Michelle Diamond, an Australian transgender activist whose journey has already carved a place in her country’s history. Michelle became the first transgender goal umpire in Australian Rules Football, turning her love for the sport into a groundbreaking achievement for visibility and inclusion. Her path has been shaped by determination, resilience, and a passion for helping others, whether through her early activism, her candid YouTube videos about transition, or her efforts to make sports more welcoming for the transgender community. Michelle’s experiences reflect a life lived with courage and purpose, shaped by both personal challenges and inspiring victories. She has navigated transition, mental health struggles, and the complexities of coming out with honesty and strength, always motivated by a desire to support others on similar paths.
Her role models include figures who broke barriers in their own fields, and in turn she has become a role model herself for many transgender Australians who dream of living authentically. Through her ongoing work to create safer and more respectful spaces in sport, Michelle continues to push for the kind of change that uplifts entire communities. Her journey shows how one person’s determination can open doors not only for themselves but for those who will follow after them, creating ripples of hope far beyond the boundary lines of any playing field. Her voice adds depth, humanity, and inspiration to the larger story of transgender visibility in Australia, reminding us that change begins with individuals brave enough to believe in their own possibilities.
Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Michelle Diamond, an Australian transgender activist and the first transgender goal umpire in Australian Rules Football, making history for the trans community in Australia. Hello Michelle!
Michelle: Hello Monika, thank you for this opportunity.
Monika: To begin our conversation, how would you introduce yourself to someone meeting you for the first time?
Michelle: Well, for starters, I am a pre-op transsexual who has been transitioning for about four years now. I was an activist for most of those years until I retired at the end of 2012 to follow my dreams. I wanted to get involved in Australian Rules Football as a goal umpire, so I trained hard and worked to make sure I achieved my goals and made my dreams a reality. On the 26th of April 2014, I made history by becoming the first trans woman to become a goal umpire here in Australia. It was one of the proudest moments of my life.
Monika: What motivated you to share the details of your transition on YouTube for others to see?
Michelle: I wanted to help others who were starting out like me and also connect with people so I could consult with them and gain a better understanding of the difficulties of transitioning. It felt important to create a space where we could support one another.
Monika: Based on your journey, which parts of your experience do you think could guide other transgender women who are planning their own transitions?
Michelle: Make sure you go through the whole process and get thoroughly checked out, and make sure the decision you are making is the right one, as it not only affects you but also those close to you. Taking the time to be fully informed can make the path much smoother.
Monika: How would you describe the current situation of transgender women in Australian society today?
Michelle: We have come a long way here in Australia, but so much more needs to be done. Progress is visible, yet equality still requires continued effort and understanding.
Monika: Looking back, at what age did you begin your transition, and how challenging was the process for you?
Michelle: It was around the age of 30, and I wish I had been able to do it earlier. It started off as a hard process for me but got easier as I went along. Being diagnosed with depression and anxiety did not help, which added to my list of things to overcome and endure. Despite everything, each step forward reminded me that the journey was worth it.
Monika: During those early years of your transition, did you have any transgender role models you looked up to?
Michelle: Nong Thoom, a famous kathoey (trans woman), Muay Thai fighter, actress, and model. Her strength and visibility inspired me greatly.
Monika: Today, are there transgender individuals you particularly admire or feel inspired by?
Michelle: For me now there are a couple, and not just trans women but also trans men who I admire. Trans women include Laverne Cox and Nong Thoom, and trans men include Paige Phoenix and Buck Angel. Their courage and openness continue to encourage me every day.
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| Courtesy of Michelle Diamond. |
Monika: When you look back at your journey, what part of coming out challenged you the most?
Michelle: Coming out to my family and friends was by far the hardest. I lost a couple of people, but most of them understood and are still by my side to this day. It taught me a lot about who truly cared for me.
Monika: How do you feel about the way transgender people are portrayed in films, newspapers, and books?
Michelle: Some I have seen in movies are represented well, and you should check out a Thai movie called Thai Fighter, which really shows trans women as a strong force but loving people at the same time. Some newspapers still have a lot to learn regarding misgendering and treating us like humans. There is definitely room for more authentic and respectful storytelling.
Monika: Within the broader LGBT community, do you think the transgender community is gaining enough space to advocate for its own needs?
Michelle: The trans community is more visible than ever, and we have a voice that is finally being heard. Slowly we are making our mark, but more needs to be done and changed. No longer will we be the silent T in LGBTIQ, and I also want to mention that it is LGBTIQ because intersex and genderqueer people often get forgotten too, yet they also have a voice. It is encouraging to see everyone pushing forward together.
Monika: In Australia, is there a transgender figure whose activism reminds you of Harvey Milk’s influence in the United States?
Michelle: Estelle Asmodelle is an Australian model, belly dancer, musician, activist, inventor, abstract artist, and academic. She is known as Australia's first legal transsexual with the Births, Deaths and Marriages Department of New South Wales, and her transition helped gain recognition for transgender people in Australia. She is definitely one person I recognize as making big changes for us in Oz. Her work opened doors for many of us who came after.
Monika: What has been your own involvement in politics, and how do you see the role of transgender people in shaping political change?
Michelle: I am no longer active in any campaigns. I was asked to enter politics years ago but never did, though I do think that trans people as a whole can play a big part in politics. Our voices bring important perspectives that are needed in decision making.
Monika: How would you describe your personal style, and what do you usually enjoy wearing?
Michelle: I do not give in to the stereotypes of fashion. I wear what I want, and it depends on how I feel as to what I choose to wear. I am a bit of a butch geek, wearing either geek clothes or sportswear, and if I have a special function, I will dress up nicely and doll myself up, but that is a rare occasion. Comfort and authenticity matter most to me.
Monika: What are your thoughts on transgender beauty pageants?
Michelle: I do not like them at all, as I feel they are very demeaning. They often reduce people to appearances rather than celebrating their full humanity. I think there are better ways to uplift our community.
Monika: How important is love in your life, and what role does it play for you today?
Michelle: I love my friends and non-biological family, and now that I am entering into a relationship, I have felt love again on a different scale, which makes me happy. It has brought a sense of warmth and hope into my life. I truly treasure the connections I have built.
Monika: Many transgender women eventually write memoirs. Have you ever considered writing one yourself?
Michelle: Yes, I have, as I have been asked to write a book. Maybe when I have accomplished everything I want to do, I will. I believe I will have plenty of stories worth sharing.
Monika: What new projects are you focusing on at the moment?
Michelle: At the moment I am trying to get trans people as a whole respected in sport and pave the way for others to be able to play or take part in their sport of choice without being discriminated against and treated as equals. It is a mission I feel very passionate about. I hope it creates lasting change.
Monika: What advice would you offer to transgender girls who are currently struggling with gender dysphoria?
Michelle: From someone who has struggled herself, I always find that staying strong and staying true to yourself, and having the mindset that everything will work out in the end, is important. Things do not happen overnight, but they will happen, and you just need to be patient. If you need help, do not be afraid to ask for it. Reaching out can make all the difference.
Monika: Michelle, thank you for the interview!
All the photos: courtesy of Michelle Diamond.
© 2015 - Monika Kowalska
