Interview with Therese Wonnacott

Therese Wonnacott, known to many as Aunty Anita, is a Hawaiian pioneer, a former beauty pageant promoter, and a tireless activist for trans women of color. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and deep cultural pride, a life woven with both hardship and triumph. Born in Wailuku, Hawaii, Therese’s early years were marked by instability and pain within a troubled family, yet she found solace and unconditional love in the care of her grandmother. That bond helped her develop the strength she would need to navigate the challenges of growing up in an environment where acceptance was often denied. From an early age, she carried within her a sense of Hawaiian identity and patriotism, rooted in the knowledge of her people’s history and the injustice of the stolen Hawaiian kingdom. Her saying, “Hawaiian by blood, American by force,” reflects her unbreakable pride in her heritage and the struggles of her community. In her youth, she began experimenting with drag performances, where she found both self-expression and a sense of belonging. Those first steps onto the stage eventually led her to the legendary House of Lee Sei, a chosen family that welcomed her when she needed it most.

Interview with Daliah Husu

Daliah Husu is an American writer, poet, and former stage artist whose journey is as powerful as it is inspiring. Born in the slums of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and later raised in the United States, she grew up between two very different worlds, carrying with her both the hardships of poverty and the possibilities of new beginnings. From a young age she expressed herself through art, whether it was music, fashion, or performance, and eventually discovered that writing gave her the truest outlet for her voice. In 2016 she published I Am Woman: Surviving the Past, the Present, & the Future, a raw and moving memoir that not only chronicles her struggles and triumphs but also speaks to the universal challenges faced by transgender women. Today she uses her words and experiences to advocate for understanding, acceptance, and visibility, always reminding others that love, courage, and authenticity lie at the heart of her story. 

 

Her work extends far beyond the page, as she continues to inspire through her presence in LGBT exhibits, fundraisers, and public conversations that give voice to those who are too often unheard. She admires trailblazers like Janet Mock and Laverne Cox, yet her deepest respect goes to the countless trans women who live authentically without applause, shaping change through their very existence. For Daliah, beauty is not about perfection but about purpose, love is both her anchor and her muse, and identity is something to be celebrated, not hidden. As she works on translating her memoir into Spanish to reach the community that raised her, she carries her message further, weaving together the threads of resilience, creativity, and passion that have always defined her.

Interview with Griffin Rae Birdsong

Griffin Rae Birdsong is an American poet, writer, and performer whose life and work are deeply intertwined with themes of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of self-expression. Born in Idaho Falls and now living in Boise, she has carved out a space for herself within Idaho’s vibrant artistic community, which embraced her as she began her journey as a fledgling performance poet. Her talent and dedication quickly brought her recognition, earning her a place on Idaho’s 2015 National Poetry Slam Team and a role as an official blogger and contributor to the Death Rattle Writer’s Festival. These achievements marked the beginning of a career that reflects not only her literary skills but also her ability to use art as a tool for change and connection. In 2016, Griffin Rae published her autobiographical book A Pansexual Adventure Through Time: A Transition Autobiography, a bold and intimate exploration of her transition told through poetry and narrative. The book stands as a testament to her belief that transgender literature is, at its core, human literature, carrying universal experiences of self-discovery and transformation that can resonate with anyone seeking to understand themselves more fully. By weaving personal history with creative expression, she invites readers to witness the complexities of transition not as a distant subject but as a relatable and deeply human story.

Interview with Georgia Lee McGowen

Georgia Lee McGowen is a writer, blogger, and the author of the autobiographical book Dear Mom and Dad: You Don't Know Me, But … published in 2012, a work that reflects both her courage and her devotion to sharing her personal journey with honesty and heart. At 71 years old, she continues to work full-time as a Kitchen and Bath Designer in Mesa, Arizona, approaching life with curiosity, energy, and a deep appreciation for every opportunity that comes her way. Georgia’s journey into living authentically as a woman began in her mid-sixties, making her transition a gradual and deeply personal process rather than a sudden revelation, and her story highlights the complexities and rewards of embracing one’s true self later in life. A devoted Christian and passionate historian of famous lives, she reflects on her experiences with honesty, compassion, and a wry sense of humor, offering insights that resonate not only within the transgender community but also with anyone navigating the challenges of identity, acceptance, and personal growth. Her memoir and public speaking explore the delicate balance of gender identity and spirituality, emphasizing acceptance, perseverance, and the pursuit of meaningful relationships.

