Jer’ell Hartsig is an American writer originally from Macomb, Michigan, who now lives in Los Angeles, California. Jer’ell is the author of the autobiographical book The Wind that Ruffled the Field, published in 2014, in which she traces her deeply personal journey toward becoming the woman she always knew herself to be. Her story is shaped by courage, self-belief, and the determination to follow her inner truth, even in the absence of early support from family and friends. Through her writing and reflections, Jer’ell offers insight into the realities of gender dysphoria, the importance of listening to one’s instincts, and the power of finding community along the way. This interview is an opportunity to explore her life, her views on transgender representation and activism, her love of art and fashion, and her ongoing creative work, including a new book set in Hollywood that continues her commitment to telling meaningful transgender stories.
Beyond her personal journey, Jer’ell brings a thoughtful and reflective voice to wider conversations about transgender visibility, the role of the media, and the need for education and understanding. She speaks openly about the influence of early role models such as Christine Jorgensen, the challenges of coming out later in life, and the patience required when social progress feels slow. With a background in art, illustration, and interior decorating, and a lifelong passion for fashion, her creativity shapes both her writing and her outlook on life. Grounded in the belief that love, in all its forms, is essential, Jer’ell continues to look forward, embracing new projects and sharing stories that remind others they are not alone and that it is never too late to live authentically.
Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Jer’ell Hartsig, an American writer and the author of the autobiographical book The Wind that Ruffled the Field from 2014. Jer’ell, it is wonderful to have you here today. How are you?
Jer’ell: Hello, my beautiful sister! It truly means a lot to be here with you today. I feel welcomed and appreciated from the very start.
Monika: For readers who may be discovering you for the first time, how would you describe who you are today, both as a woman and as a writer?
Jer’ell: At this time in my life, I am very happy and have no regrets. I have become the person I always knew I could be. The journey I took to becoming Jer’ell can be followed in my book, The Wind that Ruffled the Field. I finally feel aligned with my true self. That sense of peace is something I value deeply.
Monika: What motivated you to share your life story publicly, and why did you feel it was important to tell it in your own words?
Jer’ell: I felt my story would not only be inspiring but also enlightening to people struggling with gender dysphoria, as well as to their family and friends who may not understand someone in their lives as a transgender person. There is also a hook to the story that needed to be told, something Hollywood did not want you to know. I wanted the truth to exist outside of stereotypes. Some stories demand to be told honestly.
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| Life is good. |
Monika: Based on everything you have lived through, which parts of your journey do you believe can offer guidance or reassurance to other transgender women?
Jer’ell: It is important to know what you are feeling when something is wrong, when the body does not match the mind. You must believe in your gut feelings and follow your heart. Self-awareness is the beginning of healing. Trusting yourself can change the course of your life.
Monika: Could you share when you completed your transition and what role support, or the lack of it, played during that time?
Jer’ell: I was forty years old when I finally completed my surgeries. There was a two-year period of preparation before surgery, including hormone therapy and cross-dressing. I did not receive support from my family and friends, but I made new friends along the way, people who understood what I was going through and offered their support. Knowing you are not alone in your transition is very important. Those new connections gave me strength. They helped me believe in a future I had once doubted.
Monika: When you were beginning your transition, were there any transgender women whose stories or visibility helped guide or inspire you during that time?
Jer’ell: I was very young when the news came out that Christine Jorgensen had undergone a sex change operation to become a woman. I remember how my entire family rejected her and were in disbelief that such surgery was even possible. I thought how brave she must have been, and her story gave me hope. Even then, her courage stayed with me. It planted a seed that grew stronger over time.
Monika: Looking back now, what would you say was the most difficult emotional or personal challenge you faced when coming out?
Jer’ell: The hardest part was getting to a place where I knew I was right in my beliefs and that there was no going back. So many years had already slipped by that I was anxious for my new life to begin. That realization came with both fear and relief. Once I accepted it fully, everything changed.
Monika: How do you assess the current position of transgender women within American society, especially when you compare it to other parts of the world?
Jer’ell: American society has been slow to accept transgender women. In some European countries, they are further ahead in acceptance and have been for some time. It is really up to us to educate society. Those days of being in the closet should be over. Visibility is no longer optional, it is necessary. Progress depends on continued openness and dialogue.
Monika: From your perspective, how fairly and accurately have transgender women been represented in films, newspapers, and literature so far?
Jer’ell: It is hard to watch the news report negative stories and images of transgender women, but they are just doing their jobs as reporters. It is refreshing when a positive story comes along and gives the public a chance to see the other side of the transgender woman, to see her in a new light. Those moments matter more than people realize. They help shift perception one story at a time.
Monika: The transgender movement is often grouped within the broader LGBT community. Do you feel that transgender people are able to effectively advocate for their own specific needs within that framework?
Jer’ell: Although it appears we are all connected by a fine line, we are at the same time on very different journeys as we make our way as individuals. Each letter represents unique struggles and experiences. Recognizing those differences is essential for true solidarity.
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| Hollywood. |
Monika: Do you see any figures in contemporary American transgender advocacy whose influence reminds you of the impact Harvey Milk had on gay activism decades ago?
Jer’ell: Yes, Laverne Cox has done as much in the past year through images and stories that are creating a new type of role model. She has changed how people see transgender women in the mainstream. Her visibility carries real cultural weight.
Monika: How involved are you personally in politics today, and do you believe transgender women have the power to create meaningful change within the political landscape?
Jer’ell: I am not active in politics until we are taken more seriously and better understood. My parents’ generation would not have predicted or even believed that a Black man could become President of the United States. Change often arrives later than expected. History shows us that progress can happen faster than we imagine.
Monika: Love is a recurring theme in many life stories. How would you describe its role and significance in your own life?
Jer’ell: Love has to be a part of all our lives, wherever it comes from and in however many different forms. Poets write of love, some write songs of love, and authors write stories of love, but at the bottom line, all we need is love. Love is what keeps us human. It gives meaning to every journey we take.
Monika: Fashion often reflects identity and self-expression. What place does fashion hold in your life, and how would you describe your personal style?
Jer’ell: I love fashion. Early on, I thought I might study fashion and become a designer, but instead I chose to go to art school and become a story illustrator. That later led me to interior decorating. My flair for fashion has always been noticed and drawn attention. It is my untapped gift. Fashion has always been another way for me to speak without words. It allows creativity to live in everyday life.
Monika: As you look ahead, what projects are you currently focused on, and how do you envision your life and work evolving over the next several years?
Jer’ell: I am working on my next book. It is about five transgender women and their search for their true identity. It takes place in Hollywood, California, and should be a fun read. The title will be C’est La Vie. This project excites me in a new way. It allows me to explore multiple voices instead of just my own.
Monika: Finally, what guidance would you offer to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria and uncertainty about their future?
Jer’ell: I would encourage them to seek professional advice and talk to other transgender women who are willing to share their stories. You must know that you are not alone. You can find help. It could be the most important decision of your life. Reaching out can be the first step toward healing. Support can make all the difference.
Monika: Jer’ell, thank you so much for sharing your time, your thoughts, and your story with us today.
Jer’ell: Thank you, Monika, for this opportunity. It has truly been a pleasure to share my journey.
All the photos: courtesy of Jer'ell Hartsig.
© 2015 - Monika Kowalska
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