Interview with Mina Caputo

Mina Caputo’s story had already begun long before she became one of the most recognizable transgender figures in heavy music. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1973, she grew up with music as an important part of her identity and, as she later recalled, began experimenting with feminine presentation as a child. By her late teens, however, her life had taken an unexpected turn. She had imagined studying at Juilliard and pursuing classical music, but instead found herself at the center of New York’s emerging alternative-metal scene. At 19, she became the vocalist of Life of Agony, the Brooklyn band she co-founded with guitarist Joey Z, bassist Alan Robert and drummer Sal Abruscato. Their 1993 debut, River Runs Red, became a defining record of the era, its intensely personal songs about pain, alienation and emotional struggle establishing Caputo as a distinctive and emotionally exposed vocalist. Life of Agony's success came with a complicated personal cost. Caputo later described feeling trapped by the masculine identity expected of her as the front person of a successful metal band. She has said that she knew from an early age that she wanted to live as a woman, but did not initially have the language to understand her feelings. She spent years trying to reconcile that private reality with the public persona of a male rock singer. The band's rapid success after River Runs Red also meant that the life she had imagined for herself became increasingly difficult to pursue.

 

Life of Agony went through several chapters of separation and reunion. Caputo left the band in 1997, returned for its 2003 reunion, and appeared on Broken Valley in 2005. Around the same period, she continued developing a substantial solo career, eventually releasing several records outside Life of Agony. Her solo work gave her space to explore a more intimate and eclectic musical identity than the heavy sound for which she was best known. In 2011, Caputo publicly came out as transgender and began living openly as Mina. The announcement came during a period when Life of Agony was again drawing to a close, making the end of one chapter inseparable from the beginning of another. Her transition was not simply a change of public identity. It represented the release of something she had carried since childhood, after years of feeling that she was performing a role that did not belong to her. In interviews at the time, she spoke candidly about the fear involved in becoming vulnerable in front of an enormous audience, while also making clear that she could no longer continue living against her own sense of self.

Interview with Antonette Rea

 

Antonette Alexandra Rea is a Canadian transgender poet and activist whose powerful spoken-word poetry gives voice to experiences of identity, stigma, survival, and the search for self-acceptance. Based in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, she has been performing her work publicly since 2008 and has become known for the honesty and fearlessness with which she explores difficult subjects. Her writing has appeared in publications including Geist, Megaphone, and SAD Mag, and she has participated in the Thursdays Writing Collective, a community of writers in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Rea began writing poetry while working on the streets, using it as a way to cope with difficult experiences and express emotions that were not always easy to put into words. Her work is deeply rooted in her own life, including her experiences of vulnerability, anxiety, marginalisation, and the struggle to feel safe and accepted in the world. In 2009, she won the Downtown Eastside Writers’ Jamboree Writing Contest with her poem Free Me from Anxiety, a candid work about overcoming anxiety and becoming more comfortable with herself.

 

In 2013, Rea was featured in a presentation by Vancouver’s Community Arts Council, which highlighted her poetry collection A Tranny Tapestry of Reality, containing five poems and two pieces of poetic prose. Her writing combines unflinching honesty with humour and hope, offering a personal perspective on experiences that are often overlooked or misunderstood. Through her poetry and public performances, she brings attention to the lives of transgender and intersex people and the challenges they face. Rea’s story was also reaching a wider audience through filmmaker Gwen Haworth’s documentary A Woman with a Past, which explores her experiences as a transgender and intersex poet, including the stigma, violence, and addiction she has faced. The film highlights the importance of humour and poetry in her life, presenting creative expression as a way to confront painful experiences and find a path towards healing. Through her words and her willingness to share her story, Antonette Alexandra Rea offers a distinctive and deeply personal voice in Canadian poetry and transgender activism.

