Isley Reust is a woman whose life is shaped by rhythm, resilience, and radiant authenticity. Born in Germany, she is a gifted guitarist, video blogger, and photographer, an artist in every sense of the word. As a member of the band Spectacular Spectacular, Isley pours her soul into music that is as diverse and compelling as the journey that brought her here. But beyond the studio and stage lights, Isley shines as a beacon of hope and visibility within the transgender community. From a young age, Isley knew she was different. Navigating childhood in a small town without the language or support to express her identity, she carried a quiet knowing in her heart that she was meant to be a girl. The road ahead was anything but easy. Her teenage years were shadowed by depression, addiction, and disconnection. But through these trials, Isley found the strength to embrace who she truly was, breaking free from pain to begin living authentically.
Her transition wasn’t just a personal metamorphosis, it was also a gift to others. Through heartfelt YouTube videos, Isley invited the world to witness her story. In doing so, she inspired countless people to feel less alone, more empowered, and more understood. Her openness challenged stereotypes, softened hearts, and created community. What sets Isley apart is her unwavering vulnerability. She doesn’t sugarcoat the hardship, nor does she let it define her. Whether she's opening up about gender dysphoria or celebrating small joys like feeling the wind in her hair post-transition, her honesty connects deeply with those still searching for their own voice. She turns survival into song, and struggle into strength. Today, Isley is thriving. She is proud of how far she’s come, how hormone therapy has affirmed her body and spirit, how music and art have become lifelines, and how she now walks through life with joy, confidence, and femininity. Whether she’s performing with her band, appearing on Glee, or dreaming of a quiet home in the German Alps with a family of her own, Isley continues to show us the power of living one’s truth.
Monika: Isley, I’m so excited to have you with us today! We’ll be diving into your personal journey, your creative career, your activism, and everything in between. Welcome!
Isley: Hi Monika! Thank you so much for having me, I'm really looking forward to our conversation.
Monika: Let’s start with a little introduction. How would you describe yourself to someone meeting you for the first time?
Isley: I'm German. I play guitar in a new band called Spectacular Spectacular. We’ve almost finished recording our debut record. I do photography on the side, and I'm also an active video blogger.
|
| Traveling. |
Monika: What motivated you to document and share your transition journey on YouTube, and what impact did you hope it would have on others?
Isley: I wanted to help and inspire others and let them know it's okay to be yourself, and that once you do take that step, you'll be that much happier and you'll love yourself for who you really are. I'm not going to say it's an easy road, but it's definitely worth the struggle in the end.
I felt that sharing my story could create a sense of community for those who might feel alone in their journey. By being open about my experiences, I hoped to show others that they are not alone and that support is available. I also wanted to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about transgender people through my content. Seeing the positive impact of my videos on others has been incredibly rewarding and motivates me to keep sharing. Ultimately, my goal is to empower others to embrace their true selves and foster a more accepting world. The connections I’ve made through this platform have also helped me grow and heal in unexpected ways.
Monika: How would you describe your current stage in your transition journey?
Isley: Isley: Hmmm, that's a hard question. I feel pretty far into my transition now, and I'm extremely happy with the way my life is at and headed. I've made significant progress and have embraced my identity fully. Each milestone has brought me closer to living authentically, and I've gained confidence in myself along the way. It's been a transformative experience, both personally and emotionally. I’m excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead as I continue to grow and evolve.
Monika: How do you feel about the changes you’ve experienced through hormone therapy? Has the process aligned with what you hoped for physically and emotionally?
Isley: I'm extremely happy with my results. Hormone therapy really worked in my favor. It's really weird to see pre-transition photos, I feel like that person never even existed, or that it was a lifetime ago or a bad dream. It’s amazing how much more comfortable and confident I feel in my own skin now.
Monika: Looking back, what was your early sense of gender like? At what point did you start to understand that your identity didn’t align with being a boy?
Isley: I had the earliest memories of knowing I was different, female, at age 4. Once puberty hit, I knew something was really wrong with me and felt deep inside that I was female. I felt very alone and suppressed. I grew up in a small town, so I really had nobody I could talk to about how I was feeling. My sister knew about how I felt from a very young age. Even though I didn’t have the words for it back then, I always had a strong sense that I wasn’t living as my true self.
|
| Isley's Story: True Trans (YouTube) |
Monika: Many transgender girls face significant challenges during their school or university years, often dealing with discrimination and social pressures. Did you have a similar experience during that time in your life?
Isley: I was depressed most of high school and dropped out. I started using crystal meth, cocaine, ecstasy, drinking, and even tried heroin. I overdosed and caught a lung infection as well. Yeah, it was just a bad time. At 18, I started experimenting with my sexuality and tried dating guys as a gay man, but it just felt wrong. Soon after, I decided to accept who I was and be the woman I was meant to be. That decision marked a turning point in my life, and I began to seek out healthier ways to cope with my feelings. I realized that embracing my true self was the key to finding happiness and fulfillment. Looking back, I understand that those difficult years were part of my journey toward self-discovery and growth.
Monika: Are there any transgender role models who have inspired you on your journey?
Monika: Are there any transgender role models who have inspired you on your journey?
