Jula Böge is a German transgender author and activist known for her contributions to discussions on gender identity and transgender experiences. Born in 1960, she has actively engaged in writing and speaking about transgender issues over the past decade. In 2009, Böge published her book "Ich bin (k)ein Mann: Als Transgender glücklich leben" ("I am (not) a man: Living happily as transgender"), which explores the challenges and self-discovery involved in living as a transgender individual.
She has also maintained a personal website, julaonline.de, where she shares articles and resources related to transgender topics. Beyond her writing, Böge has participated as a speaker at Christopher Street Day (CSD) events across Germany and other European countries, contributing to the visibility and acceptance of transgender individuals. Her advocacy emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and challenges societal norms regarding gender expression. Through her literary work and public engagements, Jula Böge has played a significant role in fostering understanding and dialogue about transgender issues in German-speaking communities.
Monika: Hello, Jula! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Your work as a writer and activist has been so impactful in raising awareness and fostering conversations around transgender issues. I'm really excited to dive into your journey and hear your thoughts on some important topics.
Jula: Hello Monika, I’m very impressed that you know my book because it is only accessible in the German language. My site julaonline.de is better known in Germany. It has more than 100,000 readers per year.
Monika: Looking back on your journey, how would you describe the evolution of your career as a writer and speaker?
Jula: I never realized that I have a career. Nearly ten years ago, I began to share my experiences and insights as a transgender person by writing articles and publishing them on my website. The book in 2009 was an important next step. Since then, I have been not only a writer but also a speaker at CSD events in Germany and other European countries. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with many people who have shared their own stories with me. These interactions have deepened my understanding of the challenges our community faces and continue to inspire my work.
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| Available via Amazon. |
Monika: Your website, Jula’s Homepage, serves as a platform for sharing valuable content. What topics and themes do you focus on the most?
Jula: My homepage is the basis of my work as an author. It contains articles I wrote myself, translations from English texts, and articles of others, which I want to make accessible to a broader audience. I strive to provide insightful and educational content that helps raise awareness about transgender issues and experiences. Over time, the website has also become a space for discussion and exchange, allowing visitors to engage with different perspectives.
Monika: What motivated you to take a different approach in your book compared to traditional transgender biographies?
Jula: I wrote my book because, so far, most books by or about trans people have had a biographical approach. They are all people who made their way. But nobody has talked about the basics. Nobody has said anything about the difficulties of managing oneself and integrating the topic of trans identity into a partnership. I wanted a kind of guidebook, but it didn’t exist, so I had to write it myself. Writing it allowed me to address the emotional and practical challenges that many transgender individuals face but are rarely discussed. I also hoped it would provide reassurance and guidance for those struggling to navigate their own journeys.
Monika: In what ways do you think your personal journey could inspire transgender women who may not follow a traditional transition path?
Jula: Maybe mostly the fact that I didn’t really transition. I do refuse the simple choice of either being a woman or being a man. I reject the decision and oscillate between the gender roles. So I could be an example of a kind of third way for all those who, like me, are not able to make a clear decision. My experience shows that gender identity is not always a linear path but can be a fluid and personal journey. I hope my story encourages others to embrace their own unique identities without feeling pressured to conform to societal expectations.
Monika: Were there any transgender role models or online communities that influenced and supported your journey?
Jula: Of course, but it is not one person. If I had no role models, I would never have had the guts to go my way. My role models were the girls I met on the web, on several social networks. They taught me what is possible, and their examples encouraged me to leave my closet. Seeing their courage and authenticity made me realize that I wasn’t alone in my feelings. Their stories provided me with both guidance and hope, showing me that living openly was achievable.
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| Speaking at the CSD Konstant in 2013. |
Monika: What was the most challenging part of coming out, both emotionally and socially?
Jula: The hardest thing was to learn that I could be accepted and loved as a woman too, no matter what my chromosomes and genitals are like. The hardest obstacles on my way out were my fears and my lack of self-confidence. Overcoming these inner doubts took time, but each step forward made me stronger. Eventually, I realized that self-acceptance was the key to gaining the confidence to live authentically.
Monika: How do you feel about the way transgender stories and characters have been portrayed in German media so far? Do you think these representations reflect the full diversity of transgender experiences?
Jula: Every broadcast story is important because it is a step toward the visibility of transgender people in our society. But I regret that only two types of transgender people are present in the public perception. First, there are drag queens who are very flashy and present a specific hyper-feminized picture. And on the other side, there are "serious" transsexuals who achieve and undergo medical treatment and try to live in deep stealth as "natural-born women."