Interview with Rachel Mann

Rachel Mann is a British transgender woman, Church of England priest, poet, theologian, broadcaster, and music journalist whose life and work bring together faith, gender, literature, and a passion for music. In June 2014, she serves as priest-in-charge of St. Nicholas’ Church in Burnage, Manchester, and has recently been appointed a Minor Canon of Manchester Cathedral in recognition of her work as the cathedral’s resident poet. She is also the author of Dazzling Darkness: Gender, Sexuality, Illness & God (2012), a memoir exploring her experiences as a trans woman, a lesbian, and a Christian.

 

Beyond her ministry, Mann is a prolific writer whose interests range from feminist theology and questions of identity to poetry and the darker, theatrical world of heavy metal, progressive rock, and folk music. Her 2013 collection The Risen Dust: Poems and Stories of Passion & Resurrection reflects her interest in the relationship between creativity, spirituality, and faith. In her writing and public discussions, she challenges the exclusion of transgender people from religious communities, arguing for a Christianity grounded in unconditional love and welcome. Her own experience of finding faith after transition gives her a distinctive perspective on the relationship between gender, sexuality, disability, and belief.

Interview with Lianne Simon

 

Lianne Simon is an American Christian writer, social activist, and housewife whose work focuses on the experiences of people born with intersex variations. Born with mixed gonadal dysgenesis, a condition affecting sexual development, she draws on her own experiences to help others understand the challenges that intersex people and their families may face. Through her writing and advocacy, she seeks to challenge misconceptions about intersex conditions and encourage a more compassionate understanding of human biological diversity. In 2012, Simon published her debut novel, Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite, through Faie Miss Press. The book tells the story of Jamie, an intersex teenager who is raised as a boy but struggles with the expectations placed upon her by family and society as she comes to understand herself.

 

Blending personal themes with fiction, the novel explores questions of identity, belonging, family relationships, and the difficulties of growing up when one's experiences do not fit conventional expectations of sex and gender. Beyond her literary work, Simon has devoted herself to raising awareness of mixed gonadal dysgenesis and supporting parents of children born with this condition. Her Christian faith is also an important part of her life, shaping her interest in the relationship between religion, family, and the acceptance of intersex people. She hopes to help families approach these questions with greater understanding and sensitivity, while encouraging conversations that are often made difficult by stigma and a lack of reliable information. Through her novel and social activism, Simon seeks to give a voice to experiences that are rarely represented in mainstream literature and to help intersex people and their families feel less alone.

Interview with Michela Ledwidge

Michela Ledwidge is an Australian artist, director and technologist whose career brings together creativity, programming and experimental filmmaking. Fascinated by computers from an early age, she began exploring technology in the 1980s, when she secretly played with her father's Commodore 64. Her early interest in computers grew into a lifelong passion for finding new ways to tell stories and bring interactive media to life. Living in Sydney, Australia, Michela works at the intersection of film, technology and interactive media. She began her gender transition at the age of 25, and her personal and professional journeys reflect a willingness to explore new possibilities and challenge conventional boundaries.

 

Michela founded MOD Films in the United Kingdom in 2004, developing experimental approaches to cinema that allow audiences to engage with and remix film content. In 2010, she co-founded Mod Productions in Sydney with Mish Sparks, creating a studio dedicated to interactive entertainment and innovative media experiences. Among their projects is The Virtual Orchestra, an immersive installation developed with the Australian Chamber Orchestra that allows audiences to experience performances through interactive three-dimensional imagery and sound. A technologist as well as an artist, Michela enjoys writing, coding and composing music. Her early exposure to the internet profoundly influenced her approach to media-making, encouraging her to explore the possibilities of networked communication and collaboration. Through her work, she brings together technical knowledge and artistic imagination, continually exploring new ways to connect audiences with stories and experiences.

