Thursday, October 15, 2015

Interview with Brittney Kade

Brittney

Brittney Kade is a vibrant and inspiring young transgender video blogger who has been documenting her gender transition on YouTube since the age of fourteen. From a very young age, Brittney knew she was different, preferring to play with girls' toys and expressing a strong sense that she was born in the wrong body. Born male and named Brandon, Brittney struggled with depression and bullying, which eventually forced her to leave school. With the loving support of her mother Staci and stepfather Andy, and after starting hormone therapy at 15, Brittney has found happiness and confidence in her transition. Her family has watched her blossom into a self-assured, compassionate young woman who now stands up for herself and others. Brittney has become a visible and powerful voice for trans youth, sharing both the challenges and triumphs of her journey.
 
With a flair for glamorous style and a passion for beauty, her channel is a blend of heartfelt storytelling, makeup tutorials, and candid Q&As about life as a transgender teen. Growing up without many trans role models, Brittney decided to become the kind of inspiration she once needed. Her mission is to create visibility, offer relatable content for other trans girls navigating their transitions, and promote self-love and authenticity. Despite facing obstacles in the early stages of her transition, navigating insurance and healthcare on her own, she has emerged with grace, resilience, and confidence. Brittney’s unapologetically bold fashion sense and commitment to self-expression have made her a standout presence in the online trans community. She is a firm believer in trans representation in media, the importance of inner beauty, and the power of loving oneself. While she’s keeping her upcoming projects under wraps, she continues to focus on growing her channel and being a supportive, empowering figure for others.

Monika: Hello Brittney! It’s such a joy to have you here today. How are you feeling?
Brittney: Hello Monika, thank you for having me! I’m feeling great and really excited for our chat. It’s always such an honor to share my story and connect with others through interviews like this. I truly admire you as a transgender woman, and I’m so happy we can share our own experiences, there’s something really powerful about trans women supporting each other.
 
Kade_01
Brittney in "It's Everyone Else Who Has a Problem!"
Transgender TV Series (YouTube)
 
Monika: Could you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little bit about your journey so far?
Brittney: Well, my name is Brittney Kade, I am transgender. I started my transition when I was fourteen, and have been on hormones for over a year now. It’s been a life-changing experience, and I’ve learned so much about myself along the way. Every step, even the tough ones, has brought me closer to becoming the person I’ve always known I was.
Monika: I’ve been watching your YouTube videos, and I must say, I absolutely love your makeup looks and your gorgeous nails! Do you enjoy the creative side of beauty as much as the storytelling?
Brittney: Thank you so much, I really do put a lot of effort into my videos, as well as my appearance, and I love being able to share not only my transition but also my beauty tips and secrets with the world. It’s such a fun and empowering way to express who I am. I also love hearing from viewers who try out my tips and feel more confident in their own skin.
Monika: What kind of outfits do you usually go for? Are there any particular designers, colors, or trends that really speak to your personal style?
Brittney: You would usually see me in a dress, usually something tight where I could show off my figure (that the hormones have blessed me with). My style is very gaudy, luxurious, seductive, captivating to say the least. I love bold colors, sparkles, and anything that makes me feel confident and glamorous. Fashion, for me, is a way to celebrate my femininity and embrace who I truly am.

22
"My style is very gaudy, luxurious, seductive,
captivating to say the least."

Monika: What inspired you to document and share your transition journey so openly on YouTube? Was it a spontaneous decision, or something you had been thinking about for a while?
Brittney: Growing up there were no trans women that I had to really look up to, aside from the trans women that I had discovered on YouTube at that time. Now almost five years later, I really wanted to be someone that I wish I could have had to look up to (at the time) when I seriously began to question my identity as well as the early beginning of my transition. Sharing my story felt like the right thing to do, especially if it could help even one person feel less alone. I want to be the voice and presence I needed when I was just starting out.
Monika: You answer a lot of questions from your viewers on YouTube, and I imagine they range from thoughtful to downright bizarre. What’s the strangest or most unexpected question you’ve ever chosen to respond to?
Brittney: Hmmm, good question! Well, there are tons of strange questions that I don’t bother answering because they aren’t very appropriate, however the strangest one that I have answered was the question where someone asked if I would ever “date a black guy,” and I found it strange because I don’t ever judge a guy based on their appearance, it’s what is on the inside that truly matters to me. I believe love shouldn’t be confined by race or any external factor. Everyone deserves to be seen and appreciated for who they are, not what they look like.
Monika: At what age did you begin your transition, and how would you describe the challenges you faced during that time? 
Brittney: I started my transition at fourteen and it was mainly mostly difficult in the beginning. The family that I surrounded myself with was very supportive (which I am very grateful for), however, the difficult part was dealing with insurance, finding a therapist, and finding a doctor so I could officially start my transition, all of which I had to do completely on my own to prove to my mother that this was something I was truly passionate about. It was a lot for someone my age to handle, but I was determined to advocate for myself. Looking back, that experience made me much stronger and more confident in who I am.

Kade_02
Benefits & Reasons To Date
A Transgender Girl (YouTube)

Monika: Do you have any transgender role models who’ve inspired you throughout your journey? Are there particular qualities or moments in their lives that resonated with you?
Brittney: Of course, I love Caitlyn Jenner, Laverne Cox, Carmen Carrera, Gigi, and Angela Vanity. I think you can learn very important things as well as take inspiration from each one of these women. Each of them has shown strength in different ways and helped open doors for trans visibility. Seeing their success gave me hope that I, too, could live authentically and proudly.
Monika: Which parts of your own transition do you think could be particularly helpful for other transgender girls who are planning their own journeys? Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you wish someone had shared with you earlier?
Brittney: Good question, well it depends on the person since everyone experiences different situations when it comes to their transition. That’s one of the main reasons why I put almost every aspect of my transition out in the open, that way no matter what the situation is, there would hopefully be someone that could relate. I try to share both the challenges and the victories, so others can learn from them. It’s important to know that no matter how tough things get, you're not alone in the process.
Monika: What was the most challenging aspect of coming out as transgender, and how did you manage those difficulties?
Brittney: The hardest thing about coming out as trans was probably worrying about how others would take it. But since I’m not one who cares what other people think, I was able to overcome that very quickly. Once I realized that living authentically was more important than their opinions, it became much easier. The support I received from those close to me also helped a lot, giving me the strength to embrace who I am fully.
 
33
"The hardest thing about coming out as trans was
probably worrying about how others would take it."
 
Monika: How do you feel about the current situation for transgender women in your country? Do you think there has been progress, or is there still a long road ahead?
Brittney: I think that we are finally getting some recognition here in America. I still feel like we have a long way to go but at least we have already been recognized to start the journey towards equality. It’s encouraging to see more visibility, but the fight for legal protections and societal acceptance is ongoing. We need to keep pushing for more inclusive policies and greater respect for transgender individuals in every aspect of life.
Monika: What’s your opinion on how transgender stories or characters are portrayed in films, books, or the media? Do you think there’s room for improvement, and if so, in what ways?
Brittney: I am very pleased to see all the new movies, series, and specials that are shining a spotlight on the transgender community. However, I do feel like it is unfair for a cisgender person to be acting in a film or series as a transgender person. I feel like the casting directors should be casting actual transgender people for the role. Authentic representation matters, and it’s crucial for trans actors to have the opportunity to portray their own stories. It’s not just about fairness, it’s about giving trans individuals a chance to shine in their careers.
Monika: The transgender cause is often included in the broader LGBT movement, but as the "T" in LGBT, do you feel the transgender community has been able to promote its own distinct cause within this larger group?
Brittney: I feel like it would be possible. I think that the last 10 years have been mostly about getting sexuality equality. And now that in America we have just legalized mutual sex marriage, I think that we can finally start on getting transgender equality rights. The fight for transgender rights needs to be its own focus, as we face unique challenges that go beyond what the broader LGBT movement has tackled. However, it’s also important to acknowledge the solidarity within the LGBT community, as we all work toward equality together.

Kade_04
Transgender Modelling Dreams: From
Geeky Boy to Glamorous Girl (YouTube)

Monika: Do you engage in any political lobbying campaigns? And in your opinion, can transgender women make a meaningful impact in politics?
Brittney: I don’t partake in any lobbying campaigns; however, I do believe that trans women can make a difference in politics. We have a long way to go, but if we keep fighting for our trans rights, nothing will get in our way. Trans women have a unique perspective that’s vital to shaping policies that truly represent all people. As more trans women step into political roles, I believe we’ll start seeing real change, not just for us, but for society as a whole.
Monika: What are your thoughts on transgender beauty pageants? Do you think they help or hinder the community?
Brittney: Well, I don’t agree with the constant pressure on trans women to look a certain way in order to be ‘passable.’ After all, trans women are already constantly judged in society as it is. However, if the pageants were to help trans women gain confidence, then I am totally supportive of them. These pageants can provide a platform for trans women to showcase their beauty, talents, and strength, which is empowering. That said, it’s important to challenge the idea that beauty is the only way to measure a woman’s worth, and we should be embracing all forms of femininity, not just the stereotypical ones.
Monika: Could you tell me what role love plays in your life? How has your understanding of love evolved over time?
Brittney: Love is definitely important in everybody’s life. Everyone deserves love; however, I believe that in order to receive love, you need to be able to love yourself first. After all, how are you supposed to find love if you don’t even know what it feels like? You need to love yourself for who you are as a person first before you can accept it from anyone else. I’ve learned that self-love is a journey, and once you start walking it, you begin attracting healthier relationships. True love begins when you no longer seek validation from others but recognize your own worth.

Kade_6
"Two Years on Hormones:
MTF HRT Update" (YouTube)

Monika: Are there any exciting projects you're currently working on? Anything new on the horizon for your fans and followers?
Brittney: Yea, I am working on a few projects that I can’t really speak about just yet, as well as my YouTube channel, which I am always trying to improve, and the quality and type of videos that my viewers would like to see. I’ve been experimenting with new formats and editing styles to make my content more engaging. I’m also planning to collaborate with other trans creators soon, which I think will bring some fresh energy to my channel.
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria? Is there something that helped you navigate those difficult moments?
Brittney: Just do whatever feels right to you. My best advice I could give that has always worked for me is, it’s always better to be hated for who you are than loved for someone that you aren’t. Surround yourself with people who uplift and affirm you, it makes a huge difference. And remember, your journey is valid even if it looks different from someone else’s.
Monika: Brittney, thank you for the interview! 

Links:
YouTube - brittneykade 
Facebook - Brittney-Kade
Instagram - Brittney_Kade
Twitter - Brittney_Kade

All the photos: courtesy of Brittney Kade.
© 2015 - Monika Kowalska
  
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