All the others, those who reject medical treatment or change gender depending on mood and situation, do not appear in the media. Only those who confirm the binary gender system are in the light, but there are many more in the shadow, people like me, people who live queer and do not fit into the idyllic world of two divided genders. This lack of representation reinforces narrow stereotypes and excludes those whose identities exist outside of traditional narratives. More diverse and nuanced stories would help people understand the full spectrum of transgender lives and experiences.
Monika: How would you describe the current situation of transgender women in Germany? Do you feel that legal protections translate into real social acceptance?
Jula: The situation in Germany is better than in most countries in the world. Our Constitution protects us from prosecution and harassment through legal bodies. That is far more than people in other states in Europe or other continents. Our society is tolerant. It is possible to go out for people like me, who are, at the latest on closer inspection, cognizable as a born man when they are in a female gender role. However, legal protections do not always eliminate societal prejudices, and many transgender women still face discrimination in daily life. While tolerance exists, true acceptance and understanding remain a work in progress.
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| Presenting her book at the International Book Fair in Frankfurt. |
Monika: Are you involved in political activism or advocacy efforts for transgender rights in Germany? In your opinion, how can transgender women contribute to shaping political discussions?
Jula: Together with some friends, I try to influence the debate in Germany about the revision of the laws applying to the situation and rights of transgender people. We work to raise awareness and push for policies that reflect the diverse realities of transgender lives. It is crucial that transgender voices are heard in political discussions, as real change can only happen when those affected have a seat at the table.
Monika: Are there any prominent transgender activists or figures making an impact in Germany's political or social spheres?
Jula: In Germany, there is no transgender person in politics or administration at a high level. There are some experts, like a well-known lawyer or a psychotherapist, who advise the decision-makers in advisory boards. But there is no transgendered decision-maker in Germany, not even a transgendered member of Parliament. This lack of representation at the decision-making level makes it harder for our voices to be truly heard in shaping policies. More visibility and inclusion of transgender individuals in positions of power would be a crucial step toward real societal change.
Monika: How would you describe the role of love in shaping your personal journey and identity?
Jula: Love is the biggest power in my life. Without the love of my life, I never would have chosen the way I live today. Love has given me the strength to face challenges and the courage to live authentically. It has been a source of support and understanding, especially when the world around me felt uncertain.
Monika: How do you express yourself through fashion, and are there any particular styles or designers you gravitate towards?
Jula: Fashion for me is an important aspect. I like clothes and, that's understood, shoes. I'm a hobby seamstress and like very much creating my own clothes and accessories. I like casual style, so my favorite labels are Esprit, S. Oliver, Cecil, and Tom Taylor. But I also like a little bit of romantic vintage style, for example, the dresses of the English label Phase Eight. Fashion allows me to express my creativity and individuality, and I find it empowering to design my own pieces. It's always a joy to add my personal touch to my wardrobe, whether it's through sewing or mixing different styles.
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| Holding a lecture at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. |
Monika: What are your thoughts on transgender beauty pageants and their impact on societal acceptance of trans individuals?
Jula: I’m skeptical if these contests really help to increase the acceptance of trans people in society. They only reproduce the ideals of stereotype femininity. Trans women who are able to fit in are welcome. But all the others, who are not pretty and stay recognizable as genetic males, are rejected. What we need is to change the rules of gender expression, not to try to over-fulfill them. Beauty pageants may offer some visibility, but they can also reinforce harmful, narrow standards of beauty and femininity. We should focus on celebrating diverse expressions of gender rather than perpetuating idealized images that exclude many.
Monika: Are you currently involved in any exciting new projects or research related to gender studies or transgender issues?
Jula: I’m writing a lot about the relations between the “doing gender” approach in feminist theory and what it means for the understanding of transgender. I hope I will conclude some new articles about this topic in 2014. This work allows me to explore how gender performance shapes not just societal expectations but also the personal experiences of transgender individuals. I’m excited to contribute to the academic conversation and shed light on these important intersections.
Monika: As someone who has not fully transitioned, what advice would you give to transgender women who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Jula: Most important is to realize that you should do nothing only because you believe society expects you to do it. If you want to have a chance for living happily, you only should do what your heart tells you to do. Embrace your own journey and take it one step at a time, because what works for one person might not work for another. Trusting your instincts and making choices that align with your true self is key to finding peace and fulfillment.
Monika: Jula, thank you for the interview!
All the photos: courtesy of Jula Böge.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska
