At just 21 years old, TreasureThaDiva has already emerged as a vibrant force of light, authenticity, and resilience in the transgender community. A YouTuber, model, drag performer, and unapologetic Diva, Treasure uses her many gifts to inspire, educate, and uplift. Whether she’s dazzling on stage or speaking candidly to the camera, every moment she shares is an act of love, for herself and for the countless others who find courage in her story. Raised in a small Texas town by a single mother, Treasure knew from an early age that she was different, and that her truth was beautiful. From asking for Barbies to discovering the complexities of gender in a society quick to judge, her childhood was filled with both quiet pain and unstoppable spirit. Middle school brought hiding and homeschooling, but it also gave her space to grow into herself. By 16, she had already begun her transition; by 18, she started hormones. And though the physical changes were subtle, the emotional transformation was profound. For the first time, she felt calm, connected, whole. Through her YouTube channel, Treasure shares the joys, challenges, and wisdom of her transition, not for validation, but for visibility.
Her mission is clear: to help young trans people feel less alone and to educate trans-attracted men, challenging stereotypes with elegance and wit. Her videos, often sprinkled with glamour and honesty, have empowered viewers to embrace their identities without shame.
Inspired by pioneers like Calpernia Addams, Diamond Stylz, and Erica Andrews, Treasure carries the torch of those who came before her, Latina icons who showed her that it was not only possible to survive, but to thrive. Today, she gives back through charity drag performances, community mentoring, and bold political belief: that trans women belong in every room where decisions are made.
She is proud of being a transgender woman, not just of becoming a woman, but of the power, grace, and uniqueness that transness brings. Fashion is her joy, femininity is her freedom, and fear has no place in her heart. Her message to those afraid to begin their journey? “Once you conquer fear, you can conquer anything.”
TreasureThaDiva stands as a reminder that being yourself is not only enough, it’s revolutionary. And she’s just getting started.
Monika: Hello TreasureThaDiva! I absolutely love your videos! They bring me back to my own years of self-discovery and curiosity about the world.
TreasureThaDiva: Hi Monika! I’m so thrilled to be a part of your amazing blog! It’s so wonderful to hear that my videos resonate with you. I believe sharing our stories helps others feel seen and less alone in their own journeys.
Monika: Could you tell us a little about yourself and what makes you, well, you?
TreasureThaDiva: I am a 21-year-old transgender YouTuber, model, drag performer, and all-around Diva! Haha. I love expressing myself in different ways, whether through fashion, performance, or sharing my journey. It’s all about embracing who I am and inspiring others to do the same.
Monika: What inspired you to share your transition journey on YouTube, and what do you hope to achieve through your videos?
TreasureThaDiva: I decided to share my transition and life on YouTube mainly for educational purposes. There are a lot of people who are still very clueless about transgender people and issues, so I really wanted to share my own unique story with the world. I would say two of my main audiences I’ve been trying to reach are young trans people who are just starting out in their transition, so they know they’re not alone, and trans-attracted men. I think it’s important that men who are interested in trans women are educated on trans subjects and don’t see us as simply sexual objects. I often get messages from men telling me they feel more comfortable about their attraction to trans women because of my videos, and that always means a lot to me. It’s amazing to see how much my story can impact others in such a positive way. I want to continue creating a space where people can feel accepted and informed.
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| At age 18. |
TreasureThaDiva: It’s hard to say because I don’t really consider transition to have stages necessarily. After full SRS I’ll still feel as much a transgender woman as I do now. However, I would say I’m working on more of the surgical side of transition now, such as breast augmentation, etc. I think transition is more of an ongoing personal evolution than a checklist. Every step I take is about aligning my body with how I’ve always seen myself.
Monika: Have you been happy with the results of hormone therapy so far, both physically and emotionally?
TreasureThaDiva: Physically speaking, hormone therapy wasn’t that big of a deal to me. I started my transition around 16 roughly and began hormones at 18. I already looked and sounded very feminine, so I can’t say the changes were too major for me. However, the mental changes were amazing. When I began hormones, it was an immense feeling of calmness I felt. It almost felt as if my body was getting what it needed for the first time in my life. That sense of inner peace was something I had never truly felt before. It gave me the clarity and emotional stability I had always been missing.
