With unmistakable poise and heartfelt candor, Samantha Valentine steps into the spotlight not only as a model and actress but as a fierce advocate for visibility, compassion, and justice. A British transgender woman whose journey radiates both elegance and resilience, Samantha brings her unique warmth to everything she touches, from the glitter of Manchester Pride, where she promoted trans rights with TEAM TG and a certain iconic car named KITT, to the quieter, deeper work of building support groups and challenging systemic prejudice. Her story is not only one of personal transformation but also of public courage. Having weathered both applause and transphobic mockery, most painfully during a moment on the set of Emmerdale, Samantha has never allowed cruelty to eclipse her dignity. Instead, she channels her energy into activism, peer support, and shaping a more inclusive media landscape.
Whether modeling at 46 or working to create safe spaces for other transgender people, she embodies grace under pressure and the belief that every voice matters. Samantha’s admiration for trans trailblazers like Caroline Cossey, her passion for vintage fashion, her cat Purdey, and her dream of one day being held by a man who truly understands her, these intimate glimpses of her life make her not only relatable but deeply lovable. In her own words, she has "legs to die for" and a life to live for, and she does so with flair, honesty, and a touch of 1950s retro glam. It is an honor to sit down with this remarkable woman, whose strength shines through every seamed stocking and every candid sentence.
Monika: Today, I have the pleasure and honor to interview Samantha Valentine, a British transgender activist, model, actress, and member of TEAM TG. Hello, Samantha!
Samantha: Hi Monika, it’s a pleasure and an honor to do this interview. Thank you for asking me.
Monika: You and Lisa Heart are involved in the TEAM TG project. Could you please tell us more about what TEAM TG is and what it aims to do?
Samantha: Well, I heard about Team TG on the Sparkle 2013 website, where they were looking for volunteers to help hand out leaflets and model with KITT. The website itself helps anyone who is trans to find the right resources relating to trans issues. I think this is especially important in the early days of transitioning. it can feel like a jungle, and you can get lost quite easily. So something like this is a great idea. Team TG goes to transgender events to promote itself. Having KITT certainly helps bring attention to us, and then people ask about Team TG. It’s all good.
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| Taken along with KITT at Manchester Pride 2013 for Team TG. |
Monika: How would you describe your experiences with modeling and acting?
Samantha: I find modeling fantastic. I did a little bit of it before, mainly for exhibitions. I joined Team TG, and considering I’m nearly 46, it’s good that someone my age can still model. However, outside the trans community, I would be considered too old to do it. As for acting, I haven’t really done much of it, but I’m still hoping to get on a reality show on Channel 4 very soon. Plus, I have people putting the word around for me with the TV folks, so there should be more soon (I hope).
Monika: Are you currently working on any new projects?
Samantha: Yes, I’m working with another trans woman, Anna May Booth, and together we’re starting up a transgender support group. It’s in the last stages of development. It’s always been a passion of mine to start one, as I love helping people, especially those in the trans community. It should be up and running in early 2014. In addition, I’m a member of the hate crime sub-group where I live, and I hope my input will help make a difference for all minorities in my area. I believe we should all be able to live in peace without harassment or bigotry.
Monika: Recently, after your appearance on Emmerdale, a popular UK soap opera, you became the target of transphobic jokes. Can you tell me how that experience felt for you?
Samantha: Yes, it was not easy, but it certainly didn’t start out like that. I felt very much at home on the Emmerdale set, and there was no problem with me being there. But once the transphobic remark was made, it made me feel sick. I was certainly in shock from it, as that soap has done very positive stories around gay and lesbian issues in the past, and I thought they were going to start doing the same thing with transgender issues now. But I was clearly wrong.
Monika: How did you react emotionally when you realized what had happened?
Samantha: It was very upsetting for me, and it made me angry. It seems if you are gay, you are treated as everyone else, but if you are transgender, you are treated as a joke. Even the apology was complete lies. They said they knew nothing of the story before it was filmed. I find that very hard to believe, as they always check that everything is okay before filming to avoid situations like the one they ended up in.
Monika: Do you think the production team intended to be transphobic, and how has this affected you moving forward?
Samantha: They intended to be transphobic all along, but they didn’t think I would do anything about it, plus the fact they asked specifically for a transgender woman for the role too. After it’s all done, I’m still upset by it now and how they intended to hurt me on national TV.
