Joanne Borden is a remarkable transgender activist from the United States whose life story feels like a masterclass in resilience, curiosity, and unapologetic joy. Before becoming known for her advocacy, Joanne built a distinguished career as an industrial engineering consultant and even served as president of two engineering societies. She is also a devoted father and grandfather, proudly answering to the affectionate title of Papa Joanne. Her journey is shaped by a lifelong realism and an infectious sense of happiness that only grew stronger after coming out. Driven by a desire to understand the forces that shaped her identity, she immersed herself in years of full-time research that eventually became her influential book Transgender Complete: A Virtual Handbook. Her passion for learning is matched by her passion for performing, whether she is appearing in The Vagina Monologues or presenting her award-winning monologues at festivals and community events.
Joanne has long been active in local politics, fighting for equal protection under the law, transgender sensitivity training, and broader public understanding. Joanne’s story carries a rare blend of humor, self-awareness, and fierce determination that makes every conversation with her both enlightening and surprisingly fun. She is living proof that authenticity can bloom at any age and that courage is not a matter of timing but of honesty. Her experiences offer a powerful reminder that personal happiness often begins with self-acceptance, no matter how long the journey may be. At 79, Joanne stepped into the world as a woman for the first time, and at 84 she fully transitioned, proving that it is never too late to embrace one’s truth. Her voice is shaped by decades of observation and activism, and her commitment to universal human rights remains as strong as ever.
Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to speak with Joanne Borden, an inspiring transgender activist from the United States. Joanne is a former industrial engineering consultant, a past president of two engineering societies, and a proud father and grandfather whose life story continues to uplift so many of us. Hello Joanne! Joanne: Hello Monika.
Monika: Could you tell me a little about yourself?
Joanne: When talking about myself it is rarely just a few words because I’m my favorite topic! In 89 years, anyone would have a lengthy biography so I have a great deal to say about myself. Briefly, I am a transgender woman who was always a happy person. As a friend once said, “You were always a happy person but now (after “coming out”) you are always happy!” I credit that to being a realist.
Joanne: When talking about myself it is rarely just a few words because I’m my favorite topic! In 89 years, anyone would have a lengthy biography so I have a great deal to say about myself. Briefly, I am a transgender woman who was always a happy person. As a friend once said, “You were always a happy person but now (after “coming out”) you are always happy!” I credit that to being a realist.
Monika: You are the author of Transgender Complete: A Virtual Handbook. What first motivated you to begin researching the subject?
Joanne: I started to study the subject of transgenderism because I wanted to know what relentlessly drove me to need to be a woman. Why could I not stop that desire, which was undesirable in others’ eyes? I was able to stop smoking cigarettes, a nicotine addiction and physical habit repeated over 40 light-ups and 400 puffs a day, every day for nearly 50 years, and a habit I still feel I would enjoy. However, it was impossible to drive the woman in me out of me. Simply put, I needed to know what made me a transgender person.
Monika: What was it like to begin this research at that point in your life?
Monika: What was it like to begin this research at that point in your life?
Joanne: When I started my research, I had never even heard the word transgender. I was a widow, retired, and lived alone, so my research became a full-time job. I worked at it virtually seven days a week and ten hours per day for four years. I even explored female-to-male people because I felt their lives paralleled male-to-female lives and could provide additional insight into the subject.
Monika: At what moment did you realize that your work could become a book?
Joanne: I studied the transgender issue in every possible facet of life, from immigration to sports. I soon realized I nearly had enough material for a book. At that time, I honestly felt I could help others by providing transgender people and their loved ones with what I had learned, so I spent another year writing the book. It now carries a 2015 copyright after being updated to January 2015.
Monika: From your own journey, what guidance do you believe can genuinely help other transgender women?
Monika: From your own journey, what guidance do you believe can genuinely help other transgender women?
Joanne: I feel it is most important to first accept yourself. If your desire to be the other sex does not leave you by maturity, it would be rare not to have a need to express your transgenderism for the rest of your life.
Monika: How can transgender women balance their personal needs with the responsibilities they carry in everyday life?
Joanne: Accept your circumstances. I know transgender women who have a very strong need to express their true selves and just as strong a sense of responsibility regarding their commitment to their families. Most of these transgender people suffer from conflict unless they accommodate both lives. They must find a way to accommodate all their needs. Devote the necessary time to your family obligations but find a way to schedule time for the man or woman inside.
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| A monologue titled "Abomination" presented on November 18, 2012. Long Island Transgender Day of Remembrance held at the Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church, Wantagh, New York. |
Monika: You performed in The Vagina Monologues. What drew you to that production?
Joanne: I am a ham! I love performing! I am a past vice president of my local League of Women Voters because I am also an activist regarding women’s rights. I feel sexism is the root cause of transphobia.
Monika: You also present your own monologues. What inspires you to keep sharing them?
Joanne: Again, I love performing. I present my monologues at any chance I am given. I am proud of winning the Best Story Teller Award at New York City’s Fresh Fruit Festival (2012).
Monika: How would you describe the current situation of transgender women in American society?
Joanne: I have seen an improvement in the public’s acceptance of transgender people; however, I will not be happy until we have a public understanding of transgenderism. I will know that is the case when a transgender woman can walk down the street without drawing attention, especially laughter, even though her appearance has obviously been affected by testosterone.
Monika: At what age did you transition, and how challenging was the process for you?
Joanne: I was 79 years old the first time I appeared in public as a woman and 84 when I totally transitioned. It was less difficult than many women experience: I was retired, no job to lose, I was a widow, no wife complications, and I had grown children with their own families, no responsibility for others.
Monika: During your transition, did you have any transgender role models you looked up to?
Joanne: No.
Monika: Are there transgender women today whom you admire?
Joanne: Diane Schroer, who fought for her employment after transitioning, and Renee Richards, who fought to compete in tennis as a woman. They both relentlessly fought for their rights in court and won!
Monika: What was the most difficult part of coming out for you? Joanne: The most difficult was telling my son. After that, telling my daughter was almost as difficult.
Monika: Do you believe transgender issues represent a new frontier in the struggle for human rights?
Joanne: It most definitely is the new frontier. However, the fight for human rights has been in the wrong direction ever since the United States Constitution was adopted. Why does every group fight its own battle for equality? The effort should have always been for a universal human rights law!
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| Fighting for transgender rights in legislative meeting (YouTube). |
Monika: How do you feel transgender people and their stories are currently portrayed in films, newspapers, and books?
Joanne: Things are improving! I remember the implied joke when Milton Berle appeared on stage in drag. He did not say or do anything and the audience laughed out of their seats at the sight of a man in women’s clothes. Flip Wilson did the same thing when he also implied dressing as a woman was evil. He stuck a dagger in my soul when he referred to his red dress and said, “The devil made me do it!”
Monika: The transgender cause is often grouped together with the broader LGBT community. Do you think transgender people are able to advocate effectively for their own needs within that structure?
Joanne: We have no choice! Wherever I go, to my local League of Women Voters, synagogues, churches, legislatures, and almost any place I look, sexual orientation is mentioned alone. As a result, we need to fight the same battle all over again to include the T.
Monika: Is there anyone in the American transgender community today whose work reminds you of what Harvey Milk achieved for gay rights in the 1960s and 1970s?
Joanne: I do not think so. There is not anyone high profile transgender political martyr to my knowledge. There are many activists, with a few starting an open political career. Hopefully, the killing of transgender people will end!
Monika: Are you personally involved in political activism, and do you believe transgender women can have a meaningful impact in politics?
Joanne: I am active in my county and state fight for transgender people’s equal protection under the law. I have also done work to include transgender sensitivity training in our Police Academy, active police officers, and recognition in other appropriate local services. I am not the only transgender person making progress toward equality in the last decade. Transgender women are first beginning to openly participate in politics and will certainly make a difference.
Monika: How has love shaped your life over the years?
Joanne: I intensely loved and still love my departed wife, plus my daughter, son, and grandchildren, who refer to me as Papa Joanne. If your question referred to romance, it is not important to me at this point in life.
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| Long Island Transgender Advocacy Coalition Rally in front of the Nassau County Legislature Building, Mineola, New York, June 22, 2014. |
Monika: Many transgender women choose to write memoirs. Have you ever considered telling your own story in that form?
Joanne: No.
Monika: Are you currently working on any new writing or creative projects?
Joanne: In my life as an author, I have written "Transgender Complete, A Virtual Handbook" and "The Transgender Monologues, Gender, Sexuality, and LGBT Life". I am now working on my third book, Identical Treatment in the Machine of the Law, The Quest for Transgender Civil Rights, scheduled for 2015. All my books are e-books and published by Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook.
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Joanne: Stop! Stop the struggle! You are as normal as anyone and most likely more normal than most people. Your gender does not agree with your sex organs and that is the way God intended it. When faced with a lack of acceptance remember, any doctrine that espouses hatred cannot be of God!
Monika: Joanne, thank you for the interview.
Joanne: Thank you for asking!
All the photos: Courtesy of Joanne Borden.
© 2015 - Monika Kowalska
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