Interview with Alison Grillo

Alison Grillo is a New York City stand-up comedian whose sharp wit, deadpan delivery, and observations about everyday life have earned her recognition in the comedy world. She appeared on NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2010, gaining an opportunity to introduce her humour to a wider audience. Her work also attracted attention from The Advocate, which included her among its LGBT comedians to watch in 2011 and later featured her in its 2013 selection of the five hottest transgender comedians. For Grillo, comedy became much more than a profession. In an interview with Xtra Magazine in 2011, she explained that she took up stand-up after transitioning, moving to New York City, enrolling in comedy classes, and beginning a new chapter in her life. She described comedy as both a healing experience and a source of fun, explaining how humour had always been one of her most distinctive qualities and a way to make a favourable impression on others.

 

Her approach favours punchlines and concise jokes over lengthy storytelling. Grillo has spoken about her preference for a direct style of stand-up, where a well-timed joke can deliver an immediate laugh. She has also performed for audiences beyond New York, including a 2011 queer comedy fundraiser in Ottawa, Canada, where she brought her acerbic wit to an international audience. Grillo has established herself as a distinctive voice among transgender comedians, using laughter to explore life and connect with audiences. Her story is a reminder that transition can open the door to new creative possibilities, allowing people to discover talents and pursue ambitions that bring them joy.

Interview with Allyson Hamblett

 

Allyson Hamblett is a New Zealand transgender activist, artist, musician, and disability rights advocate who has dedicated much of her life to supporting others and promoting equality. Based in Auckland, she has been involved in organisations including GenderBridge, Agender New Zealand, TransAdvocates, and CCS Disability Action, contributing to efforts to improve the lives and visibility of transgender people and people with disabilities. Having begun her transition in 1998, Allyson has drawn on her personal experiences to advocate for greater understanding, acceptance, and equal rights for transgender people.

 

Her work has included building support networks, raising awareness of the challenges faced by the transgender community, and campaigning for better access to appropriate healthcare and legal recognition. She has also been involved in disability advocacy, highlighting the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and respect for individual differences. Alongside her activism, Allyson is passionate about creative expression, particularly painting, songwriting, and performing music. Through both her artistic pursuits and community work, she has sought to encourage others to express themselves, overcome barriers, and live more authentically.

Interview with Gerri Cannon

Gerri Cannon is an American transgender activist whose life has taken her through several different professional worlds, from more than thirty years in the computer industry to running her own carpentry business and eventually becoming a truck driver. A woman of many talents and interests, she has never been afraid to learn new skills and find a way forward when circumstances changed. Yet her journey has also been about discovering the courage to live authentically after decades of struggling with her gender identity. Married with two daughters, Gerri began exploring her femininity in midlife and eventually found the freedom to live full-time as a woman.

 

Alongside her professional life, Gerri has devoted considerable energy to supporting the transgender community. She helped establish the Tri Ess New England chapter in 1999, providing support for crossdressers and their families, and participated in numerous advocacy and educational initiatives through organizations such as Speak Out Boston, PFLAG-NH, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Greater Boston Business Council. She has also spoken publicly about transgender experiences, worked to promote equal rights in New Hampshire, and advocated for the inclusion of gender identity and expression in non-discrimination legislation. In this interview, Gerri talks about the challenges of transitioning in midlife, navigating traditionally male-dominated workplaces, finding acceptance within her family and church, and the importance of making transgender voices heard. Her story is one of resilience, independence, and the determination to help others find the courage to be themselves.

Interview with Vanessa Sheridan

Vanessa Sheridan is an American expert consultant, published author, speaker, and trainer who has dedicated much of her professional life to increasing public understanding of transgender people and their experiences. Since 1991, she has worked to promote transgender awareness, offering guidance and education to organizations seeking to create more inclusive environments. One of her principal areas of expertise is transgender inclusion in the workplace, where she helps employers understand the challenges faced by transgender employees and the importance of treating everyone with dignity, fairness, and respect. Sheridan is also an influential author whose work explores the relationship between transgender identity, Christian faith, spirituality, and social justice. Her books include Cross Purposes: On Being Christian and Crossgendered (1999), Crossing Over: Liberating the Transgendered Christian (2001), and Transgender Journeys (2003), co-written with Virginia Ramey Mollenkott. Her pioneering writing on transgender spirituality earned recognition as a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award. 