Isley: I would say I really think Laverne Cox is such an amazing woman. I also think Jenna Talackova is such a beautiful woman. I'm friends with her on Instagram, and I love seeing her photos. She even liked some of my pics, lol. I thought that was pretty awesome. Laura Jane Grace is an acquaintance of mine, and she told me that my videos, along with others, really inspired her and helped her come out. Lana Wachowski is such an amazing and talented director, hands down the most talented lady for sure. She seems so genuine and has a beautiful, creative heart. Having these role models reminds me how powerful visibility and authenticity can be for the entire community.
Monika: What was the most difficult part of coming out to your family, and how did you navigate that experience?
Isley: For me, the hardest thing was just coming out and telling my family. I've been very lucky and fortunate with the rest of my transition. It took a lot of courage to have that conversation, and I was unsure how they would react. The fear of rejection or misunderstanding weighed heavily on me. Once I did share my truth, it was a huge relief, and I was grateful for their support. However, I know that not everyone has the same experience, and that’s why I want to encourage others to be brave in their journeys. Being honest with myself was the first step toward living authentically and finding peace.
|
| Photo shoot in Los Angeles. |
Monika: How do you view the current climate for transgender women in your country, and what changes would you like to see moving forward?
Isley: I still hear a lot of hate crimes and discrimination, which breaks my heart, but I think that the USA is making steps and moving forward to become more accepting of the trans community. There are more conversations happening around transgender rights, and visibility is increasing in media and politics. However, there’s still a long way to go in terms of ensuring safety and equality for everyone. It’s crucial that we continue advocating for change and supporting one another. I remain hopeful that as awareness grows, more people will embrace diversity and foster a culture of acceptance. We need stronger protections and education to combat ignorance and hate at every level of society.
Monika: We’re witnessing more transgender women gaining visibility and recognition across various fields, from Lana Wachowski in filmmaking to Jenna Talackova in modeling, Kate Bornstein in academia, Laura Jane Grace in music, and Candis Cayne in acting. Have you observed a similar rise in transgender representation and acceptance in your country?
Isley: I do indeed! It’s inspiring to see more transgender women being celebrated for their talents and contributions across various fields. This visibility helps to break down stereotypes and fosters greater acceptance in society. As more people come forward and share their stories, it creates a ripple effect that encourages others to embrace their identities. I believe that this trend is not only empowering for the transgender community but also enriches our cultural landscape as a whole. Increased representation in mainstream media is crucial for normalizing trans experiences and promoting empathy among the wider public.
|
| Just resting. |
Monika: Are you currently involved in any political activism or advocacy efforts? From your perspective, how important is it for transgender women to engage in politics and influence change?
Isley: I'm not very active in politics right now, but I would like to participate more in the future. I think transgender women can make a difference and have already made huge leaps forward. It's essential for our voices to be heard in the political arena, as representation matters. By sharing our experiences and advocating for our rights, we can influence policies and create a more inclusive society. I believe that as more transgender individuals step into political roles, we will see positive changes that benefit not just our community but everyone. Increased political involvement also helps challenge misconceptions and fosters greater understanding among lawmakers and the public alike.
Monika: How important is fashion to you, and what styles or types of outfits do you usually enjoy wearing? Do you have favorite designers, colors, or trends that influence your personal style?
Isley: I'm really big into fashion. I love floral dresses, vintage dresses, and jackets. I own a million pairs of shoes, lol. I actually have a really bad shopping problem. Fashion is a great way for me to express my personality and creativity every day.
Monika: What is your perspective on transgender beauty pageants, and do you think they help or hinder the visibility and acceptance of trans women in society?
Isley: I don't really think much of them. To me, "transgender" is just a word; it's not what makes you who you are. I believe trans women should be able to compete in beauty pageants alongside cis women and just call it a day. We are women, and our identities should be respected as such. Instead of segregating competitions, we should focus on celebrating all forms of beauty and individuality. It's important to challenge the traditional norms of beauty and inclusivity in these spaces, allowing for a broader representation of women. Ultimately, true acceptance comes from unity rather than separation.
Monika: In what ways are you currently involved with your local LGBTQ+ community, and how do you envision deepening that involvement moving forward?
Isley: I'm trying to become more involved. Building connections with others has been really rewarding, and I believe that fostering a strong sense of community is essential for our collective growth. I'm excited to see how I can contribute and advocate for our rights together with others. Being part of this community gives me strength and inspires me to keep pushing for positive change.
|
| Recording in Los Angeles. |
Monika: What guidance would you offer to transgender women who hesitate to begin their transition early because they fear discrimination or negativity?
Isley: Just always be yourself, and it will get better. Transition isn’t a walk in the park, but if you stay positive and keep your head up, you’ll be so much happier in the end. Surround yourself with supportive friends and communities who understand your journey. Remember that your happiness and authenticity are worth the challenges you may face. It’s okay to take your time and move at your own pace; everyone’s journey is unique. Trust that each step you take brings you closer to living your truth. Most importantly, never let fear stop you from embracing who you truly are.
Monika: What are your current goals, and where do you see yourself personally and professionally in the next five to seven years?
Isley: I see myself touring and making music, living in Germany, married with kids. I want a house near the Alps in the forest, where I can take pictures and raise a beautiful, healthy family. I’m also excited to grow creatively and explore new opportunities in both my music and personal life.
Monika: Would you say that you are a happy woman now?
Isley: I've always been a woman! Embracing that truth has brought me so much joy and confidence in every part of my life.
Monika: Isley, it’s been a pleasure interviewing you. Thank you so much!
END OF PART 1
All the photos: courtesy of Isley Reust.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska
Some documentaries with Isley Reust:
