Farah Zeiner is a passionate transgender activist, journalist, and the creative mind behind the YouTube vlog "Menschen dieser Erde." Through her work, Farah has given a voice to the transgender community, sharing powerful stories and advocating for human rights. With a background in social work and a strong commitment to equality, she has become an influential figure in the German transgender movement. Farah’s journey began in South Germany at Lake Constance, where she not only embraced her identity but also worked tirelessly to promote the rights and visibility of transgender people. Her vlog, which started as a small project with her friend Michaela Werner, has grown into a platform that showcases inspiring transgender role models. By sharing these stories, Farah has helped foster understanding and support for the transgender community, not just in Germany but globally.
Despite legal progress in Germany, Farah highlights the ongoing struggles transgender people face in everyday life, ranging from discrimination in employment and social interactions to underrepresentation in media and the arts. She advocates for greater inclusion of transgender voices in influential spaces and believes in the power of storytelling to bring about change. In this interview, we’ll explore Farah’s inspirations, challenges, and hopes for the future. From discussing the representation of transgender characters in film to the role of love and fashion in her life, she provides candid insights into the experiences that have shaped her activism. Join us as we dive into a heartfelt conversation with a woman dedicated to making a difference in the world.
Monika: Today, I have the pleasure and honor of interviewing Farah Zeiner, a German transgender activist, journalist, and the founder of the YouTube vlog Menschen dieser Erde. Welcome, Farah!
Farah: Hello Monika!
Monika: Could you share a bit about your journey and what inspired you to become an activist?
Farah: Hello, my name is Farah Zeiner. I studied social work, and I am a transgender woman who advocates for and promotes human rights, especially for transgender people in our society and around the world. I live in southern Germany at Lake Constance.
My work involves raising awareness about the challenges faced by transgender individuals, both legally and socially. Through my activism and journalism, I aim to amplify voices that are often unheard. I also enjoy connecting with people from different backgrounds, learning about their experiences, and sharing stories that inspire change. In my free time, I love exploring nature around the lake, which provides me with peace and motivation for my work.
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| Fashion Trends 2011 (DailyMotion) |
Monika: What inspired you to create a vlog where you place your interviews with transgender role models?
Farah: The inspiration to do interviews with transgender people came naturally. Together with Michaela Werner, a good friend of mine and also a transgender woman, we started making videos in our area just for fun. Over time, we developed the idea of conducting interviews with transgender individuals. It all happened step by step; we found a brave transgender woman who agreed to be our first interviewee.
After that interview, we gained a huge fan base, and more transgender people felt empowered and courageous enough to share their stories with our team. Seeing the positive impact of these interviews has been incredibly rewarding, as they help educate and inspire others. We aim to create a space where transgender voices are heard, respected, and celebrated. Through our work, we hope to break stereotypes, promote understanding, and offer support to those who may be struggling with their own journeys.
Monika: Having conducted so many interviews, you have gained deep insight into the German transgender movement. How would you describe the current situation of transgender women in German society, both legally and socially?
Farah: Looking only at legal aspects, the situation of transgender people in Germany is probably better than in most countries in the world. However, when you face "real life" and interact with "normal" people, you still encounter stereotypes and discrimination in every field, jobs, private life, culture, and so on! We have a long way to go before we can truly say we have the same rights and are treated like everyone else.
While legal progress has been made, many transgender women still struggle with bureaucratic hurdles, medical access issues, and social acceptance. Visibility has increased, but with it, so has backlash from conservative groups. Many transgender individuals still experience workplace discrimination or rejection from their families. This is why activism, education, and representation in the media remain so important in pushing for true equality.
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| Fashion Trends 2011 (DailyMotion) |
Monika: What is your perspective on the representation of transgender women in German art and media? Do you think their presence is evolving in a meaningful way?
Farah: There are a few transgender women in the media, but unfortunately, not in leading positions; most of them are part of the yellow press. I wish there were more transgender women working in art, media, important social fields, and so on. Representation is crucial because it shapes public perception and provides role models for younger generations.
While we have seen some progress, the entertainment and cultural industries still hesitate to give transgender women the same opportunities as their cisgender counterparts. Many transgender artists struggle to gain recognition beyond LGBTQ+ circles, limiting their reach and impact. We need more diverse and authentic stories that reflect our experiences, told by transgender creators themselves.
Monika: Are there notable transgender talents in Germany making an impact in fields beyond art and media? Do you see any emerging leaders within the community?
Farah: I think the transgender community is doing a lot, but we don't have a leading figure like the gay community used to have in the past or still has nowadays. There are many talented transgender individuals working in activism, politics, academia, and business, but they often don’t receive the recognition they deserve.