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| The story that was done about her life and put in Chat magazine. |
Monika: What is your perspective on how transgender stories and characters have been portrayed in films, television, newspapers, and books so far?
Samantha: I feel America is way ahead of us in TV shows. Shows like Orange Is the New Black have put transgender actors and actresses in the limelight, which can only be a good thing. For too long, cisgender actors were playing trans people. It took someone to take a chance and say, "Let’s put a trans woman in the role of a trans woman."
Monika: How do you feel about transgender representation in films compared to television?
Samantha: Films still have a long way to go because they put loads of money into productions and won’t take the chance. Dallas Buyers Club is a prime example. The trans woman in this film, played by Jared Leto, is another cis male playing a trans woman. However, the role of the woman is very weak and pathetic, as she dies from AIDS in the film. Considering this is a true story but the trans woman isn’t, she was just written into the story, why was she made out to be weak? Why not make her a strong person? We need more positive role models, especially in the media.
Monika: Are there examples of positive transgender representation in literature or media that stand out to you?
Samantha: I recently read a book called Aphrodite Calling. It’s adult literature, but the main character is a trans woman. It was well written, and the role of the trans woman was positive and very strong too. The author wasn’t even trans but portrayed the woman as a strong, independent person, which is exactly how we want to be seen. Newspapers in the UK are still very transphobic. The Lucy Meadows incident will always come to mind when I think about how newspapers treat us, but I’m lucky. I have a friend who works for The Sun who did the story on what happened to me on the Emmerdale set. She also did an article for a national magazine called Chat about my story of how I transitioned. She has always supported people in the trans community, and I see her as an ally. We definitely need more journalists like her in British media. Again, we have a long way to go, but with more and more people like my friend, we are slowly moving forward.
Monika: During your transition, were there any transgender role models who inspired or guided you?
Samantha: I was a massive fan of Caroline Cossey (aka Tula). She is still, to me, a huge role model. I read her book My Story, it inspired me a lot. Some of the things she did I would still love to do, like being a Page 3 model and a Bond girl. She did so much for us and is a very beautiful woman. She went through so much, and all she wanted was to be accepted and left in peace, something all trans women can relate to. I would love to meet her one day and chat with her.
Monika: What did you find most challenging about coming out as transgender?
Samantha: I think the hardest thing was wondering who would accept me and who wouldn’t. It was a big fear of mine that I would end up doing it alone. I did lose some friends (not really friends then, I suppose), but I gained some new friends who accepted me for who I was and treated me that way.
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| One of her standard pics. |
Monika: Was there a personal moment during your journey that still stays with you today?
Samantha: Yes. Back in 1995, my mother died from breast cancer. On her deathbed, she said to me, “You can tell me anything, I won’t judge you.” I knew she knew about me, but I was just too scared to tell her. Three days later, she died. I still regret to this day not telling her when I had the chance. It’s one of my few regrets. But, as I said, I have good friends today, some in the trans community and most outside of it.
Monika: Many transgender women choose to undergo gender reassignment surgery in Thailand, yet you opted for a clinic in the UK. Looking back, are you happy with that decision?
Samantha: Absolutely. I went to Brighton for my GRS. It wasn't my original choice (it was Charing Cross in London), but I'm glad I changed my mind. The hospital staff was wonderful, and I was treated like royalty. I had my own room with a view of the ocean, and the food was the best I’ve ever had in a hospital. The surgeon who did the GRS, Mr. Thomas, did an absolutely fantastic job on me. The day I had to leave, I was crying because I didn’t want to go. It was one of the best choices I made, and I would recommend it to other trans women considering GRS.
Monika: How would you describe the current status of transgender women in British society?
Samantha: I know a lot of the trans community from around the UK. I think there are a lot of strong trans women in the UK (I’m proud to include myself in that). I consider trans women to be among the strongest of all women. In the UK, we have trans women in politics, in media, some are journalists, some do modeling, and others are trying to get into television or film. We certainly have a lot of transgender role models here. It’s important that we have women in those positions to show that we’re just as capable as anyone else. But there’s still a lot of prejudice aimed toward us, so we still have a long way to go. As long as we don’t stop fighting, we will eventually win this war.
Monika: Do you personally engage in political activism or support transgender advocacy campaigns?
