Giselle is a young and inspiring trans woman from Minnesota who courageously shares her journey of transition on YouTube. Giselle balances a full-time career as a Web Business Specialist in Minneapolis with a vibrant personal life that includes friends, family, fashion, photography, travel, and even the occasional relaxing glass of wine. Open-minded, easy-going, and curious about the world, she decided to document her transition online to support and guide others navigating the often complex and emotional path of gender transition. Having been on hormone replacement therapy for over a year and preparing for gender reassignment surgery, Giselle speaks candidly about the physical, mental, and social challenges she has faced, as well as the moments of triumph and self-discovery that have shaped her journey.
Giselle is deeply passionate about authenticity, visibility, and representation, emphasizing how important it is for trans people to tell their own stories. Her perspective spans a wide range of topics, from fashion and beauty to love, politics, and self-acceptance, offering both inspiration and practical wisdom for transgender women and the wider community. In today’s conversation, Giselle shares her experiences, her hopes for the future, and her thoughts on what it truly means to live boldly and authentically as a trans woman, reminding us all of the importance of courage, empathy, and staying true to oneself.
Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Giselle, a young video blogger who documents her transition on YouTube. It’s lovely to have you here, Giselle!
Giselle: Hi Monika, thanks for having me. It feels great to be here.
Monika: To begin our chat, would you introduce yourself the way you like to be seen?
Giselle: Sure. I’m a trans woman from Minnesota. I live with two roommates in Minneapolis and work full time as a Web Business Specialist for a healthcare organization. I like to occupy my time with friends and families, shopping, reading, and sometimes, just relaxing with a glass of wine. I enjoy finding balance between work and personal life.
I am a pretty open-minded and easy-going person. I have many interests such as traveling, fashion, make-up, and photography. I try to live my life to the fullest and be open about learning new things. Every year I discover something new about myself.
Monika: What made you feel that YouTube was the right place to open up about your transition?
Giselle: I decided to share my transition details on YouTube because I wanted to help other girls who are thinking about transitioning or in the process of transitioning. There was a moment in my life when I was so confused and I didn’t even know what to do or where to start. Sharing my story felt like a way to give back.
Transitioning is a very complex process physically, mentally, socially, and even legally. Watching other girls who shared their experiences helped me tremendously. It was nice to know I wasn’t alone. I was inspired by these women who have such courage to share their stories with the public despite the hardship of transition. I just wanted to do the same and help others. Their strength continues to motivate me every day.
Monika: And when you look back at those early videos, what feelings come up for you?
Giselle: I feel proud of how far I’ve come and grateful that my story has reached people who needed it. It reminds me of my own courage.
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| Courtesy of Giselle. |
Monika: Where would you say you are in your transition journey at this moment?
Giselle: I have been on hormone replacement therapy for about a year and five months now. I have my gender reassignment surgery with Dr. Bowers in California actually next week! Yikes! It feels surreal to be so close to this milestone.
Monika: And how do you feel about the changes HRT has brought you so far?
Giselle: Absolutely, I have been very pleased with the results so far. It has helped me feel more aligned with myself.
Monika: When you think about your journey, which parts of your experience might guide other trans women starting out?
Giselle: I think the answer will vary depending on the person. Every individual will experience their transition a little differently and what’s important to me might not be so important to another. I tried to share all aspects of my experience so it is out there if someone finds it helpful. I hope my openness encourages others to share their stories too.
Monika: How do you see the current climate for transgender women in the United States?
Giselle: There certainly has been a lot more media coverage on transgendered women. I think people like Laverne Cox, Carmen Carrera, Isis King, Janet Mock, and others are definitely giving the trans community some visibility, which is a great thing. Their presence helps normalize our existence.
I once heard someone say that it is natural for human beings to fear or dislike something that they do not understand. I am hoping that with more visibility, it will provide some education for people so they understand what transgender is and is not.
However, that being said, I do want to stress that we still have a lot of work ahead and a long way to go. I remain hopeful that progress will continue.
Just the other week, I saw an article about a transgender teen who committed suicide because of rejection. Not too long ago, I saw another article about a transgender woman being murdered for simply being herself. This goes to show that yes, we came a long way, but we still have a long way to go. These stories remind me why visibility and advocacy matter.
Monika: Hearing this, I wonder how old were you when you began your own transition, and what was that early period like for you?
Giselle: I was 24 when I began researching about transition and 25 when I actually began to transition. It was a very difficult process for me in the beginning because my parents did not like it. My parents are very conservative and traditional. They didn’t even want me around with them in public because they were embarrassed that their oldest son was becoming a woman. However, after several months, my transition was very smooth. I have a great group of supportive friends and enjoy a friendly relationship with both my parents now. Looking back, I’m grateful for how far we’ve all come.
Monika: Back then, did you have anyone to look up to—any trans role models who helped you navigate those early steps?
Giselle: Aside from a few YouTubers who blogged their transition, I didn’t have any role models at the time. I relied mostly on my own research and instincts.
Monika: And today, are there trans women whose journeys inspire or resonate with you?
Giselle: I admire trans women like Carmen Carrera, Laverne Cox, and anyone who found a way to live authentically, be themselves, and do what they love to do. I admire them for coming out as trans and giving hope to the trans community some visibility we deserve. Their courage encourages me to keep growing.
Monika: Coming out can be such an emotional crossroads. What was the most difficult part for you personally?
Giselle: The hardest part about coming out was coming out to my parents. I was afraid of being rejected, abandoned, and being disowned by my parents. They were the last ones I came out to and for good reason… when I came out, they didn’t take it very well and it was a very dark time for me. However, that is the past and I have a great relationship with my folks now. Their acceptance means the world to me.
Monika: How do you feel about the way transgender characters and stories are portrayed in the media today?
Giselle: Until very recently, the most common type of characters the media portray transwoman has been pretty negative. We are always portrayed as the crazy sex addicts that trick men into having sex or a relationship with us, or some kind of freak that is very manipulative and dangerous, or a complete joke that people make fun of. It makes me upset every time I see a character like that because that is far from the truth of what most transwomen are and I feel like it gives us a false representation. However, things are changing and I hope the media will represent us better. I’m optimistic that more authentic stories will emerge.
Monika: And within the broader LGBT movement, do you feel the transgender community is able to push for its own goals effectively?
Giselle: Of course. I think the transgender community is able to promote its own cause within the LGBT group. The “T” is very different from the “LGB” in the sense that “T” isn’t a sexual orientation but they are our biggest allies. I have to say that we wouldn’t be where we are today without them. I support the LGB community 100% in their effort to win marriage equality across the nation and hopefully, they will be there for us. Unity has always been our strength.
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| Courtesy of Giselle. |
Monika: When it comes to public life, do you follow politics closely, or feel drawn to activism in any way?
Giselle: I pay very close attention to politics and keep myself updated with the news but I don’t do any type of lobbying or actively involved. It’s not something I am ready for at the moment, haha. Maybe one day I’ll feel brave enough to step into that arena.
Monika: Fashion can be such a joyful form of expression—what does it mean to you personally?
Giselle: Oh my god, I love fashion! I love shopping for clothes. I can and have spent hours and hours at the mall just browsing through stuff! What I wear will depend on the occasion and my mood. Fashion lets me show different sides of myself.
If you ask my friends, they will tell you that I am very girly and can’t keep my hands off dresses and skirts which are true to an extent haha!
But for everyday wear, I do like to keep it simple with just a simple dress or a t-shirt with jeans. Black and red have been my favorite colors so far. I love how confident those colors make me feel.
Monika: And what about transgender beauty pageants? How do you see them?
Giselle: I think they are great! I wish I could participate in one! It would be such a fun and empowering experience.
Monika: Love can be complicated for many of us. How has it shaped your life so far?
Giselle: I think most transwoman would agree that this is the department that is a bit tricky and frustrating at times. Personally, it is hard for me to find a serious relationship. I think love is great and I admit I yearn for it but I came to realize that my life isn’t a Disney Princess fairytale. Love is important and I will keep an open mind about it but I am not going to let it control my life. There is much I want to accomplish and do in my lifetime and I am not going to let it stops me from living. I believe the right connection will come naturally when the time is right.
Monika: Many trans women eventually write memoirs to share their journeys. Has that idea ever crossed your mind?
Giselle: I do keep a personal diary but that’s about it. I haven’t thought about writing a memoir but who knows, maybe I might in the future but it isn’t on my to-do list right now. I’m enjoying documenting my life in smaller, more personal ways for now.
Monika: And what creative projects are keeping you excited these days?
Giselle: I am learning how to sew and will be taking photography classes in the future. Does that count? Haha. I love exploring new hobbies that let me express myself.
Monika: Finally, what message would you share with transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Giselle: Be yourself and embrace it. I know this is easier said than done, trust me, I’ve been through it. But, once you love yourself and just be true to yourself, you will find that happiness will come to you. Just know that there will always be people out there who will try to put you down and invalidate you but this is your life, not theirs. Stay true to yourself, keep a kind heart, keep moving forward and live your life to the fullest. You deserve peace and joy just as much as anyone else.
Monika: Giselle, thank you for the interview!
Giselle: Thanks Monika for having me!
All the photos: courtesy of Giselle.
© 2015 - Monika Kowalska
