Jameela Maxwell Boardman is a British free thinker whose life and work move fluently between science, spirituality, and deep personal inquiry. Jameela is the author of the biographical book Jameela’s Journey: From Jonathan to Jameela, in which she reflects on gender, faith, culture, and the search for inner wholeness beyond fixed categories. Her story is not only one of transition, but of balance, a lifelong exploration of contrasts such as masculine and feminine, religion and reason, individuality and society. Drawing on her experiences as a scientist, spiritualist, writer, partner, parent, and researcher into unconventional science, Jameela offers a thoughtful, compassionate perspective on gender identity as a spiritual and cultural journey rather than a purely medical one. Her voice stands out for its insistence on nuance, empathy, and the possibility of a more inclusive understanding of human identity.
Throughout her life, Jameela has navigated complex personal and historical moments, from family tragedy and religious transformation to the realities of transitioning later in life and the social consequences that followed. Her experiences within both Western and Muslim cultural contexts give her a rare and insightful perspective on the intersections of gender, belief systems, and social norms. Rather than advocating rigid solutions, she consistently emphasizes reflection, creativity, and emotional honesty, encouraging others to reduce suffering by questioning cultural assumptions and allowing space for fluid identities. With a strong belief in love as a spiritual force and in peace as something that can emerge from understanding contrasts, Jameela’s work speaks not only to transgender people, but to anyone seeking meaning, reconciliation, and authenticity in a divided world.
Monika: Today I have the genuine pleasure of speaking with Jameela Maxwell Boardman, a British free thinker, scientist, spiritualist, and author of the remarkable biographical book “Jameela's Journey: From Jonathan to Jameela” (2010). Welcome, Jameela!
Jameela: Thank you for having me. It’s a joy to be here and to share my story with you.
Monika: To start us off, could you tell us a little about who you are, and perhaps how you would define yourself beyond labels?
Jameela: In hindsight, I think it would be more accurate to call myself a Third Gender person rather than Transsexual, but unfortunately, that option is not legally available in my country, Britain. We are all a combination of Nature and Nurture, and I feel now that hiding my male side after transition was just as much a distortion as hiding my female side was before. I often use the simple phrase “a balance of Yin and Yang” to quickly explain my feelings. It was never a sexual issue; rather, it was a spiritual wholeness I sought. That may sound simple, but it was incredibly challenging! I knew something major was wrong, and I had to move in the direction of the feminine.
Monika: How did you experience life after your transition, and what helped you find balance along the way?
Jameela: After the transition, I tried so hard to fit in, as we all do, but it felt as if I were throwing away my male side, which meant discarding part of myself. Over time, I have found a more central position on the gender spectrum wherever possible, and this has brought me a sense of peace I didn’t have before. I also feel more connected to the fullness of humanity as a whole. Embracing both sides of my identity has allowed me to live more authentically and to appreciate the richness of life’s contrasts.
Monika: Looking back, what motivated you to write your autobiography? Was it primarily to share your personal journey, or did you have other intentions as well?
Jameela: There were profound lessons from everything I had experienced, and I felt a deep desire to share them with the world. As it turned out, only a few people were interested, but that did not diminish the value of writing it. The gender change felt like passing through a doorway into another level of comprehension. Transition is only that, transition! What truly matters is where it takes us. In my case, it was the beginning of a study into contrasts and the wisdom and inner peace that can be found through them. This is what I wanted to share in the book. Writing it also helped me understand myself more fully and embrace the complexities of my own journey.
Monika: Thinking of others who might be on a similar path, which parts of your biography do you feel could offer support or guidance to transgender women planning their transitions?
Jameela: Well, transsexuals exist in both directions, female to male and male to female! I hope my story can provide emotional support, especially for those for whom deep religious feelings complicate the process. Transitioning can be lonely and confusing, but knowing that others have faced similar struggles can be a source of comfort and strength. I also hope it encourages self-compassion and patience throughout the journey.
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| Jameela's Journey via www.al-ruh.org. |
Monika: Your life has been full of incredible experiences. After marrying an Iranian female mechanical engineer, you described yourself as an “intellectual” Muslim… how did that shape your journey?
Jameela: ...then a Spiritualist, and later a researcher into unconventional science! Each phase taught me something different about the nature of belief, the mind, and how we understand the world. Looking back, I can see how these experiences built a foundation for facing my gender identity challenges with both curiosity and courage. They made me more open to exploring contrasts in life rather than seeing things as simply right or wrong.
Monika: You had a family and two daughters, yet the struggle with your gender identity persisted. Coupled with the tragic loss in your family, it seems spirituality became intertwined with self-discovery. Could you reflect on that period?
Jameela: The family tragedy occurred when my younger brother was killed in a motorcycle accident, deeply affecting each of us in different ways. For me, it brought my spiritual and religious feelings to the forefront. It was several years later that I began confronting my gender identity more directly. These two threads, spiritual and gender, have always been entwined in me, and it has taken a long time to sort them out. I believe that cultural and societal pressures can push people in directions that do not align with their true reality, which makes the journey even more complex. Through it all, I have learned that patience with oneself is essential.
Monika: The September 11 attacks marked a turning point for many. Did those events influence your thinking or perspective at the time?
Jameela: When that happened, I felt strongly that "two wrongs don’t make a right." There is a lot more to say about this subject, but this is not the right place. However, it did deepen my awareness of the complexities of human conflict and the need for compassion in the face of collective pain. It also reinforced my belief that inner peace begins with understanding contrasts, both within ourselves and in society.
Monika: Since the mid-1980s, Iran has permitted and partially subsidized sex reassignment surgery. How do you view the current situation for transgender women in Muslim societies?
