Jessica Vorster is a young South African transgender woman who documents her transition journey on YouTube. Initially, she started sharing her experiences in the hope of raising money for gender-affirming surgeries, but soon discovered that people were also interested in the personal story behind her transition. Living full time since December 2013, Jessica was happy with the changes brought about by hormone therapy and looked forward to the next stages of her transition. A cheerful, talkative person who enjoyed helping others, she hoped that sharing her story would encourage other transgender women to embrace themselves and find the courage to live authentically.
Jessica is also outspoken about the challenges facing transgender women in South Africa, including discrimination in the workplace and difficulties navigating the legal process of changing one's name and gender. Although she is not directly involved in politics, she believes that transgender women can make a real difference by entering political life. She also recognizes the importance of transgender representation in the media, both in helping cisgender people understand their experiences and in reassuring young transgender people that they are not alone. Supported by her loving fiancé, Jessica dreams of completing her surgeries, running her own business and establishing a nonprofit organization to help transgender people who cannot afford gender-affirming care.
Monika: Jessica, welcome!
Jessica: Hi Monika! Thanks for inviting me to do this interview!
Monika: To begin, tell me a little about yourself.
Jessica: I'm a transgender woman, 22 years of age. I'm just trying to find my place in this world. I've been living full time since December 2013 and have been on HRT for a year and 10 months now. I'm a happy-go-lucky kind of person who likes to talk and help people.
Monika: What made you decide to share the details of your transition on YouTube?
Jessica: At first I wanted to raise money in order to go for surgeries, but people wanted to hear the story behind the story, so I have been working on a few new videos that will be up on YouTube soon.
Monika: Where are you in your transition right now?
Jessica: At the moment I'm waiting for my name and gender change documents. The new hormone therapy I'm on is doing great. I can say for the first time I'm happy with the results, lol.
Monika: You mentioned the results. How satisfied are you with your hormone therapy so far?
Jessica: I'm satisfied with my results. I started at a young age, so my skin got a lot softer, hair growth slowed down, my breasts got bigger and my facial features got a lot softer. Most people can't say that I was a “boy.” I'm very happy at the stage I'm at now. The next stage will obviously be surgeries.
Monika: Which transgender role models do you follow?
Jessica: Yes, I like Lisa Du Preez, Gigi Gorgeous and Princess Joules.
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| 19-year-old Jessica. |
Monika: Looking back at your coming out, what was the hardest part?
Jessica: Coming out to my parents was very hard. My dad is very old school, so he has a problem accepting me as his daughter.
Monika: And how did your mom, the rest of your family and your friends respond?
Jessica: My mom is OK with it, she wants me to be happy. My other family don't talk to me anymore, but it's their loss, not mine, lol. My friends are very happy for me, as they knew I wasn't myself.
Monika: What is your general view on the present situation of transgender women in your country?
Jessica: More and more people are accepting it, but transgender women still face discrimination, in my opinion. Some transgender women get fired from their jobs and then have to resort to other means in order to generate income.
Monika: Are there obstacles on the legal side of transition as well?
Jessica: There is also the problem at Home Affairs, the place where we need to get our gender and name changed. The people working with gender changes don't understand, or don't know what to do with our applications.
Monika: Transgender stories and characters have appeared in films, newspapers and books. What do you think about that?
Jessica: I think it's a good thing! Cis people can then see that we are normal, just like they are, and that we aren't out there to “catch them out.” It also helps trans children know that they aren't freaks, that there are other people like them, and that they shouldn't be ashamed to be who they are.
Monika: Are you active in politics or involved in any lobbying campaigns? Do you believe transgender women can make a difference in that arena?
Jessica: No, I'm not active in politics, because I feel like no one is actually doing something for the transgender community. I really think transgender women can make a difference in politics. In my opinion, things in South Africa will change for the best if a transgender woman gets into politics.
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| Before and After. |
Monika: How involved are you in your local LGBT community?
Jessica: I'm involved online most of the time, because there aren't a lot of transgender people in my local area.
Monika: Fashion seems to be part of your world. What kind of outfits do you usually wear, and are there any designers, colours or trends you favour?
Jessica: Yes, I do like fashion!! I love anything that's bright and feminine. It helps me a lot by boosting my confidence.
Monika: How do you feel about transgender beauty pageants?
Jessica: I think it's great, because it's a platform most transgender ladies want to be on. It shows people that transgender ladies can do well in beauty pageants and make a name for themselves in the modeling community.
Monika: What role does love play in your life?
Jessica: Well, I'm engaged to a wonderful man and he supports me 110%. It's important to me because he helps me through the tough times and shows me that I'm beautiful no matter what anyone says. With a lot of love, you can feel wonderful and sexy no matter what anyone thinks of you.
Monika: Many transgender women tell their stories in memoirs. Could you see yourself writing one?
Jessica: Yes, I would write a memoir, because my life wasn't as easy as everyone thinks it is. I had my struggles in life and it made me a stronger person. It will show people that no matter how difficult your life is, you can use that sadness and anger and learn how to use those feelings to make your life better.
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| Jessica and her fiancé. She doesn't have makeup on, lol. |
Monika: What would you say to transgender women who are afraid of transitioning early, or of facing discrimination and hatred?
Jessica: I would recommend that they transition as early as possible, because it will make their life so much better. I think that you shouldn't hide for so long, because there are a lot of other problems that arise when you are a bit older. Just go for it, don't hide. There is going to be some loss, but you will gain a lot as well. Be happy!
Monika: What is your next step at the moment, and where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 7 years?
Jessica: I see myself done with my surgeries and owning my own business. I would also like to start a nonprofit organization to help transgender people who can't pay for their surgeries. I really think that is what is needed in South Africa, as our medical aids don't cover it.
Monika: Jessica, it was a pleasure talking with you. Thank you so much!
All the photos: courtesy of Jessica Vorster.
© 2014 - Monika
Kowalska