 

In 2009, she published The Complete Guide to Transgender in the Workplace, a groundbreaking book offering practical advice to employers, human resources professionals, and transgender employees. Drawing on her experience working with organizations, including major corporations, she addressed workplace discrimination and outlined ways to improve company policies, professional relationships, and opportunities for transgender people. Beyond her writing and consulting, Vanessa has held leadership and advisory positions in organizations dedicated to equality and inclusion, including serving as Executive Director of the Institute for Transgender Economic Advancement, as a member of the national Transgender Advisory Committee for Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, and on the advisory board of GLBTQ Online High School. She was also the first transgender member of the board of directors of the Stonewall National Museum and Archives. Through her diverse professional activities, Sheridan has worked to challenge misconceptions, promote understanding, and advance the equality of transgender people in both religious and professional settings.

Interview with Rachel Coy Blunk

 

Rachel Coy Blunk is an American transgender activist and a former sheriff’s deputy in Pasco County, Florida, whose journey to becoming the woman she was meant to be was marked by courage, perseverance, and considerable personal sacrifice. A disabled Army veteran, former law enforcement officer, and certified Microsoft technician, Rachel spent years trying to conform to society’s expectations of masculinity. She served in the Army for four years, attended the Police Academy, and built a career in law enforcement before deciding, at the age of thirty-seven, to bring her outer appearance into alignment with her inner self. Rachel began her transition while working as a deputy, a decision that brought serious professional challenges. Although her superiors initially appeared supportive, she soon experienced discrimination, isolation, and hostility from colleagues. She describes a particularly frightening incident in which a fellow deputy failed to provide backup during a dangerous domestic call. Disagreements over uniform regulations and the cancellation of her female bulletproof vest ultimately contributed to her decision to retire early. The consequences extended far beyond her career: she lost her income, struggled financially, and became estranged from members of her family.

 

Yet Rachel’s story is also one of love and rebuilding. After meeting Floyd, a retired Army major, online, she found a partner who supported her transition and her dreams. They married, and over time Rachel was able to reconnect with her family. Having experienced both rejection and acceptance, she understands how important love, encouragement, and a supportive community can be in a transgender woman’s life. Rachel is also outspoken about the need to protect transgender people from violence and workplace discrimination. She believes that greater public education and more accurate media representations are essential to challenging stereotypes and helping society understand transgender women. Although health problems have limited her political involvement and her ability to pursue some of her interests, she has not lost her desire to encourage others. Her advice to trans women struggling with gender dysphoria is to embrace who they are, seek professional guidance and a strong support network, remain patient, and never give up on their dreams.

Interview with Melissa Marie Alexander

Melissa Marie Alexander is an American transgender activist, lawyer, businesswoman, and college instructor who was involved in advocating for transgender rights and equality in Ohio. As Vice-Chair of TransOhio, she contributed to the work of an organization dedicated to improving the lives of transgender and gender-nonconforming people through advocacy, education, and community support. Her professional background in law and business, together with her experience in higher education, gave her a range of perspectives on the challenges facing transgender people and the importance of equal rights, visibility, and inclusion. Her career has spanned several fields. Before moving into business and education, Alexander practised law for more than twenty years, specialising primarily in litigation, employment law, and labour law. She later established a business in meeting and event planning, earning the Certified Meeting Professional designation. 

 

Alexander subsequently returned to teaching, where she took pride in preparing students for their professional futures and received a Master Teacher award in 2012. She has also been actively involved in transgender advocacy. Since joining TransOhio's board of directors in 2009, she has helped organise the organisation's annual conferences, contributed to its nonprofit status application, and delivered presentations and workshops at businesses, schools, colleges, churches, and community organisations. She has also participated in advocacy initiatives with Equality Ohio and travelled to Washington, D.C., to lobby Congress in support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). Through her professional achievements and community involvement, she has worked to promote transgender visibility, educate the public, and advance equality and dignity for transgender people.

Interview with Arianna Lint

Arianna Lint is a Peruvian-born transgender activist and advocate living in Florida. She is the Director of SunServe’s Transgender Services Department and co-president of the Translatin@ Coalition, where she works to improve the lives of transgender people, particularly transgender Latin American immigrants in the United States. Through her work, Arianna addresses the many challenges faced by transgender people, including discrimination, barriers to employment, difficulties accessing healthcare, and social exclusion. She believes that advocacy must go hand in hand with practical support, education, and the creation of safe spaces where transgender people can find understanding and assistance.

 

At SunServe, Arianna is developing the Surviving & Thriving programme, which provides advocacy, education, case management, mental health services, and support groups for transgender individuals. Her work with the Translatin@ Coalition also focuses on developing strategies to improve the quality of life of transgender Latin American immigrants and ensuring that their particular needs and experiences are represented in wider discussions about equality and human rights. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Arianna is working on her memoirs, hoping to share her personal experiences and offer encouragement to others facing similar struggles. She believes that being true to oneself is essential, even when the journey is difficult, and emphasizes the importance of finding supportive people who can help make that journey easier. Through her activism and community work, she hopes to contribute to a world in which transgender people can live openly, safely, and with dignity.

Interview with Renee James

Renee James is a Chicago-area writer, former magazine editor and owner, Vietnam veteran, licensed hairdresser, blogger, and wilderness adventurer. After more than four decades working in magazine publishing, she turns her attention to fiction and becomes the author of Coming Out Can Be Murder (2012), her debut novel. The book wins the Chicago Writers Association's Indie Book of the Year award and a bronze medal in ForeWord Reviews' LGBT Book of the Year competition. In March 2014, a revised edition is published under the title Transition to Murder. James's crime novel follows Bobbi Logan, a transgender hairdresser in Chicago who investigates the brutal murder of a transgender friend after the police and the media appear indifferent to the case. As Bobbi searches for the killer, she must also confront the challenges of her own gender transition.

 

Through fiction, James explores transgender experiences, prejudice, identity, and the struggle to live authentically. She believes that storytelling can help bridge the gap between transgender people and the wider public, and regrets the scarcity of transgender characters portrayed as strong, complex women in fiction, film, and theatre. A spouse, parent, and grandparent, James is in her sixties and continues to explore her own transgender identity. She describes her understanding of her gender as an evolving mystery, but has reached a point where she can appreciate the complexities it brings to her life. A veteran of the Vietnam conflict, she draws on a wide range of life experiences while pursuing her ambition of becoming a successful novelist.

Interview with Treva Angelina Askey

 

Treva Angelina Askey is a British Army veteran whose life story became the subject of Too Deep: My Journey as My Husband Becomes My Beautiful Wife, a book written by her wife, Victoria Askey, and published in 2013. Before her story reached a wider audience, Treva served in the British Army, completing tours in Kenya and the Falkland Islands, as well as operational tours in Bosnia. Her military background forms an important part of her personal history, preceding the profound changes that would later reshape her life and marriage. In Too Deep, Victoria shares her experience of her husband’s journey toward living as a woman and the impact this transformation had on their relationship.

 

The book offers a personal perspective on the challenges that can arise when one partner begins to embrace her gender identity, while the couple must also reconsider their understanding of marriage, love and their future together. Its title reflects the emotional depth of this journey, which required both partners to confront change and discover what their relationship meant to them. Published in 2013, the book brought Treva and Victoria’s story to readers interested in transgender experiences and the realities faced by couples navigating gender transition. Their story highlights the importance of understanding, honesty and emotional connection when a person begins to live more authentically. Through Victoria’s account, Treva’s journey became not only a story of personal transformation but also an exploration of how love and commitment can be tested and redefined during periods of profound change.