Madi Madeleine Kruse Madsen is a pioneering Danish transgender activist and the proud owner of not one, but two successful beauty parlors. Madi, 55, transitioned from living as a man for the first 50 years of her life to becoming the woman she always knew she was. Over the past five years, she has embraced her authentic self while also building a thriving business in the beauty industry. In addition to her work in the beauty field, Madi is a prominent voice for the transgender community in Denmark, having appeared on television and actively participated in advocacy through FATID, a political organization for transgender people. She's been instrumental in pushing for significant legal reforms in Denmark, including the right to legally change gender without undergoing surgery and improving healthcare provisions for transgender individuals.
Madi’s entrepreneurial spirit has transformed her beauty parlors, where she offers a range of treatments, including her signature diamond dermabrasion and gold treatment, a favorite among her clients. Despite the hardships she’s faced, including losing her IT career, marriage, and a successful dog breeding business during her transition, Madi remains focused on her passion for beauty and activism, with plans for future projects, including a counseling center for transgender individuals. In this interview, Madi shares her insights on her journey, the challenges transgender women face, her vision for a more inclusive society, and how she balances her professional ambitions with personal aspirations. Let's dive into her story.
Monika: Hello Madi! It’s such a pleasure to connect with you today. I’ve been looking forward to this conversation, especially considering all the amazing work you’ve been doing in the transgender community and the beauty industry.
Madi: Hi Monika, thank you so much for inviting me to this interview. It's a real pleasure to speak with a fellow transgender woman who truly understands what I've been through. I hope this conversation can offer some insight into both our journeys and help others who might be going through something similar.
Monika: Could you share a bit about your journey and how you arrived at this point in your life?
Madi: I am 55 years old now, and I spent the first 50 years of my life living as a man – even though I always knew deep down that I would rather be a woman. So, I spent the last 5 years transitioning from man to woman. It has been a journey of self-discovery, one that was not without its challenges, but also incredibly rewarding. The transition has given me the opportunity to truly embrace who I am and to live authentically for the first time in my life. I am proud of the woman I have become and continue to be amazed by how much more comfortable and at peace I feel each day.
Monika: As the owner of two beauty parlors, could you tell us about the special treatments you offer and how your business has evolved over time?
Madi: We actually have two beauty parlors, and we perform a total of 40 to 50 treatments for customers each day. I’ve been in this business for about a year now, and I’ve managed to grow it from one small shop doing about five treatments a day to where we are now, ten times the size. Our main offerings include three types of treatments: normal facial treatments, massages, and slimming treatments using Lipo Laser and Cavitation equipment. The growth has been incredibly rewarding, and we’re always looking for new ways to help our customers feel and look their best.
Monika: Which beauty treatment has been the most popular this year, and what makes it stand out from others?
Madi: We offer a special facial treatment that combines diamond dermabrasion with high-quality Swiss creams, applied using 24-karat gold equipment. This treatment is my own invention, the unique gold and diamond treatment, and it’s been very popular due to its efficiency and luxurious feel. Customers love the results, and it’s truly rewarding to see such positive feedback. It's a perfect blend of innovation and luxury, making it stand out in the beauty industry.
Monika: You’ve been invited to take part in many TV programs focused on transgender issues in Denmark. How do you feel about this, and what message do you aim to convey through these appearances?
Madi: Yes, last year I was the main character in a widely viewed TV show, and I used that platform to raise awareness about the existence of transgender people. My main message was that we should be accepted and treated just like anyone else, regardless of our gender identity. It’s important for people to see us as real individuals with the same rights, hopes, and dreams. I hope my involvement in these shows helps normalize transgender experiences and sparks important conversations about equality.
Monika: During your transition, were there any transgender role models you looked up to or found inspiration from?
Madi: No, I didn’t have any real role models at the time. However, I did meet some other transgender people along the way, and their experiences convinced me that transitioning was not only possible but could lead to living an authentic life. Seeing others take that step gave me the courage to pursue my own transition, even without a clear roadmap to follow. It showed me that, no matter how unique our journeys may be, we are all capable of becoming who we truly are.
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| In her beauty parlor. |
Monika: What would you say was the most challenging aspect of your coming out?
Madi: Well, I lost a lot during my transition. I had 25 years of experience in the IT business and was in a well-paying, important role, unfortunately, I lost that job. I had been married for 5 years to a woman who I thought was understanding and supportive, but I lost that marriage as well. I also had a successful business breeding dogs, which I had to walk away from. It felt like I was starting over from scratch, and I had to rebuild a completely new career and life. It wasn’t easy, but I believe everything I lost made way for the opportunities and the person I am now, and it taught me to be resilient in the face of change.
Monika: A few weeks ago, Jared Leto won 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 and characters are represented in films, newspapers, and books?
