Emily Iannielli is an American blogger and YouTuber who courageously shares her journey as a transgender woman. Emily identifies as male-to-female and has felt a profound awareness of her true gender since the age of three. Despite a lifelong struggle with gender dysphoria and the societal pressures of living in the closet, she has embraced her authentic self while maintaining her role as a devoted mother to her 16-year-old son and a loving partner to her wife. Educated in Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech and Accounting at Hofstra University, Emily brings a unique blend of analytical insight and personal resilience to her storytelling. Almost three years into her transition, Emily lives full-time as a pre-op transgender woman, having found both peace and joy in her hormone therapy, which has allowed her to experience meaningful physical changes and a greater sense of alignment with her true identity.
Emily has a passion for fashion, particularly dresses in vibrant colors and floral patterns, with pink being her favorite, and she embraces style as an empowering form of self-expression. She draws inspiration from trans role models such as Kim Petras, Jenna Talackova, and Laura Jane Grace, while also advocating for broader understanding and acceptance of transgender individuals. Through her blog and YouTube channel, Emily has opened a window into the realities of transitioning later in life, tackling the complexities of family, love, and identity with honesty and grace. She is actively involved in her local LGBT community, participates in support groups, and believes in the power of visibility and storytelling to challenge misconceptions about transgender women. Looking ahead, Emily hopes to integrate her transition into her family life, pursue gender-affirming surgery, continue her advocacy work, and eventually write a book sharing her experiences, offering guidance, and inspiring others facing similar journeys.
Monika: Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Emily Iannielli, an American blogger who openly shares her transition journey on YouTube. Emily, it’s such a pleasure to have you here!
Emily: Hi, Monika! It’s truly my pleasure to be part of this interview. Thank you so much for inviting me and for your thoughtful consideration, it means a lot!
Monika: Let’s start at the beginning. Could you tell us a little about yourself, your journey so far, and what drives you to share your story?
Emily: First, I want to thank you, Monika, for giving me the opportunity to share my story. I identify as a male-to-female transgender woman, and I have known since I was three years old that I should have been a girl. For many years, I fought these feelings, hoping that I could rise above them. I feel incredibly fortunate to have a son, who is 16 years old and brings me immense joy and pride. I am also still with my wife, and I will always be a father to my son, even as I transition from male to female.
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| Emily Iannielli in her favorite pink dress in 2015. |
I was educated in Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech and Accounting at Hofstra University. Currently, I am on medical disability and seeing doctors for depression and gender dysphoria. I have been on hormone replacement therapy for two and a half years, which has been life-changing in many ways. I also hope that by sharing my journey, I can offer support and inspiration to others navigating similar experiences.
Monika: What inspired you to take your transition journey public on YouTube and your blog? Was it a need to express yourself, connect with others, or something else entirely?
Emily: Honestly, Monika, I became tired of living in the closet. Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and my blog became my way of announcing my transition to the world and sharing my experiences. I wanted to liberate myself and take the first steps toward womanhood. Before going public, I shared my transition plans with my family privately, which helped me feel supported and confident. I also hoped that by sharing my story, I could inspire others who might feel alone in their journey.
Monika: How far along are you in your transition now, and how has life changed for you since you started?
Emily: I am almost three years into my transition, 2 years and 7 months, to be exact. I take estradiol (2 mg, three times a day) and a testosterone blocker, spironolactone (100 mg, twice a day). I’ve been in therapy for two years and have been living full-time as a pre-op transgender woman for the past two years. I wear women’s clothing 24/7, and my wardrobe is mostly dresses. Living openly as myself has been empowering, and each day brings a deeper sense of alignment between who I am inside and how I express myself externally.
Monika: And are you happy with the results of hormone therapy? How has it affected both your body and your mindset?
Emily: Yes, Monika, I am very satisfied. My skin has become much softer, my face has taken on a more feminine contour, and I feel more at peace with my gender dysphoria. I am also experiencing breast development and currently wear a 34A cup bra size. Beyond the physical changes, hormone therapy has helped me feel more confident and at ease in my daily life, giving me a sense of harmony I had never experienced before.
Monika: Are there transgender role models or public figures who have inspired you along the way?
Emily: Yes, I follow several transgender women on YouTube, and I’m a fan of Kim Petras, Jenna Talackova, and Laura Jane Grace. Watching their courage and creativity has motivated me to embrace my own journey and to share my experiences openly. Their visibility also reminds me that being true to yourself is powerful and transformative.
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| In one of her videos (YouTube). |
Monika: Coming out can be so challenging. What was the hardest part of your own experience?
Emily: The hardest part of coming out as a transgender woman was telling my wife and my son, who was 14 years old at the time. It was an emotional moment, filled with uncertainty and fear about how they would react. Over time, their support has been invaluable, and it has strengthened our family bond in ways I could not have imagined. I have learned that honesty and vulnerability are essential to building trust and understanding.
Monika: Looking at the bigger picture, how do you see the situation for transgender women in the United States today? Are things improving, or do you feel there are still major challenges?
Emily: I believe that the United States is still experiencing some “growing pains” when it comes to the treatment and acceptance of transgender women. However, I am optimistic that with time, education, and shifting public sentiment, society will come to recognize and respect us fully as women. Social media, public advocacy, and increased visibility are already helping to change perceptions. I also think that every small step toward understanding makes a real difference for the next generation of transgender individuals.
Monika: Media plays such a big role in shaping public opinion. How do you feel about the way transgender people and stories have been portrayed in films, newspapers, or books so far?
Emily: I think media attention is very important, and artistic expression can be a powerful tool for promoting tolerance and acceptance of transgender individuals. Sadly, there have been far too many tragedies, such as the suicide of the transgender teenager Leelah Alcorn, which highlight the challenges our community still faces. Transgender youth need a tremendous amount of love, support, and acceptance to thrive. Positive representation in media can give hope and show them that they are not alone.
Monika: Do you get involved in politics or advocacy, and do you think transgender women can really make an impact in this area?
Emily: Absolutely, I believe transgender women can make a difference in every area of life, including politics. Personally, I focus on promoting acceptance and understanding through my creative outlets, sharing my story, and raising awareness online. I also think that visibility and leadership from within our community are crucial for creating meaningful change. Even small actions, like speaking out or supporting inclusive policies, can ripple into a bigger societal impact.
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| Emily Iannielli, pre-transition days as Edward D Iannielli III in 2004. |
Monika: Are you actively involved in your local LGBT community? How do you participate, and do you feel your involvement is making a difference?
Emily: Yes, I am involved in the LGBT community, though I often feel there’s more I could do. I attend LGBT support group meetings regularly and try to participate actively in events and discussions. I hope that even small contributions, like offering support or sharing my experiences, can help others feel seen and heard. Being part of this community has also given me a sense of connection and purpose.
Monika: The transgender community is often represented as the “T” in LGBT. Do you think transgender voices are heard clearly within the larger group, or is there still work to be done?
Emily: I think the “T” in LGBT is sometimes misunderstood or misrepresented, but I also believe that transgender individuals are gaining recognition and a platform within the community. There is still work to be done to ensure our issues are fully understood and supported. Advocacy, education, and visibility are key to making sure transgender voices are not only heard but valued.
Monika: Let’s talk about fashion, do you enjoy it? What kind of outfits do you love, and are there particular colors, patterns, or trends that resonate with you?
Emily: I absolutely love fashion, but only women’s fashion. I really disliked wearing suits and ties when I was presenting as a man. Now, it’s all about dresses for me, Monika, dresses, dresses, and more dresses! I enjoy all colors, but floral patterns are my favorite, and pink is my absolute favorite color. Dressing this way makes me feel confident, feminine, and fully myself every single day.
Monika: What are your thoughts on transgender beauty pageants? Do you think they serve an important role?
Emily: I fully support transgender beauty pageants, and I also believe transgender women should have the opportunity to compete in all beauty contests, including those with cisgender women. I am very proud of trailblazers like Jenna Talackova who have challenged norms and opened doors for others. Pageants can be empowering and help show the world that beauty and talent are not limited by gender assigned at birth.
Monika: Love is such a big part of life. How has it shaped your journey, especially through your transition?
Emily: I still love my wife deeply and always will, even as I transition from male to female. Our relationship has faced challenges, but it has also grown stronger through honesty and mutual support. Love, in all its forms, has been a guiding force in my life and has given me the courage to embrace my true self fully.
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| Emily Iannielli on her birthday; January 18, 2015. |
Monika: Many transgender women choose to write memoirs. Have you ever thought about telling your story in a book, and what would you want to share with readers?
Emily: Yes, I would love to write a book about my journey. I would share my insights and experiences with gender dysphoria, the challenges of being transgender, thoughts of suicide, education, career, marriage, family, and finally, my transition. I hope that by telling my story, I can offer guidance, encouragement, and hope to others who may be struggling with similar issues. Writing it would also help me reflect on how far I’ve come and celebrate my growth.
Monika: For transgender women who feel afraid of early transition, discrimination, or social judgment, what advice would you give?
Emily: I would say that it is never too late to begin your transition. I started at age 51, and while it is one of the hardest decisions you will ever make, it can also be the most liberating. You need to be prepared for the challenges, but embracing your authentic self is worth it. My own experience has taught me that courage, patience, and self-compassion are essential during this process, and that support from loved ones can make a tremendous difference.
Monika: What are your next steps right now, and where do you see yourself in the next five to seven years?
Emily: My next step is to fully integrate my transition into my family life while continuing to be a “father” to my son, despite my transition from male to female. I hope to undergo gender-affirming surgery within the next two to three years and live authentically as a woman while maintaining strong family relationships with my wife, son, and mother-in-law. I also plan to continue advocating for transgender rights and for my autistic son, and I hope to eventually write a book about my journey. My vision for the future is one of balance, fulfillment, and meaningful impact both personally and within my community.
Monika: Emily, it has been an absolute pleasure speaking with you. Thank you so much for sharing your story!
Emily: I truly enjoyed answering your questions and feel very honored by this conversation. You did a wonderful job putting this together, and I am genuinely impressed. Thank you again, Monika!
All the photos: courtesy of Emily Iannielli.
© 2015 - Monika Kowalska
