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.
For Danni, YouTube is not just about visibility but about building a sense of connection, reminding her followers that they are not alone in their struggles with dysphoria, self-acceptance, or societal expectations. Beyond her role as a vlogger, Danni has explored creative avenues such as modeling and fashion, which allow her to express her individuality and confidence. She enjoys experimenting with style, from casual ripped denim and crop tops to elegant dresses and high heels, showing her followers that fashion can be both playful and empowering. While she has considered writing a memoir in the future, she feels that her journey is still unfolding and prefers to wait until she has experienced more of life before putting her story into book form. At the heart of her message is the importance of love, not only from friends and family but also from within. Danni emphasizes self-love as a cornerstone of resilience, especially for those who face loneliness or misunderstanding.
Her passion for helping others and her optimism about the progress of transgender rights in Canada make her a powerful voice for change. With her authenticity, creativity, and unwavering positivity, Danni Rose Monroe continues to inspire others to embrace their true selves while she shapes her own future with courage and grace.
Monika: Today it is my great pleasure and honor to speak with Danni Rose Monroe, a young video blogger who shares her transition journey on YouTube. Hello, Danni!
Danni: Hey Monika! Thanks for having me.
Monika: To begin, could you introduce yourself to our readers?
Danni: Well, I am 20 years old, I live in Calgary, Alberta, and I make YouTube videos to help educate people about what it means to be transgender.
Monika: Your vlog has become very popular, and you often answer questions about your transition. What is the most unusual question you have ever been asked?
Danni: I have been asked many questions, but I would say the strangest thing to me is how disconnected people are from kindness. I wouldn’t say people ask strange questions, because if you are ignorant of something, the best thing you can do is ask about it.
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| Jordan Gooden Photography: photographed by Jordan Gooden. |
Monika: What inspired you to begin sharing the story of your transition with a wider audience on YouTube?
Danni: I love helping people, and I am really passionate about bringing the trans movement forward. What really pushed me to share my experiences and points of view were the people who had no idea what being trans even meant. I felt that by telling my story I could help educate those who did not understand. It has been so rewarding to know that my openness can change how others see our community.
Monika: When you began creating content, what goals did you hope to achieve through your channel?
Danni: My goal in doing all of this was to help other trans women and trans men feel that it is OK to be who they are, but also to change people’s perspective on what it means to be transgender. I wanted to create a space where people could feel supported and understood. Over time, I have realized that sharing my journey not only helps others but also strengthens my own confidence.
Monika: How far along are you in your transition at this point?
Danni: I have been on hormones for 19 months, almost at the two-year mark. I do plan on getting a few different surgeries, but I am not sure which ones I will share with my followers, or if I will share them at all. I am sure one day I will talk about it, but for now we all just have to wait and see what happens. It feels exciting to know that there are still new steps ahead in my journey.
Monika: How do you feel about the effects hormone therapy has had on you so far?
Danni: I am, I feel a lot happier with who I am. I think it is crazy how much hormones can really change you, and the confidence that HRT can give someone is amazing. Looking back, I can see how much growth and strength the process has given me.
Monika: In what ways do you think your personal journey can be helpful to other transgender women who are planning their own transitions?
Danni: I think all aspects of my perspective could be used to help others. Not because I think my experience is superior to anyone else's, but because while I was going through the earlier stages of HRT I found the stories of other trans women so helpful. It makes me proud to know that by sharing my story, I can give back the same kind of support that once guided me.
Monika: What role do online platforms play in sharing these stories and experiences?
Danni: I think YouTube and the Internet are amazing because you really get to see the diversity and different perspectives of other trans women. It shows just how unique every journey is, and that there is no single path to becoming who you are. Being part of that online community has reminded me that connection can be just as powerful as personal experience.
Monika: How would you describe the current situation of transgender women in Canada?
Danni: Trans women are definitely being more widely accepted in Canada. We have the same rights and freedoms as everyone else, and it is nice that the Canadian government does not treat us any differently. It feels encouraging to see acceptance growing stronger every year.
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| Jordan Gooden Photography: photographed by Jordan Gooden. |
Monika: How would you assess the support provided by the healthcare system and government policies?
Danni: We are not shut out by doctors or healthcare professionals, and the government actually helps fund SRS for those who feel they need it. I think we are in a good place, and more people are definitely becoming supportive. Knowing that these systems exist makes it easier for many trans people to move forward with hope.
Monika: How do you look back on the time when you began living as a woman, and was it a difficult process for you?
Danni: They usually define the start of your transition as the moment you begin dressing and identifying as female full time. For me, there is not really a specific age that stands out for when I started living as female. I was always gender-bending and cross-dressing from a very young age, and over time people just started to refer to me as female. Looking back, it feels like a very natural evolution rather than a single defining moment.
Monika: What made this period of your life especially challenging?
Danni: Eventually, I was living as female at work, in school, and in my day-to-day life, but when I came home to my family, that was the only place I was not considered female. It was not the process of starting transition that was difficult, it was the fact that I hid it from my family for so long. That is what made it really hard. In many ways, the secrecy was heavier to carry than the transition itself.
Monika: When you were beginning your transition, were there any figures who inspired or influenced you?
Danni: Growing up there were not really any trans role models out there, but I was very infatuated with Michael Alig and the Club Kids. I really looked up to them and was inspired by the atmosphere, the culture, and the underlying message they had created. Their boldness made me believe that self-expression could be a form of freedom.
Monika: Was there a particular individual who stood out to you as especially influential?
Danni: One of my biggest inspirations then was Amanda Lepore. She was part of the original Club Kids, and she was the first transsexual I had ever known about. Seeing her live openly made me realize that visibility could have a powerful impact.
Monika: Are there any transgender women you look up to or feel admiration for today?
Danni: I admire and respect all trans individuals because they are on the path to finding their own happiness. Each person’s courage to live authentically inspires me in its own way.
Monika: Looking back, what part of your coming out process did you find the most challenging?
Danni: Coming out was actually really easy for me, no one was surprised. I had been living as a female for a while, so the only people I really needed to come out to were my parents. One day I just came home and told my parents I wanted to be female, and they supported me. Their acceptance made me feel even more certain that I was on the right path.
Monika: How do you feel about the way transgender stories and characters are represented in films, newspapers, and books today?
Danni: I really enjoy all the movies and the things I have read in the media. It makes me really happy to see that the trans community is finally able to be a part of mainstream culture. The visibility brings hope that future generations will grow up with more understanding and acceptance.
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| Instagram photo of Danni after a day of work. |
Monika: Within the broader LGBT community, do you feel the transgender movement has been able to highlight its own issues and goals?
Danni: Definitely! I think we have been trying to do this for a while now, but we were maybe overlooked because of all the success the gay community had with achieving equality and rights. It feels empowering to see the trans community gain recognition and visibility in spaces where we were once ignored.
Monika: How do you see the relationship between the transgender community and the larger LGBT movement evolving?
Danni: It is amazing to see how far the entire LGBT community has come, but now that trans people are being introduced into mainstream culture, our rights and issues are being brought to light. I think it is important for all of us to promote our own cause because although we all come from the same community, we are all very different types of people. By standing up for our specific challenges, we help strengthen the whole movement.
Monika: Are you involved in politics or advocacy work, and do you believe transgender women can have an impact in political spaces?
Danni: I actually do not know a lot about politics. As I have gotten older, I have definitely become more interested in it, but I have not really taken the time to get more involved. I do, however, think that trans women can make a difference in politics. Most of us live our lives trying to make people understand, and all we want is equality for all. I believe that even small actions and raising awareness can lead to meaningful change.
Monika: How would you describe your personal style, and what types of outfits or fashion trends do you enjoy?
Danni: I love fashion; it is definitely something I am very passionate about. I wear a lot of dresses when working, but I honestly like being casual the most nowadays. High heels are definitely my footwear of choice, but I also love wearing sneakers from time to time. I mostly wear ripped denim and crop tops, but I always like to switch things up. Fashion is one of the ways I express my personality and creativity.
Monika: What is your opinion on transgender beauty pageants?
Danni: Beauty pageants are cool, though I do not really follow any of them. It is not really my thing. I do not think they are wrong, but I cannot fully say that I support them either. I respect that they provide a platform for some trans women to celebrate themselves and gain visibility.
Monika: How significant is love in your life, and what forms of love do you value the most?
Danni: Love in all its forms is really important to me. I have had many struggles in life, as most of us have, and if it were not for my loved ones, I would not be alive today. Although dating can be difficult and this path I am on can be lonely, I have accepted that the only love I need right now is from my close friends, family, and most importantly the love from myself. Learning to love myself has made me stronger and more confident every day.
Monika: Many transgender women write memoirs. Have you ever considered writing one yourself?
Danni: I have thought about writing one, but I still have a lot more to experience in life, and I would like to wait until I am a bit older to work on that project. I hope that when the time comes, my story can inspire others who are going through similar journeys.
Monika: Are you currently involved in any new creative projects or endeavors?
Danni: I have been getting into more modeling recently, definitely connecting with more people and other creative minds. It has been exciting to explore new forms of self-expression and expand my creative horizons.
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Danni: You are not alone; every trans person deals with dysphoria. I know it is really hard to deal with now, but stay strong, and when you start taking hormones it will help a lot. Remember to stay positive and always surround yourself with people you feel comfortable around and who truly love and cherish you for who you are. Trust that with support and patience, things can get better over time.
Monika: Danni, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us today!
All the photos: courtesy of Danni Rose Monroe.
© 2016 - Monika Kowalska
