Vanessa Lopez is a Chilean-born Swedish model, television personality, beauty queen, and the groundbreaking author of Jag har ångrat mig (2014), which translates to I Changed My Mind. Known for being one of the youngest transgender women to transition in Sweden, Vanessa began her journey of gender affirmation at 16 and underwent surgery by age 20. Her life story and public presence have made her one of Sweden’s most visible and outspoken transgender figures. In 2011, Vanessa rose to national fame by participating in the Swedish edition of Big Brother, where her presence sparked widespread discussion on gender diversity. That same year, she represented Sweden at Miss International Queen in Thailand, one of the world’s most prestigious beauty pageants for transgender women. Through this experience, she deepened her connection with cultures that embrace gender variance and found solidarity among international transgender sisters.
Vanessa's autobiography challenges conventional ideas about transgender identity, hormone therapy, and surgery. Drawing inspiration from the indigenous Mapuche heritage and the Native American concept of the Two-Spirit, she advocates for broader acceptance of gender diversity and self-expression beyond binary norms. She openly reflects on her own transition, questioning whether invasive medical procedures are always necessary, and calling instead for a society that honors natural gender variance.