Jameela: In Iran, gender change is indeed happening more frequently now, but the situation is complicated by the fact that gay people are illegal. This pushes many to alter their gender roles in order to live within society, even though gender dysphoria and homosexuality are completely different. Most of the Muslim world is Sunni, which can be even more challenging for LGBT individuals, though there are some enlightened communities. I hope that awareness and dialogue will slowly create more understanding and acceptance for everyone. Change is possible, but it takes courage and patience.
Monika: You started your own transition later in life. Could you share what that process was like and how old you were when you began?
Jameela: I began formal transition at the age of 45, though I sensed something was seriously wrong as early as my first year in infants school. I tried hard to live as a “normal” boy, but so much of myself was being suppressed. Yes, it was a difficult process, but step by step, one can come through it. Looking back, I realize that acknowledging the truth of who I am was far more liberating than I could have imagined.
Monika: During that time, did you have any transgender role models or sources of inspiration to guide you?
Jameela: Not exactly. My partner and I watched the film "Billy Elliott" during a critical time when everything seemed overwhelming, and it helped enormously. It was not about transgender issues, but about a Northern English boy who wanted to be a ballet dancer. Seeing someone gifted yet different stand for who they are resonated deeply with me. That film reminded me that embracing our uniqueness can be a source of strength and courage, and it encouraged me to keep moving forward.
Monika: Are there any transgender women today whom you admire or look up to?
Jameela: Yes, Lana Wachowski, the creative genius behind "The Matrix" and "Cloud Atlas." I admire her courage, creativity, and the way she has transformed the film industry while embracing her identity. Her story is inspiring because it shows that personal authenticity can coexist with professional brilliance.
Monika: Coming out must have been challenging. What was the hardest part for you?
Jameela: The hardest part was losing some members of my family. It was incredibly painful, but it also taught me resilience and the importance of self-acceptance. Over time, I have learned to cherish the connections that remain and nurture new supportive relationships.
Monika: Transgender stories are becoming more visible in films, newspapers, and books. What are your thoughts on how these representations affect society?
Jameela: I think all these stories help normalize transgender experiences. People are basically good, but ignorance often causes unnecessary pain for those who are different. As the saying goes, "all publicity is good publicity," and raising awareness is always valuable. Positive representation can foster understanding, empathy, and a more inclusive world for everyone.
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| Courtesy of Jameela Boardman. |
Monika: The transgender cause is often included under the broader LGBT umbrella. As the “T” in LGBT, do you feel that transgender people are able to highlight their own issues and advocate effectively within the group?
Jameela: To some gay Muslims, I once said, "In LGBT, I am the TEE!" :-) I believe support and encouragement can come from a wide variety of sources, which is wonderful. I personally received a lot of help from the film Billy Elliott, which inspired me to embrace my uniqueness. On the other hand, too much isolation from other transgender people can trap us in a permanent transition mindset. Transition is a phase of life that takes time, but it is healthy to move through it. Connecting with the broader community, while also honoring our individual experiences, is essential for personal growth and visibility.
Monika: Are you involved in politics or advocacy? Do you think transgender women have the ability to make a meaningful impact in the political arena?
Jameela: There was a transgender Member of Parliament in New Zealand, Georgina Beyer. I do believe transgender people have creative gifts to contribute, but I think the value often lies in our unique perspectives, “between the contrasts,” rather than in fitting into a predefined gender role. I have engaged a little with local politics, but I struggle with polarization, so I feel my most effective contribution is through writing. Sharing ideas and insights in this way can reach people in a nuanced, meaningful manner.
Monika: Love seems to be a central theme in life. How do you define its importance in your own journey?
Jameela: Love is, in many ways, the reason for life. I speak of it primarily in a spiritual sense, though its emotional and relational aspects are equally significant. Love connects us to ourselves, to others, and to the broader universe. Without it, there is little motivation to seek understanding or harmony in life.
Monika: Are you currently working on any projects or new initiatives?
Jameela: I am writing another book, this one focused on World Peace and exploring how many contrasts can come together harmoniously. It is an extension of my lifelong interest in balance, understanding, and reconciliation. I hope it will inspire readers to think beyond divisions and embrace the complexity of human experience.
Monika: For transgender girls struggling with gender dysphoria, what advice would you offer to ease their journey?
Jameela: Try to take the stress out of this process. Change your career, lifestyle, or even religion if an ideology clashes with your innermost self and your sincere soul-searching. If something feels incompatible with who you truly are, it cannot come from the source that created you. Eventually, you will distinguish the True from cultural beliefs, so make the journey easier for yourself now. Be creative in adjusting what can be changed to reduce stress, because for some, gender identity is a deeply real and urgent issue. Our minds cannot simply be altered, so many professionals focus on changing the body, but that comes with challenges related to relationships and long-held expectations.
Monika: Beyond personal adjustments, what do you think would help make transitions less stressful on a societal level?
Jameela: I think the ideal solution would be to shift cultural attitudes toward acceptance of people as they are, without imposing rigid gender categories. We need a fluid “Third Gender” option that is legally recognized and culturally respected. Some will remain Third Gender by choice, but for others, this could be a gentler transition, especially regarding family acceptance. Until that day comes, many experience dramatic challenges during transition, only to find years later they have softened into a more relaxed position on the gender spectrum, so why not aim for that relaxed state from the beginning? Embracing flexibility early can make the process less painful and more empowering.
Monika: Jameela, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences and insights with us today!
All the photos: courtesy of Jameela Maxwell Boardman.
© 2015 - Monika Kowalska
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