Kelly Summers is a radiant voice from the far reaches of Alaska, a woman whose transition story shines with strength, grace, and sincerity. At 51, she has walked a long, courageous path, transitioning later in life and documenting every meaningful step on YouTube to encourage others who may be standing at the threshold of their own truth. What makes Kelly’s story especially compelling is the balance she strikes between resilience and tenderness, privacy and visibility. Her calm honesty and deep compassion resonate throughout her work, offering hope to those who might fear it’s too late to live authentically. Originally from California, Kelly now lives with her wife in Alaska, where the winter coats are heavy, but the warmth she brings to her community is unmistakable. She and her partner married in Seattle in 2013, a beautiful act of love during a time when their home state did not yet recognize same-sex marriages. Kelly is not only a video blogger but also a spirited participant in her local Pride community, channeling her lived experience into support, education, and inspiration. Having undergone hormone replacement therapy, facial feminization surgery, and breast augmentation, Kelly speaks with joy about the powerful emotional and physical changes she's experienced, describing estrogen as the key that finally allowed her to feel awake, whole, and at peace.
Her memories of childhood prayers and quiet yearning in the 1960s are heartrending, but they are matched by her current happiness, which radiates through every word she shares. With a style she affectionately calls "rocker/biker chic," a fondness for leather, and a playful humor about Alaskan fashion, Kelly brings a refreshing honesty to topics as wide-ranging as politics, beauty pageants, insurance struggles, and high heels. She believes in living authentically, even if that means confronting fear head-on, something she encourages all transgender women to do with the support of a good gender therapist and a community that cares. Kelly’s story reminds us that transition is not only about changing one's body, but about reclaiming one’s spirit. As she continues to save for her final surgery, she dreams of waking up one day with nothing left to fund but her own happiness. And if you ask her today whether she’s a happy woman, her answer is beautifully simple: yes, she is. In the following conversation, Kelly shares her personal reflections on love, transition, fear, beauty, and joy, all with the openness and warmth of a woman who has found her true self and is not afraid to live out loud.
Monika: Today I have the pleasure of speaking with Kelly Summers, an inspiring American video blogger who shares her transition journey on YouTube, all the way from the snowy landscapes of Alaska. Welcome to the interview, Kelly!
Kelly: Thank you so much, Monika. It’s a real honor to be here and to have the opportunity to share my story with your readers.
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| Private photo shoot 2013. |
Monika: For those meeting you for the first time, how would you introduce yourself? What are some important things we should know about your journey and who you are today?
Kelly: I am a 51-year-old male-to-female transsexual who transitioned to full-time three years ago. I used to live in California, but now I live with my wife in Alaska. We were married in Seattle on 19 January 2013, as Alaska was not a same-sex marriage-approved state at the time. Living in Alaska has been an adventure in itself, with its breathtaking landscapes and quieter lifestyle. My wife has been my biggest supporter through every step of this journey. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to live authentically and to share my experience with others through my YouTube channel.
Monika: What inspired you to start documenting your transition journey online, and why did you choose YouTube as your platform?
Kelly: I wanted to share my story to show that it is not too late to transition later in life, and hopefully inspire that last bit of confidence needed by so many on the edge of transition. I remember how scared and uncertain I felt before taking the leap, and I wanted others to know they’re not alone. YouTube gave me the opportunity to speak directly and honestly, using my voice and face to make it real. Over time, it became a source of connection, not just for others, but for me as well. Sharing my journey has been empowering, and the support I’ve received has meant the world to me.
Monika: Can you walk us through where you are in your transition journey at the moment? What milestones have you already reached, and what are your next steps?
Kelly: After more than three years of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), I have had my facial feminization surgery (FFS) and breast augmentation (BA), which I’m still paying off the final loan on, before starting to save again for my sexual reassignment surgery (SRS). It's been a long road, both emotionally and financially, but I’ve never once doubted that it was the right path for me. Each procedure brought me closer to feeling at home in my own body. These changes have given me not just physical alignment, but also emotional peace. I now wake up and recognize the woman in the mirror, and that means everything./i>
Monika: How do you feel about the effects of hormone replacement therapy? Has it met your expectations, and how has it impacted your life?