Interview with Alexandria Krause

Alexandria Krause is a young American video blogger who has opened her life to the world through her YouTube channel. Better known to her followers as Alexandria or simply Lexi, she began recording videos as a way to reflect on her own progress with hormone replacement therapy, never imagining that so many people would watch, comment, and connect with her story. What started as a personal archive quickly turned into a growing platform where she shares her experiences, answers questions about her transition, and offers insight into the daily realities of being a transgender woman. Her channel has become a space filled with honesty, humor, and encouragement, showing not only the joyful milestones of transition but also the challenges of body image, public perception, and social expectations.

 

Lexi’s willingness to speak openly about sensitive topics has made her an important voice for many who are searching for guidance and reassurance. She discusses everything from strange or inappropriate questions she receives online, to her hopes for greater transgender visibility in mainstream media and beauty pageants, to her thoughts on politics and representation. She is also expanding her creative outlets through a new blog and an online community for trans and trans-friendly people, where she continues to provide support and build connections. What makes her work stand out is not only her courage in sharing her journey but also her insistence that the transgender experience should be seen as normal, valuable, and worthy of respect.

Interview with Rachael Evelyn Booth

Rachael Evelyn Booth is a woman whose life story reads like a sweeping journey across eras, places, and personal transformations. She grew up in rural Ohio, where as a child she would sit in a field behind her house, waiting for the first star to appear so she could wish to wake up as a girl. That small act of hope became a guiding thread throughout her life. Like many transgender people of her generation, she initially tried to conform to the role society expected of her. She joined the U.S. Navy, where she trained as a Chinese and Arabic linguist, and later built a 30-year career in computer programming and design for naval weapons systems. She also married, raised children, and did everything she could to make life in a male role feel bearable, but the pain of living inauthentically eventually drove her to the edge. After a suicide attempt, she realized that her only way to survive was to live as her true self, a decision that transformed her life. Her transition, which began in the early 1990s, was not easy. She faced discrimination at work, including humiliating restrictions on using the women’s restroom, yet she persevered and ultimately earned respect for her professional skills.

Interview with Elaine Walquist

Elaine Walquist’s life is a testament to reinvention, courage, and an endless curiosity for the world around her. She has been many things over the years, each chapter adding to a story that is both deeply personal and universally inspiring. As a young woman, she pursued modeling, capturing in photographs a beauty and elegance that hinted at the confidence she would one day fully embrace. Yet her professional path took her in another direction, into the classroom, where for twenty years she inspired students as a teacher and chaired the Foreign Language Department at her high school. Her love of languages was not just about words and grammar, but about opening doors to new cultures and perspectives. Elaine’s talents extend far beyond academics. With discipline and determination, she transformed a high school hobby into a passion for table tennis, climbing the ranks to become a four-time state champion and one of the top twenty women players in the United States. Chess, too, became one of her arenas, another space where strategy and patience brought her success. These pursuits reflect a theme that runs through her life: when Elaine commits to something, she pursues it with heart and persistence until she excels. After her retirement in 2012, Elaine entered yet another defining stage of her journey. Having lived much of her life in stealth, she stepped into the light as an advocate for transgender rights, using her voice and her experience to help others.

Interview with Mireya Milan

Mireya Milan is a dynamic and inspiring young video blogger who has built a loyal following on YouTube by openly documenting her journey of transition. Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, she moved to the United States as a child and grew up in Dallas, Texas, before making the move to Los Angeles to pursue new opportunities. Mireya first started her channel sharing fun, lighthearted videos with her friends, capturing everyday moments of dancing, partying, and enjoying life. As she began her transition, she made the courageous decision to share her personal experiences, creating a space where honesty, humor, and authenticity are at the forefront. Her openness has resonated with thousands of viewers, many of whom look to her for guidance, encouragement, and inspiration during their own transitions. Mireya has become known not only for her relatable storytelling but also for her confidence and unapologetic self-expression. She uses her platform to address challenging topics, including the intrusive questions transgender individuals often face, offering advice on how to navigate them with grace and humor.

Interview with Danni Rose Monroe

Danni Rose Monroe is a young Canadian video blogger whose openness and honesty have inspired countless people within the transgender community and beyond. Living in Calgary, Alberta, she began documenting her transition on YouTube at just twenty years old, determined to educate others and provide support for those navigating a similar journey. What started as a personal outlet quickly turned into a powerful platform where viewers could ask questions about transition, identity, and self-acceptance and receive thoughtful, sincere answers. Danni has always believed that there are no strange questions, only opportunities for learning, and she approaches her audience with patience, kindness, and a strong desire to break down misconceptions about what it means to be transgender. Through her videos she has shared the ups and downs of her transition, from her experiences with hormone replacement therapy to the emotional challenges of coming out to family. Her content reflects not only her own growth but also her commitment to helping others see that being transgender is a natural part of human diversity that deserves respect, empathy, and understanding.

Interview with Jamie Haze

Jamie Haze is a 23-year-old video blogger who courageously shares her journey as a trans woman on YouTube, creating a space where education, honesty, and encouragement intersect. Having recently graduated from college, she is currently exploring career opportunities while also serving as the head coach of a college hockey team in the United States, combining her love for sports with her dedication to mentoring young athletes. Beyond her athletic pursuits, Jamie has made it her mission to document her transition in a way that is both relatable and informative, answering questions from her audience with openness, humor, and authenticity. Her videos cover everything from the emotional and physical aspects of transition to the often surprising questions people ask, offering insight into the real-life experiences of transgender women. Inspired by role models like Jamie Clayton and Janet Mock, Jamie emphasizes the importance of visibility, education, and self-acceptance, showing that it is possible to be successful and happy while living authentically.

Interview with Deena Kaye Rose

Deena Kaye Rose is a remarkable figure in American music and literature, known for her creativity, resilience, and honesty. As one of Nashville’s most recognized songwriters of her time, she has over 400 songs published, with around 200 recorded and released worldwide. Her collaborations with legendary artists, including Johnny Cash, secured her place in the history of country music, with songs such as Any Old Wind That Blows becoming timeless hits. She also penned songs that reached audiences across the globe, shaping the sound of an era in country and popular music. What makes Deena’s story even more compelling is the way she has intertwined her artistic journey with her personal one. After years of success in the music industry, she embraced her true self and transitioned later in life, choosing authenticity over fear. She has spoken openly about the challenges and joys of that decision, offering wisdom to others who may be standing at similar crossroads.

 

In her autobiographical book Some Days Are Diamonds (2016), she reflects not only on her career and creative process but also on the power of living one’s truth. Her life has taken her through Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville, always in pursuit of music and creativity. Along the way, she has performed, collaborated with some of the most iconic names in the industry, and built lasting relationships with fellow artists. Yet her work extends beyond music. As a writer and lecturer, she has given voice to transgender experiences in ways that resonate deeply with both trans and cisgender audiences. Today, Deena continues to embody a fearless artistic spirit. She writes new music from a transgender point of view, reimagines her past creations through the lens of her present self, and inspires countless others with her humor, humility, and insight. Her story is one of courage, reinvention, and devotion to the creative life, reminding us that art and authenticity are inseparable companions.

Interview with Rica Salomon

Rica Salomon is a young and inspiring voice from Manila, Philippines, whose journey as a video blogger has touched many lives. At only 24, she has already carved out a space where she openly documents her transition on YouTube, using her platform not just to share personal milestones but also to encourage others who may be facing similar struggles. A graduate of a Jesuit university, where she studied Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on communications and psychology, Rica combines academic insight with personal experience to create thoughtful, relatable content. Her channel, which began as a small experiment, has since grown into a meaningful commitment, supported by viewers from different walks of life and by her boyfriend, who has been her strongest motivator and cheerleader. Beyond her online presence, Rica is also exploring entrepreneurial dreams. With a creative spirit and a determination to build something of her own, she is weighing the possibilities of franchising her father’s restaurant or starting a beauty salon, reflecting her passion for both family and self-expression.

Interview with Nikola Piława

Nikola Piława is a young Australian video blogger whose openness and creativity have made her a recognizable voice in the transgender community online. Originally from New Zealand, she grew up surrounded by a supportive environment that gave her the courage to embrace her identity. At just 20 years old, she made the bold move to Australia to follow her dream of becoming a makeup artist, and it was there that her career and online presence began to flourish. Her YouTube channel, where she documents her transition from male to female, has become not only a personal diary but also a resource for others seeking guidance and reassurance. What makes Nikola stand out is her ability to speak about her journey with honesty, warmth, and relatability. She answers questions about her transition with patience and sincerity, stressing that there are no “stupid” questions when it comes to understanding trans issues. In sharing her story, she offers a glimpse into the realities of hormone therapy, surgery, fashion, and everyday experiences, all while encouraging others to find joy in self-expression.

Interview with Debbie Ballard

Debbie Ballard is an American IT architect consultant, writer, and transgender activist whose remarkable journey reflects both innovation in technology and the resilience of living authentically. She was among the early pioneers who shaped the commercialization of the Internet in the 1990s, later became a leader in advancing Linux and Open Source technologies, and contributed to globalization initiatives that helped redefine how businesses and people connect across the world. With decades of experience at the forefront of technological progress, she has also carried a deeply personal story of navigating her identity in a time when being openly transgender often meant rejection, loss, or invisibility. Her autobiographical works, Debbie's Secret Life: LGBT in Stealth and Living in Stealth: Undercover, provide an unflinching look at what it means to grow up transgender while being forced to hide one’s true self. Written from her lived experience, these books are more than memoirs, they are heartfelt appeals to parents, teachers, counselors, and policymakers to understand the lifelong impact of denial and suppression.

Interview with Pamela Giovanni

Pamela Giovanni is a British actress, model, singer, and entertainer whose journey has been marked by creativity, resilience, and a refusal to be defined by convention. From her earliest performance in a church hall, where she played a goddess with dramatic flair, to her roles in films such as You Owe Me, The Lift, and Two Gunned Saint, she has embraced the stage and screen with passion and versatility. Her appearance on The X Factor became a turning point, revealing both the excitement of the spotlight and the frustrations of being misunderstood by the media, yet it only strengthened her determination to tell her story in her own way. Pamela speaks openly about her life and identity, rejecting the idea of “transitioning” and affirming that she has always been a woman. Her perspective is shaped by early challenges, including religious restrictions, medical examinations, and labels that never fully described who she is. Rather than follow role models, she prefers to carve her own path, offering advice rooted in individuality and authenticity.

 

Alongside her acting and singing, she has a deep love for fashion, admiring designers like McQueen, Galliano, and Versace, and she continues to develop new creative projects, including writing a feature inspired by The Crying Game. She has often reflected on the meaning of love, acknowledging the absence of parental affection in her life but embracing independence and self-sufficiency with pride. While she remains open to future possibilities, she treasures the freedom of living without compromises or constraints. Pamela has also considered writing a book, not as a memoir of transition, but as a way to share her experiences as a pseudo-hermaphrodite and shed light on a subject that is often misunderstood. In everything she does, whether performing, writing, or simply speaking her truth, Pamela embodies honesty, wit, and the determination to live authentically.

Interview with Brenda Appleton

Brenda Appleton is an Australian transgender activist and a passionate advocate for the rights and well-being of trans and gender diverse people. Born in New Zealand and living in Melbourne for more than two decades, she transitioned over fourteen years ago while working for a multinational organization, a decision she never regretted. Since retiring, she has devoted her time to volunteering with various organizations focused on sustainability, community resilience, and LGBTI and transgender issues, combining her energy and experience to make a meaningful impact. Brenda first gained media attention in 2011 through a feature about her coming out story alongside her partner, highlighting that love, commitment, and understanding can endure even through significant personal change.

 

Throughout her journey, Brenda has consistently worked to raise awareness and create positive change for transgender communities in Australia, serving in leadership roles such as Chair of Transgender Victoria and co-chair of Victoria’s whole-of-government LGBTI Taskforce. She has also contributed to advisory committees on health, mental health, and gender diversity, using her lived experience to influence policy and promote equality. Her activism is matched by a deep commitment to supporting families, friends, and individuals navigating gender dysphoria, emphasizing patience, dignity, and the importance of professional and emotional support. Brenda is celebrated not only for her advocacy but also for her thoughtful approach to life, balancing her personal passions, her decades-long marriage, and her dedication to ensuring that the next generation of transgender people has stronger support, representation, and opportunities for true equality.

Interview with Tista Das

Tista Das is an Indian actress, social activist, transgender advocate, and an enduring symbol of empowerment and choice for the transgender community in India. Her story begins with the dreams of a little girl who longed to see herself on screen, identifying with the grace and strength of heroines like Suchitra Sen and Sharmila Tagore. As a child she would imitate their expressions and movements, all the while carrying within her the prayer that one day her body and soul would be aligned. That prayer eventually became a lived reality, and her journey from a young dreamer to a woman celebrated for her authenticity has inspired countless people. Her film career has brought her into collaborations with renowned directors and storytellers, including I Could Not Be Your Son, Mom, directed by Sohini Dasgupta, and Subrata Dutta’s The Third Gender, a poignant exploration of love, identity, and societal resistance. In Beyond Reflections, directed by Umesh Bist, her own life took center stage in a moving account of her determination to live authentically despite the many challenges placed before her. These projects stand not only as artistic achievements but also as milestones in the ongoing fight for visibility and representation of transgender people in cinema.

Interview with Christie De Vries

Christie De Vries is an Australian writer whose extraordinary life reflects resilience, reinvention, and the courage to live authentically. She first stepped into the public eye as a showgirl in her late teens, at a time when that world was one of the few places where transgender women could find work and visibility. Although the stage offered her both glamour and freedom, it also exposed her to the harsh realities of an industry where many profited from the talent of transgender performers while offering them little in return. Determined to build a different future, Christie turned her attention to the medical field, following in the footsteps of her mother, who was a nurse. She worked in several major hospitals before earning her nursing qualifications and eventually specializing in ophthalmology, ENT, and surgical theatre, where she served as a scrub nurse for a cosmetic surgeon. Despite her success in nursing, Christie’s most lasting contribution has come through writing. Her autobiography, Down the Rabbit Hole...: An Autobiography by Christie De Vries, published in 2015, is a raw and unflinching account of her life. It traces her journey from a difficult childhood and strained relationship with her adoptive mother to her early transition in the 1970s, when tolerance was far rarer and discrimination more pervasive.

Interview with Alana Joy

Alana Joy is a woman of many passions and talents, weaving together the lives of a commodity trader, musician, photographer, hiker, writer, and dreamer. Her creativity and love of nature are deeply connected to her home in Phoenix, Arizona, where she often finds peace and inspiration on the desert trails that surround the city. Music, photography, and the art of charting and trading have all shaped her outlook on life, but it is her personal journey of self-discovery that defines her most. In 2015, Alana shared that journey with the world through her autobiography Dreamy Morning, a book that blends raw honesty with a deep sense of hope. By telling her story, she wanted to challenge the harmful misconception that being transgender is a choice, and she hoped to reach young people, parents, and anyone who might feel lost or alone. Writing her book was not easy for her, as she had long been a private person, yet her desire to make a difference outweighed her fears. Her reflections reveal not only the courage it takes to live authentically but also the compassion she feels for others navigating similar paths.

 

Alana speaks openly about the struggles of growing up with feelings she could not yet name, about the challenges of transitioning later in life, and about the loneliness and depression that sometimes accompanied her steps forward. At the same time, she always emphasizes resilience, urging others to take one step at a time, to never give up, and above all to love themselves. Her life is also marked by gratitude, whether for supportive friends and family, the sisterhood of other trans women who guided her, or the opportunity to finally live every day as herself. Through her words and her example, Alana embodies the belief that authenticity is worth every challenge and that even small acts of openness can help change the world for the better. She admires the trailblazers who came before her, yet she also strives to leave the path smoother for those who will follow. Her story reflects not only her own perseverance but also a deep appreciation for community, unconditional love, and the quiet beauty of everyday life. It is with great joy and honor that I introduce Alana Joy, a woman whose voice carries both strength and tenderness, and whose journey continues to inspire.

Interview with Tina Madison White

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview transwoman Tina Madison White. She has carved out a career as a commercial and investment banker, management consultant, business information manager, and organization strategist. She is the author of the memoir titled “Between Shadow and Sun: A Husband's Journey Through Gender - A Wife's Labor of Love” (2015). Hello Tina!

Tina: Hi, Monika! It is a pleasure to talk to you.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Tina: Certainly. I have had a wonderful life so far. I have five children and five grandchildren. My wife, Mary, and I have been together for eighteen years. Last week another tourist remarked, “you two cannot possibly have been married so long: you are too happy!”