Monika: Could you share a bit about your childhood? When did you first realize that being seen as a boy didn’t feel right to you?
TreasureThaDiva: I was raised by a single mother in a small Texas town. We were very poor, and although I had and still have a very loving mother, she was oftentimes confused when it came to me. Growing up, I always felt I was a girl. I remember asking my grandmother to get me a Barbie for my birthday one year, and she did. At that time, Barbie seemed like such a natural thing for me to gravitate towards. I began school and always had a very feminine aura about me, even as a young child.
It wasn’t until 1st grade, around lunchtime, that I discovered I wasn’t the girl I thought I was. I remember very clearly a little boy saying, “Why does he sound like a girl?” That was the heartbreaking day I realized I was not a girl in other people’s eyes. That moment stayed with me for years, shaping how I viewed myself and the world around me. It was my first lesson in how society enforces gender roles, even on children.
Monika: For many transgender girls, school, college, or university can be the most difficult and traumatic time due to discrimination and bullying. Was that your experience as well?
TreasureThaDiva: Yes! In elementary, it wasn’t difficult because I was so unafraid of being who I naturally was, and oftentimes kids never said anything. Once middle school came, however, is when I learned to really hide my femininity and overall personality. In high school I was either getting detention or just extremely anti-social, so I was eventually put in homeschool. Being removed from the traditional school environment helped protect my spirit in many ways. It also gave me space to start discovering who I really was without constant judgment.
Monika: Did you have any transgender role models who inspired you during your journey?
TreasureThaDiva: Absolutely! I’m lucky enough to have grown up in an age where I could turn my television on and see Transgender people. There are many Transwomen I looked up to growing up. Two that you’ve actually interviewed, Diamond Stylz and Calpernia Addams, meant everything to me in my teenage years. I remember watching them and thinking, “Wow! I can’t wait to be that happy.” Another woman I looked up to was Erica Andrews. May she rest in peace. Growing up in a traditional Mexican family could at times be very difficult, so to see a wonderfully successful and happy Latina Transwoman was so wonderful to me. Her elegance and strength gave me hope that I could one day live openly and proudly too. Seeing someone who looked like me and shared my culture made all the difference.
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| With her Mother and older brother. |
Monika: What was the most difficult part of coming out for you?
TreasureThaDiva: Disappointing my mother. I had these big dreams growing up of making my mother proud of me, and I was so afraid if I came out to her she would be disappointed. I’m happy to say that today she is my biggest supporter, friend, and hero. With my mother and older brother. That fear of rejection weighed heavily on me, but it made her acceptance all the more meaningful. Knowing that I didn’t lose her love but deepened our bond gave me the courage to embrace myself fully.
Monika: How do you see the current situation of transgender women in the United States?
TreasureThaDiva: I would say trans issues and rights are undergoing a slow but prominent change in America. Nothing happens overnight, but we are all fighting and making a change in our own way, I believe. It’s inspiring to see so many trans people using their voices and platforms to advocate for progress. While there’s still a long road ahead, I do believe visibility and community are helping to shape a better future for us. More and more people are beginning to understand that transgender rights are human rights, and that makes me hopeful for the younger generations. However, there is still a lot of ignorance and discrimination to overcome, especially in certain regions. But we must keep pushing, keep educating, and keep fighting for equality until every trans person is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Monika: In recent years, we’ve seen more transgender women coming out and gaining public recognition. Unlike in the past, some of them have become well-known celebrities, such as Lana Wachowski in film, Jenna Talackova in modeling, Kate Bornstein in academia, Laura Jane Grace in music, and Candis Cayne in acting. Do you see the same trend happening and how does it resonate with you?
TreasureThaDiva: Absolutely! There seem to be more and more trans women in the media in recent years. Laverne Cox, Janet Mock, Isis King, and Carmen Carrera, just to name a few. Seeing their visibility gave me so much hope and confidence to pursue my own dreams. It reminds me that trans people can thrive and succeed in any field we choose. The progress we’ve made is remarkable, but it’s important to keep pushing forward, especially for those who aren’t yet in the spotlight. It also shows how powerful representation can be in changing perceptions and breaking down barriers. As more trans women are seen and heard, it helps create a world where we can be accepted for who we truly are, without fear or hesitation.