Samantha: I don’t really do politics. I grew up in a home where they were heavily involved in it (mainly the Labour Party). I always found it boring, but my friend Anna May Booth is standing for office, so I’ll help her with her campaign. I think it’s important that trans people are involved in politics to make sure we have a voice, whether in Parliament or in local politics. I do see a future where there will be a lot more of us standing in elections, whether local or national.
Monika: What role does love play in your life today?
Samantha: I think having love is very important, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. I would love to meet a man, but most men are intimidated by me, which at times makes me sad. I can’t help being a strong person, why men find that hard to accept, I don’t know. I was once asked what love means to me. I said: when I’ve had a shit day, and I’ve taken an absolute pile of abuse, I get home, my man is waiting for me, I tell him everything that’s happened, and he just holds me and tells me that everything is going to be alright, and I believe him. That’s love to me. I have a black-and-white cat called Purdey, who I love to pieces. She’s the only love in my life at the minute, but I’m always on the lookout for any man willing to show his love for me.
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| One of many costumes she wears for special occasions (this was her Halloween costume). |
Monika: Are you passionate about fashion? What styles do you enjoy wearing, and do you have any favorite colors, designers, or trends?
Samantha: I love fashion, especially autumn and winter styles, mainly dark colors like black, red, purple, or a mix of them all. I adore the 1950s retro look, pencil skirts or dresses, seamed stockings, stilettos, and fascinators. I don’t wear jeans or trousers; I feel more at home showing off my legs. I have a mantra: “I have a life to live for and I have legs to die for,” lol.
Monika: You have a fantastic figure. What’s the secret behind your diet and fitness routine?
Samantha: Awwwww thank you, Monika. It’s very hard work. I work out every day, plus I’m careful about what I eat (I don’t snack, that does the most damage to your diet). I do like chocolate (like most of us girls), but I have to be strict with myself. I eat smaller portions and use smaller plates, it really works. But in the end, it all comes down to willpower.
Monika: What are your thoughts on transgender beauty pageants? Do you see them as empowering or problematic?
Samantha: I’m 50/50 about them, it depends on how they treat the participants. I took part in one a couple of years ago (a big mistake, my fault really). It was at Sparkle (a transgender event in Manchester). It was called Tranny of the Year (I still cringe at the fact I took part in it). The people helping out in the back were very derogatory toward us. I couldn’t understand why this was happening at an event like that. Fortunately, there was a protest about the name of the contest, and they immediately changed it, but I wouldn’t enter that contest again. I think trans women should be able to take part in mainstream beauty pageants. We shouldn’t have to have separate ones just for us. Jenna Talackova recently took part in Miss Universe, and in the UK, a trans woman called Jackie Green entered Miss UK. I’m all for this, and I hope it inspires many more women to do the same.
Monika: Many transgender women choose to write memoirs. Have you ever considered sharing your story in a book?
Samantha: I really want to write a book in the near future. I’ve had stories done on me before in national magazines. For 20 years, I was an alcoholic, mainly because I couldn’t face up to being transgender, and drinking helped to subdue the feminine feelings. By the end of my drinking, I lost everything (including my life), and I ended up homeless. I attempted suicide three times, and I got sober in a homeless hostel where they held an AA meeting. I got out of there, got home, and started to transition. I’m over seven years sober, and I haven’t picked up a drink once in that time (I’m very proud to say that). People have told me my story is inspiring and that I should write a book to inspire others.
Monika: Based on your own journey, what advice would you offer to transgender women struggling with gender dysphoria?
Samantha: Be true to yourself. It’s important to transition. I won’t lie, it’s a very tough journey. Talk to people, talk to friends and family. Some will be OK, some won’t. Look online for support groups, but don’t do this alone. All the pain you will face yourself. That’s what makes you a strong person. You could become that strong person, and you could go on to inspire the next generation of trans people. I’ve been there, and so have most trans women. There is nothing in life that’s worth doing that is easy. Read books by other trans women who have done the same. My Story by Caroline Cossey was my favorite. You’ll eventually look back and laugh at how things were for you in the early days. Just be strong, be proud, and hold your head up high, you have every right to live your life as you choose.
Monika: Samantha, thank you so much for sharing your story with me!
All the photos: courtesy of Samantha Valentine.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska
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