Some transgender people are making waves in scientific research and social work, contributing significantly to society. However, mainstream visibility remains a challenge, and many struggle to gain influence in decision-making spaces. It would be great to see more transgender individuals in leadership roles, advocating for real change and shaping policies that affect our community.
Monika: When you transitioned, were there any transgender role models you looked up to, or did you have to navigate the journey on your own?
Farah: No, I did not. I just met people in the same situation that I was in, and we helped each other as much as we could. Back then, visibility for transgender people was much lower, and reliable information was hard to find. We had to rely on personal connections and shared experiences to guide us through the challenges.
I often wished there had been public figures or accessible resources to offer guidance and inspiration. Today, the landscape has changed, and young transgender people have more role models, which I think is a great step forward.
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| Farah Zeiner - "jeder zählt!". Source: YouTube. |
Monika: Reflecting on your coming out, what was the hardest part of the process for you personally, and how did others’ reactions impact that experience?
Farah: The hardest thing about my coming out was the insecurity that I faced and the inner insecurity that was amplified by the reactions of other people. It was not just about revealing my true self, but also dealing with the fear of rejection and judgment from those around me.
Every time someone expressed doubt or disbelief, it reinforced the uncertainty I already felt. The emotional toll was significant, and at times it made me question if I had made the right decision. However, with time, I grew stronger and more confident in who I am, learning to trust myself more. Now, I focus on the positive responses and support I receive, which helps me navigate challenges with a more resilient mindset.
Monika: A few weeks ago, Jared Leto received an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the transgender character Rayon in Dallas Buyers Club. What are your thoughts on how transgender stories or characters have been represented in films, books, and the media so far?
Farah: Stories and films can help, but they never replace real-life experience, if you know what I mean. While movies like Dallas Buyers Club can bring awareness to transgender issues, they often fall short in capturing the true complexity of transgender lives. Many times, these portrayals are seen through the lens of a cisgender perspective, which can lead to misrepresentation.
What’s more, the roles are often played by cisgender actors, which further disconnects the portrayal from authentic transgender experiences. It's important to have transgender people involved in telling their own stories, both in front of and behind the camera. Only then can we expect more accurate, respectful, and impactful representations in mainstream media.
Monika: Are you personally involved in politics or any lobbying efforts? Do you believe transgender women can make a significant impact in political spaces?
Farah: I think everyone who is engaged in society (politics) can make a difference, but transgender people in politics should tell the world about their transgender experiences so it becomes part of the agenda. This inclusion will spark important discussions and hopefully bring about meaningful change in society.
Transgender voices are essential in shaping policies that directly affect our community, and having representation in political spaces can help push for laws that ensure equality and rights. While there is still much work to be done, seeing more transgender people involved in politics is a step toward a more inclusive and just future. Politics can sometimes be an intimidating space, but when we share our experiences, we create opportunities for transformation.
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| Fashion Trends 2011 (DailyMotion) |
Monika: How would you describe the role of love in your life, and why do you think it’s so essential for personal well-being?
Farah: Everyone needs love, freedom, and peace. This is very important. Love provides emotional support and strength, helping us navigate life's challenges. It’s not only about romantic love, but also the love we give and receive from friends, family, and even ourselves. Having a sense of love and acceptance creates a foundation for happiness and resilience, especially during difficult times. It also empowers us to build meaningful connections with others, fostering a sense of belonging in a sometimes divided world.
Monika: Do you enjoy fashion, and how would you describe your personal style? Are there any specific colors, trends, or designers that inspire you?
Farah: I love casual looks; at the moment, my favorite colors are green, orange, and purple. I enjoy wearing outfits that are comfortable but still express my personality. Fashion, for me, is about feeling confident and at ease, while also embracing bold colors that make a statement. I tend to gravitate toward pieces that are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
I also love mixing and matching textures to add some flair to my wardrobe. While I’m not obsessed with trends, I do keep an eye on what’s current, but I always prioritize what feels good to wear.
Monika: Many transgender women choose to write memoirs about their journeys. Have you ever considered writing a book about your own experiences, or do you feel it's not the right time?
Farah: I have experienced so many things in my life that it would be a very thick book, but today it doesn't feel right for me to write a book. Maybe one day, I will feel more ready to share my story in that way, but for now, I prefer to focus on my work and advocacy. Writing a book is such a personal and vulnerable process, and I think it’s important to wait for the right moment when it feels authentic.
That being said, I do share my experiences through my interviews and activism, which I believe also helps to tell my story in a meaningful way. There’s always the possibility of writing a book in the future, but right now, my focus is on empowering others through conversation and action.
Monika: Are you working on any new projects now?
Farah: We are searching for new interview guests all the time and other projects will be coming soon too.
Monika: Farah, thank you for the interview!
All the photos: courtesy of Farah Zeiner.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska