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| After 2 years of hormone replacement therapy. |
Monika: Are you involved in political activism or lobbying efforts? Do you think transgender women have the power to create meaningful change through political engagement?
TreasureThaDiva: Absolutely! If we can be transgender and live the lives we do and wake up with our shoulders back and head held high, we can do anything! Trans women bring a unique and powerful perspective to political spaces. Our voices matter, and we deserve to be heard in every room where decisions are made. It's crucial for us to be present in politics, not only to advocate for our rights but also to fight for equality and justice for all marginalized communities. Transgender women can lead the charge for systemic change by being vocal and engaged, using our experiences to shape policies that protect and uplift everyone. With more transgender women in positions of power, we can dismantle harmful stereotypes and ensure that the needs of our community are addressed. Together, we have the ability to change the political landscape and make it more inclusive and fair for everyone.
Monika: Are you a fan of fashion? What styles or outfits do you usually gravitate toward? Do you have any favorite designers, colors, or trends that you particularly love?
TreasureThaDiva: I adore fashion. I love Louis Vuitton. One of my favorite designers since I was a teen is Betsey Johnson. Her whimsical and girly designs have always been amazing to me. I remember being 16 and being obsessed with watching her fashion shows where she does her signature cartwheel at the end of each show. Fashion has always been a way for me to express the joy and freedom of being myself. Even when I’m just dressing casual, I always try to add a little sparkle or flair.
Monika: What are your thoughts on transgender beauty pageants? Do you think they play an important role in the community?
TreasureThaDiva: I don’t see anything wrong with them. I think being a transgender woman is something to be proud of. I think oftentimes a lot of trans women are too busy trying to “be a woman,” instead of being themselves and finding the blessing in the transgender woman they were meant to be. Beauty pageants, in my opinion, can be a platform for us to showcase our authenticity and uniqueness. It’s about embracing who we are, not just conforming to a certain ideal.
Monika: Are you actively involved in your local LGBTQ+ community? What kind of work or contributions do you make?
TreasureThaDiva: Yes! I’ve done many charity drag performances for the LGBTQ+ community and can’t wait to do more! It’s always such a rewarding experience to give back and raise awareness, and I love the opportunity to bring people together through my performances. I also try to mentor and support younger members of the community, helping them feel more confident in themselves.
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| Treasure in 2014. |
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender women who are afraid of starting their transition due to fear of discrimination or hatred?
TreasureThaDiva: I would say the only enemy you have in life is fear. Once you conquer fear, you can conquer anything. Be true to yourself because I would hate to see anybody spending their lives pleasing others' idea of who they think you should be. It’s important to surround yourself with supportive people who lift you up. Remember, living authentically is the most powerful thing you can do for your own happiness. Don’t let the fear of what others think hold you back from embracing who you truly are. There will always be people who don’t understand, but there will also be those who will support and admire your courage. Take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to seek help from those who have walked the path before you. Your journey is unique, and every step forward is a victory, no matter how small it may seem.
Monika: What are your immediate next steps, and where do you envision yourself in the next 5-7 years?
TreasureThaDiva: My next step is to continue to expand my YouTube channel to a wider audience. In the future, I would love to branch out into more commercial modeling, television, and maybe someday even write a book. I remember growing up, my mother always said, “You can do anything you want in this world.” So, in my eyes, the sky is really the limit! I want to inspire others to believe in themselves as much as I believe in my own dreams. Every step I take is a step closer to becoming the person I’ve always wanted to be.
Monika: Would you say that you are truly happy now, in this moment of your life?
TreasureThaDiva: More happy than I could ever express in words. I’ve come so far on this journey, and every day I feel more at peace with myself. I’m learning to embrace every part of who I am, and that has brought me a deep sense of fulfillment.
Monika: TreasureThaDiva, it was a pleasure to interview you. Thanks a lot!
All the photos: courtesy of TreasureThaDiva.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska
