Katie Bainbridge is a writer, blogger, and author of the autobiographical book Flowers and Tightropes, published in 2015. She is a 47-year-old transgender woman who was born in Scotland and now lives in Cornwall. She balances her writing career with part-time work as an administrator, and she has also self-published two poetry collections, The Book of Mirrors and The Book of Windows. Katie’s journey into womanhood began at the age of 38 when she started hormone therapy, facing serious health challenges and navigating systemic obstacles that tested her resilience and determination. Her autobiography emerged organically from creative evenings with her friend and housemate, during which she began writing pieces about her life, eventually transforming those reflections into a full-length book.
Through her work, Katie hopes to provide guidance, support, and inspiration to other transgender women, offering a realistic perspective on the struggles and triumphs of the transition process. She is deeply committed to advocacy, believing in the power of transgender voices to make a difference in politics and society, and she continues to explore new creative projects, including a science fiction novel that presents a fresh challenge for her writing. Beyond her literary pursuits, Katie embraces life with authenticity, encourages self-love and personal growth, and champions living true to oneself, surrounded by supportive people while letting go of judgment and negativity. Her story is a testament to perseverance, courage, and the transformative power of embracing who you truly are.
Monika: Today I have the pleasure and honor of interviewing Katie Bainbridge, a Scottish writer, blogger, and author of the autobiographical book Flowers and Tightropes, published in 2015. Hello Katie!
Katie: Hi Monika! Thanks for asking me to do this interview. It’s wonderful to be here and share my story with you.
Monika: Could you tell us a little about yourself and how you would describe your journey so far?
Katie: I'm a 47-year-old transgender woman. I was born in Scotland and now live in Cornwall. I am a writer, author, and I also work part-time as an administrator. Life has taught me a lot, and I try to reflect that in both my writing and daily interactions.
Monika: What inspired you to write your autobiography, and how did the idea come about?
Katie: Well, I didn't just decide. It sort of evolved. Every Monday, Anja, my friend and housemate, has a creative evening, which was her idea originally, and we produce and perform pieces of work for it. Anja started the evenings because she wanted someone to perform to, and I wanted to take part, so I started writing pieces about my life. After a year and a half of these evenings, I found I had myself a book. It was amazing to see how personal reflections could turn into something meaningful that others could read and relate to.
Monika: In what ways do you think your personal journey can offer guidance or support to other transgender women?
Katie: A hell of a lot of it, actually! I have had a rough ride through the system and through life, and I never want anyone to go through what I have experienced. From that viewpoint, I can help a lot of people. It feels rewarding to know that my story might make someone else’s path a little less painful.
Monika: What helped you cope during the most difficult moments of your journey?
Katie: Transgender people generally seem to have a tough time, and one way it can be made easier is by having realistic role models and real people to identify with. I felt very alone with my struggle and, had it not been for friends of mine going through the same thing, I would probably have committed suicide. I am forever grateful to those friends, as their support truly saved my life.
Monika: Besides your autobiography, what other books have you written, and what inspired you to create them?
Katie: Yes, I have self-published two poetry books, The Book of Mirrors and The Book of Windows. Writing poetry allows me to explore emotions and experiences in a different way than prose. I find it helps me process life and connect with readers on a more personal level.
Monika: At what age did you begin your transition, and what motivated you to take that step?
Katie: I started my hormone therapy on 1st September 2006, when I was 38. The best way to get an overview of my life is to read my book because the problems I encountered were many and varied. My health issues were significant, as I have a damaged immune system. I also experienced moments of deep mental fragility. Looking back, beginning my transition was both terrifying and necessary for me to truly live as myself.
Monika: Can you describe some of the medical challenges you faced during your transition?
Katie: I was sent to an inexperienced endocrinologist who gave me ethinylestradiol, an outdated synthetic hormone, which put me through hell. I suffered Steven Johns Syndrome throughout my entire body about a dozen times over three years. I thought I was going to die each time. The symptoms were horrific. Eventually, a friend told me I should have been sent to a clinic further up the country, and she probably saved my life. I still had to fight the system to get an appointment, which was incredibly frustrating and unfair.
Monika: What does being a woman mean to you beyond medical procedures?
Katie: By the way, I did not go all the way with the transition because of how damaged my immune system is. It would have been too risky. At the end of the day, what is between someone's legs does not make them male or female. It is what is in their heart and between their ears that counts. For me, being a woman is about living authentically and embracing who I truly am inside, regardless of medical interventions.
Monika: During the early stages of your transition, did you have any transgender role models you looked up to or tried to follow?
Katie: No, I had no role models. I just desperately wanted to be me, whatever that was. I was one lost soul at the outset of my journey. I had also joined Alcoholics Anonymous for the second time in my life. I was very messed up and couldn’t face trying to follow anyone. The denial of being transgender was a big issue for me too. Looking back, I realize how isolating that period truly was.
Monika: What do you think influenced your view of transgender role models at that time?
Katie: That was largely due to the role models of the time and the shame society puts on gender differences outside the perceived norm. Also, the role models were either so perfect that one couldn’t tell they were transgender or so unusual that I didn’t want to associate myself with them. I didn’t like myself very much either. Thankfully, that has changed. Over time, I have learned to accept myself and see value in my own journey.
Monika: Are there any transgender women today that you admire or look up to?
Katie: Yes, all of them. Anyone that has the courage to come out and go down the road less traveled, I take my hat off to. Even under favorable conditions, I cannot imagine it being easy. We are taught, as a society, what is and isn’t normal and are shamed if we step out of it. Their bravery inspires me to continue being authentic every day.
Monika: Thinking back to when you first came out, what was the most difficult part of that process?
Katie: I feared I would lose my family and my friends. I lost neither, but I gave them the option of whether they wanted to stick around or not. I can remember being very clear about it. I had reached the end of my rope and was willing to accept total rejection if need be. I cared little at this point about what would happen to me. That moment taught me the importance of standing firmly in your truth.
Monika: The transgender community is often included under the broader LGBT umbrella. Do you feel transgender people are able to advocate for their own issues within that group?
Katie: I feel we get a bit lost in the LGBT community, not to mention misunderstood and sometimes discriminated against. That is how it has felt to me, and that has been my experience in the past. I used to avoid the scene for these very reasons. Saying that, I do go to an LGBT night on Sundays now, and I have people there that I count as friends. Being part of that community has reminded me how important connection is.
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| Crowdfunder campaign for Flowers and Tightropes. |
Monika: How do you feel about the representation of transgender people in the media, such as news stories, films, and books?
Katie: I have to admit, I don’t read the papers or watch television, so my experience is very limited. I try to focus on authentic stories from people I know rather than mainstream portrayals.
Monika: Do you engage in lobbying or advocacy work, and do you think transgender women can influence politics?
Katie: Oh, yes! You bet I do, both. Transgender women can make a huge difference in politics. We need a voice, and we need to change how people perceive us and themselves as male and female. That is the reason I felt compelled to publish my book. I believe that even small actions in advocacy can have a ripple effect in society.
Monika: How would you describe your personal style, and what kind of outfits do you usually enjoy wearing?
Katie: I tend to be fairly conservative, but I do quirky from time to time. I have stopped worrying so much about whether I look too male or female and just wear what I want. Life is too short to start pleasing people with opinions, so I do my own thing. Expressing myself through clothing has become a joyful part of my self-acceptance.
Monika: What are your thoughts on transgender beauty pageants, considering some criticism about their focus on youth and appearance?
Katie: I cringed when I read this question, so that probably tells you all you need to know! I hate beauty pageants of any sort. I find them patriarchal, outdated, and shaming. We all have beauty if we choose to show it. True confidence and self-worth come from within, not a stage or crown.
Monika: Can you tell me about the role of love in your life?
Katie: If you are talking about sexual partners, I have made an epic fail of that one. I am single and have been for the last three years, and it suits me. I have my cat and my housemate, and I am happy with that. I either don’t know how to cope in sexual relationships and mess things up, or I pick a complete mental case like the last one. I have learned that companionship comes in many forms, and love is not limited to romance.
Monika: Are you working on any new projects at the moment?
Katie: Yes, another book! It is a science fiction book and is proving to be a bit of a challenge. I am enjoying exploring a new genre and pushing my creative boundaries.
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Katie: This might sound cheesy, but learn to love yourself for who you are inside. Discover what you can give to the world. Try not to get too obsessed with what your outer appearance is like. Surround yourself with good, supportive people and drop the wasters and users. Don’t forget that this life is not a rehearsal; go live it. Be who you want to be and do what you want to do. Remember that your journey is valid and your existence is meaningful just as you are.
Monika: Katie, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today.
Katie: Thank you, Monika! It’s been a pleasure to share my story and thoughts with you.
All the photos: courtesy of Katie Bainbridge.
© 2015 - Monika Kowalska
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