Kelly: Yes, I’m extremely satisfied. My brain was definitely in need of estrogen, starting HRT felt like waking up from a bad dream; everything just clicked into place. By the two-year mark, I had enough growth to be a C cup, which is an excellent result considering I started in my 40s. Beyond the physical changes, HRT has brought a deep sense of harmony between my body and mind. It has improved my emotional well-being and boosted my confidence tremendously. Every day, I feel more myself, and that has made all the difference in my journey.
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| Healing from FFS 2013. |
Monika: Can you share some memories of your childhood? When did you first realize that your true identity didn’t align with being a boy or a man?
Kelly: I knew I was female at the age of five. I would cry myself to sleep at night, praying to God to make me a girl by morning. However, it was a very different world in the 1960s, and I didn’t dare let anyone know how I felt at the time. I felt completely alone and misunderstood, carrying a secret that I thought could never be shared. The fear of rejection and punishment kept me silent for many years. Looking back, I realize how strong I had to be just to survive those early days.
Monika: Many transgender women say that their school and college years were some of the most challenging due to discrimination and misunderstanding. Did you experience similar hardships during your education?
Kelly: Yes, of course. When you are trying to live in the wrong body, every day feels traumatic. Peer pressure alone is a miserable and unfortunate part of growing up. Add being a transsexual to that, and it becomes a living hell. I often felt isolated and scared, unsure if I would ever be accepted for who I truly was. The constant fear of bullying made even simple things, like attending classes or socializing, incredibly difficult. Despite all that, those experiences shaped my resilience and determination to live authentically.
Monika: Some people find strength by looking up to role models within the transgender community, figures who inspire hope and resilience. Have there been any individuals whose journeys have particularly resonated with you?
Kelly: I don’t have any specific transgender role models. I just celebrate the success of any of us who have made it and are now living as we should have been since birth. Every time I see a transgender woman living authentically and confidently, it gives me hope. Their visibility makes it easier for others to come out and be accepted. We’re all paving the way in our own way, and I admire anyone brave enough to take that first step.
Monika: Coming out is often one of the most emotionally intense parts of a transition. What personal hurdles did you face during this time, and what made it most difficult for you?
Kelly: Overcoming the fear, of course, fear of losing family, friends, my job, my rights, fear of being persecuted and unaccepted by society as a whole, fear of not passing as a woman, and losing all my rights as a human being. Fear is what keeps so many closeted and prevents many from coming out. It’s a constant weight that sits on your chest, whispering worst-case scenarios. But once I took that leap, I began to reclaim my life, piece by piece. The freedom I felt after coming out outweighed the fear that held me back for so long.
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| At a local pride event 2013. |
Monika: How do you perceive the current social and political climate for transgender women in the United States? What progress do you see, and what challenges still persist?
Kelly: Transgender women in my country today are much better off than when I was in my teens. Acceptance is on the rise. I am happy to see the world becoming a better place for transgender women in the United States. I only wish it was easier to get insurance or financial aid to cover our needs here. For most transsexuals in this country, medical care is not covered and is cash up front only. Access to gender-affirming care remains a major hurdle, especially for those in low-income or rural areas. There's a noticeable gap between social visibility and practical support. Until our healthcare system fully recognizes our needs, true equality will remain out of reach.
Monika: In recent years, we’ve seen a growing number of transgender women living openly and gaining recognition across different fields, like Lana Wachowski in film, Jenna Talackova in modeling, Kate Bornstein in academia, Laura Jane Grace in music, and Candis Cayne in acting. Do you feel that this growing visibility reflects a broader shift in societal acceptance? How do you view the impact of these public figures on the transgender community?
Kelly: Yes, as I said, the world is far more accepting now than in the past. When before, transsexuals coming out would be committed to psychiatric facilities by their own parents, we now see them celebrated on television, in movies, and in magazines. It's a powerful shift that gives many of us hope. These role models show that it's possible to thrive while being true to yourself. Their visibility helps dispel outdated myths and inspires younger trans people to dream bigger.
Monika: Have you ever considered getting involved in advocacy or political activism? What are your thoughts on the potential impact transgender women can have in shaping public policy and representation?
