Interview with Drew-Ashlyn Cunningham

There are women who embody strength, and then there are those who redefine it altogether. Drew-Ashlyn Cunningham is one of those rare women who do both, with grace, grit, and glamour. First introduced to audiences as a radiant and articulate participant on Channel 4’s groundbreaking reality documentary My Transsexual Summer, Drew-Ashlyn quickly became a beloved figure, not just for her striking beauty, but for her vulnerability, authenticity, and fearless heart. Since then, Drew-Ashlyn has grown into herself in the most beautiful of ways. A celebrated make-up artist, model, and YouTuber, she’s carved out a space in the public eye that is uniquely hers, honest, stylish, and powerfully feminine. She has weathered life’s early storms with remarkable resilience, moving beyond pain, street harassment, and personal struggle to find her voice, and use it to uplift others.

 

In this interview, we meet a woman who has evolved from shy blonde into a confident, punk-glam powerhouse; who speaks candidly about gender dysphoria, self-love, fashion, beauty, and her passion for wrestling. Drew-Ashlyn is not just a story of transition, she is a story of triumph, transformation, and tenderness. Whether she’s applying the perfect lip, stepping into the wrestling ring, or reflecting on love and identity, she reminds us all that true beauty begins when we choose to be ourselves, unapologetically. It’s my joy and honor to present this conversation with Drew-Ashlyn Cunningham, a woman who continues to inspire with every word, every wink, and every courageous step forward. 

 

Monika: I'm thrilled to be speaking today with Drew-Ashlyn Cunningham, a talented woman, British celebrity, model, and make-up artist, best known for her appearance on Channel 4’s reality documentary My Transsexual Summer. Drew-Ashlyn, welcome!

Drew-Ashlyn: Thank you so much for doing this interview. I'm excited to see what kind of questions you thought up for me!

 

Drew-Ashlyn's Channel on YouTube.

 

Monika: Looking back, it's been two years since My Transsexual Summer aired. How would you say being part of the documentary has shaped your journey?

Drew-Ashlyn: Haha, definitely! I think it's fair to say my life is completely different now, and for the better. I moved on from the coffee shop I was working in while the show was being wrapped up and started working for Illamasqua in their stand-alone store in Leeds as a make-up artist. I also left an abusive relationship and met a lovely guy in my hometown. I no longer have people shouting nasty things at me in the street.

Monika: That’s a powerful shift. How have you changed personally in the time since the show?

Drew-Ashlyn: I still get the odd comment once in a blue moon, but I’ve just grown so much more into myself that I no longer care what others have to say about me. I think working in the media, and having to be careful about what you say to journalists, as well as reading both positive and negative comments about yourself, has helped me develop a much thicker skin. I've really moved away from the shrinking violet I was becoming.
Monika: You've explored so many creative paths. Have you ever been drawn to performing arts or the fashion industry as a more serious pursuit?

Drew-Ashlyn: I've done a little bit of acting for my best friend Lewis Hancox, who was also on My Transsexual Summer, for his uni work. I've done a bit of modeling too, for Wildchild Media and such, but nothing major. I would like to keep an open mind toward that, though. In fact, I have a modeling shoot coming up in the new year for a latex clothing line, which should be pretty fun. 

Monika: That sounds exciting! What do you enjoy most about stepping into those roles?

Drew-Ashlyn: I get to become and show a different side of me that I don't think people are used to seeing from the shy blonde persona I once was. Acting, on the other hand, I think I would enjoy it. I like the idea of being different and showing people different sides. If I were to play a role, I'd rather it be the bad guy, since it's the complete opposite of who I am as a person.

Wrestling.

Monika: You’ve come such a long way since being diagnosed with gender dysphoria at 18. Looking back now, after overcoming depression, self-harm, and abuse from strangers, how do you feel about that difficult period in your life?

Drew-Ashlyn: It's crazy to look back on the past. It's almost like I was a completely different person. I never thought I would get to where I am in terms of my transition. I've grown a lot. I'm now 25, and I think even to this day I haven't really changed much, but when I look back at the depressive years and pain I was dealing with, I realize just how far I have come. I'm almost full circle to where I want to be. I'm definitely a lot prouder of who I am, and I'm much happier to look in the mirror.

Monika: What were some of the insecurities you had to unlearn along the way?

Drew-Ashlyn: Even while I was filming, I was so conscious of how I looked. Comparing myself to Donna, she is so passable, that I found it tough at times. I was so self-conscious about my brace, etc., that I think I over-compensated with my make-up, hair, and tiny clothes to look more female. Whereas now, my hair is a darker blonde, my make-up is way more toned down. And I admit, I have had my lips made fuller with Juvederm, but I just think overall I'm a better person. The past is so far behind me that I find it hard to even relate to the old me.
Monika: How do you feel transgender women are currently perceived in British society, and what are the biggest misconceptions we still face?

Drew-Ashlyn: I think we have a long way to go in terms of moving away from stereotypes, like the idea that we’re either sex-mad porn stars, which, to be honest, I would say I was sex-mad, haha, or just men in wigs who could be your dad. It's sad, because we are so diverse and different that you really can't stereotype us. 

Monika: What role do you think the media plays in shaping public perception of trans women?

Drew-Ashlyn: I think the media play a big part in this. Anyone who's passable in the trans world gets praise and admiration, whereas someone who isn't as passable as a woman tends to get looked down on. And for me, the media need to change the way we look at one another. Maybe we need to have more trans roles out there or even a transgender presenter, something that can break the taboo and just help society see us as women, not just a label.

 

Posing on camera (YouTube).

 

Monika: When you began your transition, did you have anyone to look up to, public figures or personalities who helped you envision what your own future could look like?

Drew-Ashlyn: The first I would say was Amanda Lepore. She was so vibrant and out there. She was honest about her life and what she had done, and she wasn't a porn star! For me, she was someone I admired and wanted to be like: a woman who was in control of her own life and how she was seen, and someone who is proud of who they are.

Monika: Were there other women who shaped your sense of direction or gave you hope during that time?

Drew-Ashlyn: I also looked at Lisa du Preez. She was a businesswoman and wife, and that's what I wanted in life, not so much being a wife, but someone who is headstrong and has a career behind them. I think another woman who played a big part in how trans people are seen was Nadia Almada from Big Brother. She made people look at her as a regular woman, and she won!

Monika: You’ve spoken publicly about the importance of educating young children about gender identity. Why do you believe it’s essential to start these conversations in primary schools?

Drew-Ashlyn: After going into schools and seeing how lessons about being transgender are received, it's clear that they have a real impact on how the next generation will view us. It’s the kids who will help us move away from being seen as just a label and more as real, valid people. Teaching them early opens minds and builds empathy, which gives me hope for a more inclusive future. 

Monika: You also support access to puberty blockers for transgender youth. What makes you feel strongly about this option?

Drew-Ashlyn: Giving jabs to kids who feel they are transgender would make their transition much easier in the long run, especially during the teenage years. They wouldn’t have to go through the embarrassment I did, being forced to change into something you don’t want to be or feel you are. I felt like a monster when I started becoming more masculine and saw the damage testosterone was doing to my body. I felt sick every time something about me changed. If you can prevent that with a jab, then it’s the best option. And if it turns out to be a phase, which the majority of the time it isn’t, they can simply be given the right hormones for their body.

 

Modeling.

 

Monika: As someone deeply immersed in the beauty industry, what seasonal trends or bold styles have been catching your eye lately?

Drew-Ashlyn: For the winter season, it was berry tones and purples on the lips, anything with a vamp look to it. A lot of the fashion is also very rock/punk-related, which is something that I love since my fashion now is back to my teen years of punk rock looks. There’s been a lot of leather and tartan with statement jewelry.

Monika: How would you describe your personal style, and how has it evolved over the years? Are there any designers or colors you particularly love?

Drew-Ashlyn: I do like fashion, but I don’t really follow trends. My motto is: if you like it, just get it. Right now, my look is pretty skater-inspired, Converse trainers, skinny jeans, punk vests, lots of rings, and skull motifs. For work, I go for a slightly more feminine vibe with dresses, but I always add a punk twist. I tend to wear earthy tones, grey, khaki, black, and I’ve moved away from the super girly pinks and tiny dresses I used to wear when people knew me from the TV show.

Monika: That’s quite a shift! Are there any designers or pieces that have influenced your current style?

Drew-Ashlyn: I really like Vivienne Westwood because her style is so unique. I don’t own much, just a pair of bondage shoes and a necklace by her, but I try to find similar pieces online or on the high street. Overall, I’d say my style is a bit quirkier now and much more “me.”
Monika: How do you feel about transgender beauty pageants? Do you think they help promote acceptance, or do you hope for a future where trans contestants compete in mainstream pageants?

Drew-Ashlyn: I think they are great, though I would like to see the day when transgender people are finally included in regular pageants. I believe that the separation is what still makes us a taboo.

Monika: You have an amazing figure! What do you do to maintain such a slim and fit physique?

Drew-Ashlyn: Thank you. Well, I’m kind of lucky, I’ve always been slim. I’m usually a size 8, sometimes a 10 depending on the shop, but I do try to eat decently. I still enjoy snack foods and chocolate, but more in moderation. 

 

Catch-up (YouTube).

 

Monika: Does your workout routine play a role in staying in shape? What kind of exercise do you do?

Drew-Ashlyn: Since I’ve been wrestling, it’s definitely helped me keep in shape. It’s really good cardio, and with the protein I eat, it helps repair my muscles, etc. I always make sure to have breakfast, lunch, and tea. For breakfast, I tend to stick to oats, eggs, and fruit. For lunch, I have salads with chicken, sometimes soup, or if I have a cheat day, PB&J sandwiches, yogurt, and more fruit. Then for tea, I have chicken, jacket potato, and vegetables. Sometimes I’ll have pizza again. I don’t eat healthy all the time, but when I feel a bit sluggish, I always go back to eating well, especially if I wrestle every week.

Monika: You raised money for your breast implant surgery on GoFundMe. I’ve often thought about doing the same, but I’m not sure how successful it really is. Did you find it effective, and how much were you able to raise?

Drew-Ashlyn: I think it’s a great site and it helps. For me, I made £500, and this was well after the show. I’ve kept that money nice and safe, but other than that, it’s been hard to save up. So I’m still doing the 3-bra trick, which you can find on lita212. It does work, though, Lewis from the TV show raised all his chest surgery money on the website, which was amazing to see.
Monika: You’re really into wrestling. Do the bumps and bruises ever discourage you? Also, are many women involved in this sport?

Drew-Ashlyn: Well, a lot of women do sports. I did wrestling when I was 16 in Manchester with a company known back then as the FWA. Then I stopped to focus on my transition. So for me, I was comfortable re-entering the wrestling world and training with the guys down at the gym, that’s why I got back into it. 

Monika: What motivated you to return to wrestling instead of just doing regular gym workouts?

Drew-Ashlyn: Plus, I found it was more interesting than just lifting weights in a gym. I started more for fitness but then it turned into wanting to do it for shows and stuff. The bumps and bruises do hurt, but they don’t put me off. My idol in wrestling was Lita, aka Amy Dumas. She was the reason I wanted to get into it. She’s sexy and athletic and had a style like no other. She wanted to stand out and be a role model, showing girls you can kick ass, wear baggy pants, and still be sexy. 

Monika: How would you describe the role love plays in your life?

Drew-Ashlyn: I think love comes in many shapes and forms. I'm lucky to be in a relationship and to have had a few boyfriends. However, for me, that just isn’t the only kind of love that exists. You can experience love through friends and family as well. I think just having people support you is love in itself.

 

Splash (YouTube).

 

Monika: Would you say you depend on romantic relationships for your happiness?

Drew-Ashlyn: I would be happy to be single because I’ve done it before and even turned down a lot of men because I didn’t want to be with anyone at the time. I don’t rely on men to make me happy, that’s my own job, but having a guy love me is a jolly good feeling, I must say.
Monika: Many transgender women choose to write memoirs about their journeys. Have you ever considered writing a book about your own life?

Drew-Ashlyn: I’m actually in the middle of writing a book about my life. I’ve written for a lot of websites such as Gay Star News and Wild Child Media, all of which are very different. Some are about fashion and trends, while others are interviews or personal stories. So for me, writing a book is just an extension of that. I’ve always kept diaries, so being able to let everything out and hopefully get published one day would be awesome.

Monika: What themes or events will your book cover?

Drew-Ashlyn: My book will go through my childhood and the bullying I endured, having verbal and physical abuse, like being pushed up against a wall and strangled after school, or having a brick thrown at my face, which even appeared on my school photo, haha, to going through puberty, relationships, my depression, self-harm and eating disorder, to being on My Transsexual Summer and debuting as a wrestler named Harley Ryder. Hopefully, people will love it and it will help open up minds. I’m going to call it Drew-Ashlyn: More than a Blonde, More than a LABEL.

Monika: What new projects are you currently working on?

Drew-Ashlyn: I'm writing my book as well as still going into schools and doing appearances at pride events. I'm going to be making makeup tutorials for YouTube and continuing with my wrestling. As far as TV work goes, I have a few things in the pipeline, so we’ll have to wait and see what happens with that, but I’m pretty confident I’ll be back on screens at some point.

Monika: Having gone through your own transition, what advice would you give to transgender women who are struggling with gender dysphoria?

Drew-Ashlyn: If you’re not being yourself, then there’s no point in being you. These streets belong to you too. No matter how much people try to bring you down, there will always be someone out there to lift you back up.

Monika: Drew-Ashlyn, thank you for the interview!

All the photos: courtesy of Drew-Ashlyn Cunningham.

© 2014 - Monika Kowalska

  

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