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.
Writing the book was, for Christie, a deeply cathartic process, helping her to release years of painful memories while offering a guiding light for younger transgender people facing similar challenges. Her story also highlights the importance of representation, role models, and the need for greater understanding of transgender lives, particularly during times when public awareness was minimal. Today, Christie balances her creative work with a quieter life surrounded by the things that bring her joy. She cherishes time with her beloved dog Jess, enjoys the simple beauty of flowers and nature, and values the support of a few close friends. Although she admits she is no longer drawn to the fashion and glamour of her showgirl days, her sense of authenticity and honesty shines brighter than ever. She is currently working on a new project, a mystery romance novel now titled Devious Hearts, which promises to showcase her storytelling skills in a different genre. Christie’s life is not only a personal journey of transformation but also a reflection of broader cultural changes over the decades. She has lived through eras of intense discrimination, witnessed the gradual growth of tolerance, and remains an inspiration to those who continue to fight for authenticity and acceptance. Her advice to transgender girls struggling with gender dysphoria is simple yet powerful: strive to be your genuine self and remember that you do not have to go through the journey alone.
Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Christie De Vries, an Australian writer whose remarkable life has taken her through many different paths. She is a former showgirl who dazzled audiences with her performances, a dedicated nurse who cared for patients in some of the most demanding areas of medicine, and now a passionate author. I am delighted to welcome her to this conversation. Hello Christie!
Christie: Hi Monika! It is so lovely to meet you. I must say I am truly chuffed that you reached out to me all the way from Poland. It feels wonderful to connect across such a distance and I am excited to share this moment with you.
Monika: How would you describe yourself to someone meeting you for the first time?
Christie: Hmmm, I guess I'm just like everyone, trying to find sense in a very crazy world. I try not to watch too much news, as the events in the world are just overwhelming. Being transgender certainly isn't an easy life path to choose. There seems to be more tolerance for transgender children these days, and that's wonderful. Looking back, I realize how much strength it took to keep moving forward.
Monika: When you think about your personal journey, what stands out to you the most today?
Christie: It was a difficult journey and I wouldn't ever want to go through all that again. These days, I enjoy writing, spending time with my dog Jess, and seeing a few select friends. I love the beauty of nature and flowers. I have learned to appreciate the simple joys that bring peace and balance into my life.
Monika: You have mentioned that you are working on several novels. Could you share more about your first mystery romance project and how it is developing?
Christie: Yes, Monika, I've written sixteen chapters, but real life is demanding my attention, so I'm trying to write in snippets when I can at the moment. I'm still hoping for a release in the first part of 2016 if possible, and I am changing the title to Devious Hearts. You're the first to know! Writing has become a creative escape for me, and I enjoy watching the story unfold little by little.
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| Available via Amazon. |
Monika: Looking back on your early years, how did your professional journey begin, and what led you into the world of show business?
Christie: I did. In my late teens, that was really the only avenue for transgender girls to make a living, and not a very good one at that. Many people made a lot of money on the backs of transgender showgirls, and we were usually just paid a pittance, but it was a fun lifestyle in many ways. As soon as I felt confident enough after my reassignment surgery, I quit shows for a while to work out in the real world. The experience gave me resilience and confidence, even if the work was often undervalued.
Monika: After leaving the stage, what inspired you to pursue a career in nursing?
Christie: My mother was a nurse, and the medical field always intrigued me. I had worked at several large public hospitals in various roles, mainly clerical, and decided to go into nursing. I had to go back to night school while working a full-time job. It was a demanding time in my life, but I was determined to reach my goal.
Monika: How did your training and nursing career develop once you entered the profession?
Christie: I got into nursing school and completed the training. I worked in Ophthalmology, Ear Nose and Throat, and later in Theatre as a scrub nurse for a cosmetic surgeon. The variety of work gave me a broad perspective on patient care. It also showed me how important compassion is in the medical field.
Monika: After your nursing career, you have started writing books!
Christie: I have! I finished the autobiography in a bit of a rush. Digging up all those old memories was difficult, but it was cathartic, and that’s why I wrote it. I needed to get all that baggage out of my head and let it all go. It took me nine years, and I wasn’t sure I could do it. Putting your very private life out there for the world to see was hard, and I almost withdrew the book. Writing gave me a sense of relief I had not expected.
Monika: How did you overcome your doubts and decide to publish the autobiography?
Christie: I thought, blow it! People need to understand how difficult it is. In 1977, society wasn’t as tolerant, and there was a lot of discrimination, even within the transgender and gay scene. Despite my earlier doubts, I’m very glad I did write it. Sharing my story has also allowed me to connect with others who might be going through similar struggles.
Monika: What motivated you to write your autobiography, and what did you hope to achieve by sharing your story?
Christie: Mainly, it was a form of catharsis. I had a very difficult childhood and a very difficult relationship with my adoptive mother. I carried a lot of baggage around for years. I knew if I was ever to get any peace of mind, I had to let it all go. I also wanted it to serve as a guidepost for young people with gender issues. Hopefully, it will help those who read it to understand things a little more. Writing it also allowed me to see my own journey from a new perspective. It gave me a sense of closure I had been seeking for many years.
Monika: Which aspects of your experiences do you think could be especially helpful or relatable to other transgender women?
Christie: I would hope that other transwomen could identify with some or all of my experiences. Most of us travel a similar path in life, I think. Sharing my story may reassure others that they are not alone. It is important to know that struggles can be overcome and that resilience is possible.
Monika: At what age did you begin your transition, and what were some of the challenges you faced during the process?
Christie: I began hormone treatment at seventeen, and yes, it was a very difficult process. It all took time. I was young and impatient. At age twenty, I saw a Professor of Gynecology, who told me I’d have to wait ten years. I was horrified but got through the assessments in eighteen months and had the surgery at age twenty-one. The journey taught me a lot about patience and persistence. It also showed me the importance of trusting the process and those guiding you.
Monika: During your transition, were there any transgender role models who inspired or guided you?
Christie: April Ashley and Christine Jorgensen. They showed me what was possible and gave me hope during a time when role models were rare. Their courage motivated me to keep moving forward despite obstacles.
Monika: Are there any transgender women today whom you admire or respect for their work or influence?
Christie: Model Carmen Carrera and a few personal friends. Their dedication and authenticity are truly inspiring. I admire how they use their platforms to educate and uplift others.
Monika: Looking back on your coming out experience, what was the most difficult challenge you faced?
Christie: I think the discrimination. It was relentless at times, both socially and professionally. Facing it taught me resilience and the importance of self-advocacy. It also made me appreciate the progress society has made since then.
Monika: Often, the transgender cause is presented as part of the broader LGBT movement. Do you think transgender issues get enough attention within that context?
Christie: Honestly, I'm not involved in the LGBT scene and don’t really have an opinion. I prefer to focus on my personal journey and writing. I believe that everyone can contribute to awareness in their own way. It’s important that each voice counts, even if it is outside organized activism.
Monika: How do you feel about the portrayal of transgender people in media, including films, newspapers, and books?
Christie: I think generally transgender characters are usually shown as obviously mannish, and I hate that. I don't think Caitlyn Jenner is helping the transgender cause at all. These portrayals often reinforce stereotypes rather than showcase the real diversity of transgender lives. It can be frustrating to see complex experiences reduced to clichés.
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| In her writing mood. |
Monika: Have you ever taken part in lobbying or advocacy efforts, and in your view, can transgender women bring meaningful change to politics?
Christie: I only lobby against cruelty to animals and support the orangutans in Borneo. The rest can take care of themselves. I think transgender women could contribute a lot to politics. Their voices and perspectives could shine a light on issues that are often overlooked. Having more transgender women in politics would also inspire others to believe that change is possible.
Monika: How do you feel about fashion, and what types of clothes do you usually choose to wear? Do you have any favorite colors, styles, or designers that resonate with you?
Christie: No, I'm not a fashionista! These days I go for comfort, no more six-inch heels, my back won't take it! In the 1980s I was fond of Cherry Lane. Now I prefer clothing that makes me feel relaxed and natural rather than trying to follow trends. Simplicity has become my favorite kind of elegance.
Monika: What is your opinion of transgender beauty pageants, especially since some activists argue they reinforce an unhealthy focus on youth and physical appearance?
Christie: I really don't agree with them! They tend to create unrealistic expectations and put pressure on women to meet a very narrow standard. I believe self-worth should not be measured by how well one fits into traditional beauty ideals. Everyone deserves to be celebrated for who they are, not how they look.
Monika: How important has love been in your life, and how do you see it now at this stage of your journey?
Christie: It was very important for many years, but now that I'm almost sixty, I don't think love will find me again and that does make me sad. Love gave me hope and a sense of belonging when I was younger. Even though I am uncertain about the future, I still believe that companionship and connection can take many different forms.
Monika: What creative projects are you currently working on, and where is your energy focused these days?
Christie: Only the new book, Devious Hearts. I have a friend who is having chemotherapy and that is demanding a lot of my attention at the moment. Writing helps me cope and gives me an outlet when life feels heavy. Supporting my friend has also reminded me how precious and fragile our time is.
Monika: What message would you like to share with transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Christie: Strive to be your genuine self. There is lots of help available out there, you don't need to do this alone! Reaching out for support can make all the difference in the world. Trust that your journey is valid and that you are stronger than you realize.
Monika: Christie, thank you for the interview!
All the photos: courtesy of Christie De Vries.
© 2016 - Monika Kowalska
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