Kelly: I am not active in politics myself. Yes, I do think transgender women can make a difference in politics, but that would require a whole new level of acceptance to get them in a position to do so. We still face a lot of barriers, including discrimination and a lack of understanding from the general public. However, I believe visibility and education can slowly shift public perception. With time and courage, I think more trans voices will rise in politics and help create meaningful change.
Monika: How would you describe your personal style? Do you enjoy experimenting with fashion, or do you prefer a more practical wardrobe? Are there any specific looks, colors, or materials that you feel best express your personality?
Kelly: LOL, I live in Alaska, which has recently been dubbed as having the worst fashion in the United States. During the winters here, everyone looks like an oversized jacket with scarves and boots. I am not a fashionista, couldn't spout off brand names, but I do enjoy high heels with nice dresses, skinny jeans, and interchangeable tops, skirts, and shorts.
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| Leather Ball with my wife 2013. |
I dress as a woman my age, maybe a little younger, keep my nails manicured, and wear cosmetics appropriate for the events I attend. I love leathers: boots, heels, jackets, skirts, tops, all of it. If I could afford it, most of my wardrobe would be leather. I guess my look is more of a rocker/biker chic when I have my way. Fashion, for me, is about feeling confident and expressing strength. I love mixing feminine and edgy pieces to reflect both softness and resilience. Even in Alaska’s cold, I find small ways to show my style under all the layers!
Monika: What’s your opinion on beauty pageants, especially those specifically for transgender women? Do you think they help with visibility, or do they risk reinforcing certain stereotypes about femininity and appearance?
Kelly: I think transsexual women should be allowed in any women’s beauty pageant, but if people wanted to have pageants for transsexuals only, why not? Everyone should have the opportunity to express their confidence and beauty in a way that feels right to them. These events can be empowering for many and offer much-needed visibility. As long as participation is voluntary and diverse representations of beauty are encouraged, I see no harm in them at all.
Monika: Are there any community events or initiatives you’re part of that support the LGBTQ+ community in your area? What kind of local involvement matters most to you?
Kelly: I am heavily involved in my local pride community. It's important to create safe and welcoming spaces where people can be themselves without fear. I’ve also participated in educational workshops to raise awareness and understanding. Giving back to the community that helped me feel seen is incredibly rewarding..
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender women who are hesitant to transition due to fear of discrimination, rejection, or societal backlash?
Kelly: I would recommend seeing a gender therapist and working out their fears of transition. It is easier said than done, but the fear must be overcome, being transgender is not going away. The sooner the fear is overcome, the sooner transgender women can get on with living a life free of fear. Don’t suffer to the point of suicide. It is far better to transition young than wait decades later to transition and think daily, “I wish I would have done this when…”.
Facing fear is incredibly hard, but waiting often brings its own kind of pain. Everyone deserves to live authentically, and support systems, whether in person or online, can make all the difference. Surrounding yourself with people who understand can help you take those first brave steps forward.
Monika: What personal goals are you focusing on right now, and how do you envision your life evolving over the next five to seven years?
Kelly: My next step is financing my SRS and getting to a point where I can wake up in the morning and not be worried about saving money for yet another surgery, to finally be complete and actually be able to save for other things besides transitional procedures. It would be amazing to shift my focus from medical goals to living more fully and freely. I’d like to travel more, maybe go back to school, and deepen my involvement in the local LGBTQ+ community. Eventually, I hope to help others through mentorship or advocacy, sharing the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
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| Fishing for silver salmon 2013. |
Monika: Would you say that you are a happy woman now?
Kelly: I transitioned to full time years ago, met my forever partner after transitioning, and am now in a wonderful loving relationship with my wife. Yes, I am a very happy woman indeed. I feel more authentic and at peace with myself than ever before. Every day brings new joys and challenges, but I embrace them fully. My happiness comes from living my truth and sharing life with someone who truly loves me.
Monika: Kelly, it’s been such a pleasure talking with you today. Thank you so much for sharing your story and insights!
Kelly: You are most welcome. I appreciate the opportunity to share my experience and hope it helps others on their journey.
All the photos: courtesy of Kelly Summers.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska
