Interview with Amy Tashiana

Amy Tashiana is a woman whose life story reflects an extraordinary chapter in the cultural, fashion, and transgender history of Singapore. A former model, fashion coordinator, performer, and beauty pageant winner, Amy became one of the most recognizable transgender figures of the 1980s and early 1990s, long before visibility and acceptance were part of everyday conversations. She entered the modeling world at just seventeen with professional training and quickly established herself in an industry that demanded not only beauty and discipline, but also caution, resilience, and impeccable social awareness. Amy’s journey unfolded at a time when being openly transgender required constant negotiation with society’s expectations. While she found support within creative circles and among fellow performers, she also had to navigate strict social norms and unspoken rules, particularly in public life. Her elegance, intelligence, and professionalism allowed her to move from modeling into fashion coordination and performance, earning respect in an era when transgender women were often misunderstood or reduced to stereotypes. Her success was not accidental, but built on hard work, training, and an unwavering commitment to presenting herself with dignity.

 

Central to Amy’s story is the legendary Bugis Street, once a vibrant and spontaneous meeting place that drew tourists, celebrities, and locals from around the world. There, Amy and her sisters found visibility, camaraderie, and a rare sense of freedom, transforming an ordinary street into a living stage filled with glamour and confidence. Beyond the spectacle, Bugis Street represented survival, self expression, and the fight to be seen as whole human beings. Amy’s experiences there, combined with her later achievements in modeling, film, and fashion choreography, offer a deeply personal lens into a world that no longer exists, yet continues to shape conversations about gender, identity, and acceptance today. Speaking with Amy Tashiana is not only an encounter with timeless beauty and style, but also an opportunity to listen to a witness of history. Her reflections on love, work, transition, and personal growth reveal a woman who has evolved with grace, learning when to fight, when to adapt, and when to move forward. This interview is an invitation to understand not only who Amy Tashiana is, but also what it meant, and still means, to live authentically in a society learning how to see transgender women clearly.

 

Monika: Today it is both my pleasure and my honor to interview Amy Tashiana, a former model, fashion coordinator, performer, and one of the most iconic transgender figures in Singapore. Hello Amy!

Amy: Hello Monika! It is an absolute pleasure to speak with a soul sister.

Monika: Amy, you radiate such timeless elegance and confidence. What do you believe has helped you maintain your beauty and presence throughout the years?

Amy: The secret of my beauty? For me, only minor issues need to be fixed, and the rest depends on my doctor’s advice, including the use of some beauty creams. Not too many interventions, but of course breast implants were indispensable. I believe moderation and trusting experienced professionals make a big difference in the long run.

 

One of the Bugis performances.

 

Monika: Can you take us back to the very beginning and share how your journey into the world of modeling first began? 

Amy: I entered the modeling world when I was 17 years old after receiving basic professional modeling training. It was an exciting time that opened many doors and helped shape my confidence as a young woman.

Monika: During the mid-1980s, you were already a recognized model and later became a fashion coordinator. How welcoming was the fashion industry toward transgender models during that era?

Amy: During my modeling career in the 80s and early 90s, I knew quite a handful of people and choreographers whom I worked closely with, and yes, they were very supportive of me, yet I still had to be very careful with how I spoke, always paying attention to social etiquette and behavior so as not to attract unnecessary attention. It was a balancing act between being myself and staying safe in a society that was far less understanding than it is today.
Monika: Today we see transgender women at the very forefront of global fashion, admired for both their beauty and individuality. From your perspective, what has drawn the fashion industry to embrace transgender models so strongly in recent years?

Amy: I think it is almost the same as it was for me; we need to be humble and mix with people in the fashion industry to gain more support. As I always say, having proper courses and training is still very important in order to know how to be a good model. All transgender women would love to stand on the edge of being a model, but without skills and training, it is still difficult to get anywhere. Professional preparation helps transform a dream into a sustainable career.

Monika: How would you describe your personal style today, and what usually guides your choices when it comes to clothing and colors?

Amy: I like wearing nice and up-to-date fashion collections according to the seasonal colors, with no specific designers, only those that catch my eye. Comfort and confidence matter to me just as much as trends.