Madi: Honestly, I don’t think fictional transgender characters in films, newspapers, or books really help the transgender community that much. While these characters may raise awareness, they don't necessarily reflect the real struggles or experiences of transgender people. What we truly need are real role models who can show the world who we are beyond stereotypes. For each country, I believe there should be three key role models: at least one transgender pop star, a transgender politician, and a transgender TV host on one of the major news or talk shows. These kinds of figures would truly help shift public perception and increase understanding of transgender people in society.
Monika: What are your thoughts on the current situation of transgender women in Danish society?
Madi: Unfortunately, the situation for transgender women in Denmark is not very positive. Around 80% are unemployed and rely on some form of public assistance, while only a small percentage manage to live a more traditional or stable life. The Danish laws surrounding transgender transition have been outdated for quite some time, which has created a lot of challenges for many in the community. These laws don't provide the support needed for a smooth transition, leaving many transgender women struggling to find their footing. It's clear that changes are necessary to improve the situation for transgender people in Denmark.
Monika: Do you think transgender rights could become the new frontier for human rights?
Madi: No, I don't think so. There are simply too few transgender people to make a large-scale impact on the broader human rights movement. However, human rights are crucial in creating better conditions and protections for transgender individuals. Ensuring equal treatment, access to healthcare, and legal recognition for transgender people can significantly improve their lives and opportunities. It’s essential that we focus on the basic human rights of transgender individuals to help them live with dignity and respect.
Monika: Are you involved in politics? Do you participate in any lobbying efforts? And do you believe transgender women can make a significant impact in the political world?
Madi: Yes, I am actively involved in politics. I work closely with a select group of transgender individuals in the organization FATID – a group of politically engaged transgender people in Denmark. FATID has certainly made a tangible impact in the political landscape here. This year, we are expecting three significant advancements for transgender rights in Denmark:
- A new law will be passed that allows individuals to change their gender legally, without any requirements for physical sex change or surgeries.
- The Danish public health law will be updated with a new section dedicated to transgender people, no longer categorizing them as mentally unstable.
- A new public code of practice will be introduced for transgender people, recognizing the diversity of the community and acknowledging the variety of treatments and lifestyles that we prefer. I also have numerous political contacts and regularly meet with members of the Danish parliament to provide them with updates and insights about transgender issues.
Monika: Is there anyone in the Danish transgender community whose work could be compared to Harvey Milk's impact on gay activism in the U.S. during the 60s and 70s?
Madi: I have worked with many different transgender organizations in Denmark, and there is one person who stands out for making a significant difference: Ms. Irene Haffner. She is a transgender woman herself, and her political activism has been instrumental in driving change. Many of the improvements we are seeing this year are, to a large extent, thanks to her tireless efforts. Her dedication and passion have truly shaped the progress of transgender rights in Denmark.
Monika: Could you share your thoughts on the role love plays in your life?
Madi: Oh, love in my life... yes, that’s the big challenge. It’s incredibly important to me, but it’s also so difficult to make it work. I often find it much easier to build a successful business than to find someone to love. I’m fortunate to have some wonderful girlfriends, but when it comes to romantic love, I haven’t been able to find that special someone just yet. It’s a journey I hope will eventually lead to the kind of love I’m looking for.
Monika: Do you have a passion for fashion? What kind of outfits do you usually wear? Are there any specific designs, colors, or trends that you gravitate towards?
Madi: To be honest, I’m almost always working, so my wardrobe tends to be quite practical. I usually wear black dresses or black skirts with blouses. Black is my go-to color, it's simple and easy when I need to get dressed quickly. It’s a no-fuss look that works for the daily grind, though I do appreciate fashion when I get the chance to indulge in it.
Monika: Many transgender women choose to write memoirs to share their stories. Have you ever considered writing a book about your own journey?
Madi: Well, I think that’s something you can do when you get older. Personally, though, I don’t plan on getting old! I prefer to focus on living life to the fullest right now.
Monika: Are you currently working on any exciting new projects?
Madi: Yes, I’m always working on new projects to expand my business. We’re constantly coming up with fresh ideas. Soon, we’ll be introducing services like tattoo removal with YAG laser, spider vein treatments, and new facial therapies. On the transgender front, my next big project is to establish a counseling center specifically for transgender people, which I believe will be incredibly valuable.
Monika: Having gone through your own transition, what advice would you give to transgender women who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Madi: Having gone through my own transition, I understand how challenging it can be. My advice would be to think very carefully about your decision and make a solid plan. Transitioning isn’t an easy process, so it's important to anticipate the difficulties ahead. If you do choose to transition, my recommendation is not to get too absorbed in the transgender community. While it’s helpful, don’t let it define you. Focus on your transition and then move forward to live the life you’ve always desired.
Monika: Madi, thank you for the interview!
All the photos: courtesy of Madi Madsen.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska
