of the medical and therapeutic specialists thought this disorder could be alleviated with extensive and lengthy psychological treatment. Sadly, I find this approach is still widely believed within most denominational Christian churches.

Interview with Fernanda Milán

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Fernanda Milán, a Guatemalan native, the first transgender person to be granted asylum in Denmark. Hello Fernanda! 

Fernanda: Hi Monika! Thank you for your time and for being so patient with the delay of the interview. I hope you are fine!

Monika: The fight for your asylum in 2013 was a challenging task. Let’s go back to those times. Could you say a few words about your life and Guatemala and emigration to Denmark?

Fernanda: Well, as you say the fight for the asylum was very challenging in so many ways. As for Guatemala, it is a difficult place for a transgender woman. I would like to be more general about the issue of living there because this is the context that I happen to have shared with so many people.

It is an environment of rejection by your family circles, friends, education institutes, and workplaces. When you decide to start transition or to come out of “the closet”, you live ostracized from everything that you know because in general all the girls back there feel that they were born female, which is in contrast with the public opinion that being a trans woman is a choice.

Interview with Jennifer Chavez

Monika: It is my pleasure and honor to interview Jennifer Michelle Chavez a transgender activist and master auto technician from the USA. Hello Jennifer!

Jennifer: Hello Monika and thank you for the opportunity to speak with you!

Monika: Could you please say a few words about yourself?

Jennifer: I would be happy too! I am a 57-year-old woman who made the decision to transition 5 years ago! I finally found the courage to face my condition after 52 years and a whole lifetime of stress and turmoil! I knew I was different as early as 4 years of age, and as I grew I learned more about it and what it was called.

I tried to transition when I was a teenager and moved away to Los Angeles from my native Texas, but was thwarted by the many obstacles I encountered. My only regret at this point is that I wish I could have done it back then, but I would not have the greatest gift a person can have and that is my son Cody!

Interview with Rebecca Root

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Rebecca Root, a talented British actress, voice, and speech teacher, stand-up comedian, playing the lead role in “Boy Meets Girl” - a recently commissioned sitcom for BBC2 about the relationship between a transgender female in her 40s and a cis-gender male in his… 20s. Hello Rebecca!

Rebecca: Hi Monika, thanks for the warm welcome!

Monika: We are closer and closer to the premiere date of “Boy Meets Girl”. Is your excitement growing?

Rebecca: Certainly! It’s hopefully going to make a bit of a splash. I hope the response will be as upbeat as the early signs have indicated. Having said that, we have a way to go yet – filming should commence in the new year and I don’t know when it will actually hit the screens.

Interview with Denise Brogan-Kator

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Denise Brogan-Kator, a lawyer, transgender activist, Senior Legislative Counsel for the Family Equality Council, a national LGBT rights organization, the former Executive Director of Equality Michigan, co-founder of the Rainbow Law Center, recipient of the 2009 Pride Banquet Committee’s Choice Award, businesswoman, U.S. Navy Submarine Force veteran. Hello Denise!

Denise: Hello, Monika! Thank you for having me.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Denise: Well, the thing that is most present for me, these days, is the birth of my first granddaughter. So, despite all my accomplishments and activities, being a grandmother is currently my most important and most exciting job. And, family is – and has always been – at the root of my passions. It is such a natural fit for me to work for the Family Equality Council.

Interview with Felicia Elizondo

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Felicia Elizondo, also known as Felicia Flames, a transgender pioneer, diva, icon, and a Screaming Queen, 27 years survivor of AIDS and a Vietnam Veteran - one of the participants of the 1966 Compton's Cafeteria Riot, which was one of the first documented instances of transgender resistance to authority in the USA. Hello Felicia!

Felicia: Hello Monika and thank you for interviewing me, it is an honor for me.

Monika: I must say you can boast one of the most impressive LGBT legends. The Compton's Cafeteria Riot occurred in August 1966, so it preceded the more infamous 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City. However, it is not so well-known …

Felicia: You have to remember it was in the 1960s, and a lot of people thought we were sick, mental, trash and nobody cared whether we lived or died. Our own families abandoned us, and we had nowhere to go. And we were tired of the police harassing us because of who we were meant to be.

Interview with Allison Woolbert

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Allison Woolbert, a transgender activist from the USA, Air Force veteran, founder of The Transgender Violence Tracking Portal - a database to track crimes targeting transgender people, and the Executive Director of the Transgender Human Rights Institute. Hello Allison!

Allison: Hi Monika- First, thank you so much for selecting me for being a heroine. It is truly an honor to be able to do an interview with you.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Allison: Well, I grew up in Silver Bell, Arizona, a remote copper mining community (now a ghost town) where I never quite fit in. I ended up in the Air Force where I absolutely didn’t fit in, and in 2008, I began the process of transition. I finally feel whole as a person, and feel that I truly fit into myself. I’m the CEO of Phoenix Consultants Group, a software development company. I’m also the Founder of the Transgender Violence Tracking Portal and the new Executive Director of the Transgender Human Rights Institute.

Interview with Gia Versace

Gia Versace is a celebrated American entertainer, showgirl, and transgender beauty pageant queen, known for her vibrant presence in Hawaii's LGBTQ+ performance scene. Born and raised in Kaneohe on the windward side of Oahu, Gia discovered her passion for the stage during a high school drama class. Her aspirations crystallized after attending her first drag show at the nightclub Venus, now known as Bar 7. Over the years, Gia has showcased her talents at various venues and fundraisers, including performances at Venus and Fusions Waikiki, home to Hawaii's longest-running female impersonation shows. Her dedication to the art of performance and her community has earned her prestigious titles such as National Showgirl Goddess 2013 and Queen of Queens 2012.

 

Gia's journey has been influenced by the trailblazing transgender women who came before her, particularly the "Aunties" in her community who paved the way for greater acceptance and visibility. While she acknowledges the progress made in societal acceptance of transgender individuals, she emphasizes that there is still work to be done. Beyond the stage, Gia is passionate about fashion, drawing inspiration from designers like Versace and Dior. She believes in the power of inner beauty and strives to embody this in her daily life. Gia values love deeply, not only in romantic relationships but also in the bonds shared with friends and family. Looking ahead, Gia is committed to achieving her lifelong goals and continues to share her experiences to inspire and support the younger generation of transgender individuals.

Interview with Lora G

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Lora G, a Hollywood, California - based composer, guitarist, and keyboardist, co-founder of Lunden Reign. Hello Lora G!

Lora G: Hi Monika, thank you for reaching out to me.

Monika: When did you decide that music would be your way of life?

Lora G: I started performing at the age of 13 in Orange County, California. By 16 I started performing on the Sunset Strip scene in Hollywood. The amazing Matt Sorum (Velvet Revolver, Guns N’ Roses, The Cult) was my drummer in high school. By 18, I had the luck to be involved in finding guitar sounds for Stevie Wonder’s album “Secret Life of Plants.”

However, at 19 I left music to go to college. I didn’t return to music until after an amazing Emmy-winning career in television and radio including working for Disney for over 14 years. I returned to music about 7 years ago after realizing how much I missed it.

Interview with Helen Belcher

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honour to interview Helen Belcher, a British trans rights campaigner, member of the UK Parliamentary Forum on Gender Identity, and one of the founders of Trans Media Watch, software developer, and businesswoman. Hello Helen!

Helen: Hi Monika!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Helen: It depends on what you want to know. I’ve just turned 50, I’m happily married with two fantastic children who are in their teens, I’ve been a computer geek since my teens, and have run my own company for the past 10 years selling software that I’ve written.
I sing in a good local choir, I’m a school governor, and I campaign on trans rights. It could all sound incredibly glamorous, but there is a lot of hard work and, generally, I think I’m incredibly boring! It’s just that I’ve had the good fortune to be in some of the right places at some of the right times.

Interview with Kristine Holt

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Kristine Holt, a transgender activist from the USA, speaker, author, lawyer, graduate of Temple University School of Law, a former judicial clerk at the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, successful litigant in civil-rights cases. Hello Kristine!

Kristine: Hello!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Kristine: Sure. I’m a parent, a grandparent, a spouse, an attorney, and a musician. I lean far-left on most political and social issues – a throw-back radical hippy freak, if you will. I transitioned in 1992 when there were just enough of us out and about to make people uncomfortable. I’ve had a fun and sometimes frightening life, and I hope to be around for a while longer.

Interview with Jessica Bussert

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Jessica Bussert, an American emergency room nurse, firefighter, professional photographer, inventor, and former IT professional. Hello Jessica!

Jessica: Hi Monika! Sorry for taking so long in getting this together. I've recently had a few major surgeries and have been laid-up with recovery.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Jessica: "A few words about myself" *grins*.

Monika: It has been almost 10 years since you were demoted from your senior IT job at Hitachi Data Systems after you started your transition. Are you still bitter about it? 

Jessica: Well, just to set the record straight, the company claimed that I was not demoted. It was their assertion that everyone else had been promoted above me. Yeah... Right... Am I bitter? Yeah, a little bit when I'm having a bad day. That said, I try to focus on the positives instead of dwelling on the negatives. If things hadn't turned out the way they did then I would have never discovered nursing. And I -love- being an ER nurse!