Monika: Beyond the runway, you were also a performer in several clubs on the legendary Bugis Street. Which venues left the strongest impression on you, and what was the atmosphere like during those nights?

Amy: The club where I performed at Bugis was called the Boom Boom Room. The atmosphere there was completely different from the one in Europe; guests would arrive during show time slots, similar to the 1980s when people came specifically to sit and watch a performance. It was a nice place with nice people and, of course, strong LGBT support.

 

Courtesy of Amy Tashiana.

 

Monika: With your presence, charisma, and life experience, acting seems like a natural extension of your artistic journey. Did you ever feel drawn to the world of film and acting?

Amy: I actually acted in two short films already, Kopi Julia and 03 Flats. It was a great experience, and if I have the chance or an invitation to act again, why not. Acting allowed me to explore a different side of creative expression.

Monika: Pageantry has often played an important role in visibility and confidence for transgender women. Did you ever participate in beauty pageants during your career?

Amy: Yes, I did take part in beauty pageants, and I won a few titles: second runner-up for Queen of Queen 1986, winner of Ms. Glamour 1987 around that time, and Ms. Glamour 1987 within the Chinese transgender community, although it was not an official title. Those experiences helped build my confidence and public presence.

Monika: When you were beginning your transition, were there any transgender women who inspired you or helped shape your vision of who you could become?

Amy: The role model I followed was another Chinese transgender woman who was also in Singapore at that time. Her name was Christine; she was tall and fashionable, but she soon left Singapore. Seeing her gave me confidence and showed me that it was possible to live openly and with style.

Monika: Looking at Singapore today, how do you feel about the current situation and everyday realities of transgender women there?

Amy: The situation of transgender women in Singapore is not as bad as it was twenty years ago, but I still see some newcomers struggling with their lives. My advice is to find a job as soon as possible. Having stable work helps create independence and a sense of security.

Monika: Do you personally engage with politics in any way, and how do you see the role of transgender women within the political landscape of Singapore?

Amy: I do not participate in politics, but I enjoy observing it. Singapore is not a good place for transgender people to participate in politics, but the government has decided to give us a new identity after gender reassignment surgery. In other words, the gender marker on our identity card and passport is changed to female, which is still an important form of recognition.

Monika: How would you describe the role that love plays in your life at this stage, both emotionally and personally?

Amy: Nothing important is happening in my love life. I have rejected partners twice, and I am not sure whether I will find my Mr. Right. At the moment, I am busy with work and do not have much time for love. My love is my cat, who keeps me company and makes me smile.

 

Singaypore Webisode (YouTube)

 

Monika: You have always been admired for your figure and elegance, so what habits have helped you take care of your body over the years?

Amy: A perfect figure? Maybe twenty years ago. Now that I have reached fifty, my weight has doubled, but I still need to take care of myself and beware of cakes and ice creams. Balance and self-awareness have become more important than strict discipline.

Monika: Many transgender women choose to document their journeys through memoirs. Have you ever felt the desire to tell your own life story in a book?

Amy: Yes, I have thought about writing my memoirs, but maybe I am still young for that, so it has to wait a little longer. I believe the right time will come when I feel ready to reflect on everything. 

Monika: As you look ahead, what feels most important to you now, and how do you imagine your life unfolding over the next five to seven years?

Amy: My next step in the upcoming five to seven years? I might be more relaxed and concentrate on love while looking for a life partner to retire with. Peace and companionship are becoming more meaningful to me with time.

Monika: Finally, for transgender girls who dream of building a career similar to yours, what guidance would you most like to pass on to them?

Amy: My advice to transgender women is that, in order to fit into my shoes, they should mix with the right people, behave properly, and take classes and courses that truly help improve their lives so they can face challenges from society, gossip, and hatred. They should always look presentable. Confidence and preparation can open many doors.

Monika: Amy, thank you so much for this wonderful and inspiring conversation.
 

All the photos: courtesy of Amy Tashiana.

© 2015 - Monika Kowalska

  

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