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. 

 

She believes that advocacy can take many forms, and while she does not participate in lobbying or formal political activism, she seeks to educate people personally, especially those who may be less familiar or understanding of the transgender community. Jamie views living her life fully, pursuing her passions, and being unapologetically herself as a form of activism in its own right. Her approach to life also highlights the significance of love, family, and support networks, acknowledging the fears and challenges transgender women can face while remaining hopeful about the future. Fashion, hobbies, and personal expression are part of how she celebrates her identity, and she openly shares her ambitions, including her hopes of starting a family one day and exploring creative projects in the future. Jamie’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and self-discovery, offering inspiration to those struggling with gender dysphoria while reminding everyone that happiness, success, and authenticity are attainable when one stays true to themselves.

 

Monika: It is a true pleasure to have you here today, Jamie Haze. You are a young video blogger who shares your transition journey on YouTube. Hello, Jamie!

Jamie: Hello Monika! Thank you so much for having me, I’m really excited to be here and to share my story with you.

Monika: Could you tell us a little about yourself and what defines you both personally and professionally?

Jamie: Well, where to start. I am 23 years old, I just graduated from college, and I am currently looking for a serious full-time job. I am very passionate about sports and love playing all kinds of them, definitely an athlete at heart. I am also the head coach for a college hockey team in the United States, and of course, I am a trans woman. I enjoy sharing my experiences and connecting with people through my videos because it feels rewarding to make a positive impact.

Courtesy of Jamie Haze.

Monika: Your vlog has gained a lot of attention, and you answer many questions about your transition. Looking back, what is the strangest or most surprising question anyone has ever asked you?

Jamie: There are definitely a lot of creepy people out there, so I am not sure if it is a good idea to get into all the strange questions. But overall, the strangest question came from my sister right after I told her I was trans. The first thing out of her mouth was, “Are you going to breastfeed?” It really caught me off guard. It also made me realize how little people sometimes understand about what transitioning actually involves.

Monika: What inspired you to share your transition journey on YouTube, and what impact did you hope your videos would have on others?

Jamie: One thing that helped me get through each day was watching other people’s transitions on YouTube. It really helped me in my darkest times, and I always said that when I reached that point, I would make videos to educate people and show that you can succeed in transition and be a happy, successful person. I wanted to create a space where others could feel seen and understood, just like I did when I watched those videos.

Monika: Can you tell us where you are currently in your transition, and what your next steps might be?

Jamie: Hopefully I am almost done. I have a certain surgery in mind, and I feel I will be complete once that is over. I am looking forward to embracing that next stage and seeing the final results of all my efforts.

Monika: Are you happy with the results of your hormone therapy, and how has it affected your transition overall?

Jamie: Yes, for the most part, I am very satisfied with HRT. I still lack in the boobs department, but eh, I am an athlete and I don’t want them to get in the way anyway. Overall, it has made a huge difference in my confidence and the way I feel every day.

Monika: Which parts of your transition experience do you think could be most helpful for other transgender women who are planning theirs?

Jamie: Being educated was key for me. I was very informed, and I think it helped me out tremendously. I always encourage others to research, ask questions, and surround themselves with people who support their journey.

Monika: How do you view the current situation for transgender women in your country, and what changes do you hope to see in the future?

Jamie: I think it is vastly improving but still has a long way to go. Most people now can name at least one trans person, and although some of them may not be the most credible or educated, at least there is visibility. That visibility is exactly what trans people need to gain acceptance and understanding.

 

Courtesy of Jamie Haze.

 

Monika: At what age did you begin your transition, and how challenging was the process for you personally?

Jamie: I transitioned at 21, almost at my three-year mark. It was the most difficult thing I have done in my life, but I am very thankful I did it because it is so worth the happiness. Looking back, I realize it has shaped me into a stronger, more self-assured person.

Monika: During your transition, were there any transgender role models who inspired you or guided you through the process?

Jamie: I really love Jamie Clayton and Janet Mock. They just seem so happy and content with their lives, and they are both extremely successful. Most of their success isn’t known for being trans, it is by being just awesome, hard-working people. Their stories showed me that being authentic and pursuing your dreams is possible. 

Monika: Are there any transgender women today whom you admire and respect for their courage or achievements?

Jamie: Everyone that has the courage to live their true, authentic self. I believe that bravery and honesty are qualities worth celebrating in every person.

Monika: What was the most difficult part of coming out to others, and how did you navigate those challenges?

Jamie: Feeling rejected and losing friends was the hardest part. Some days it is still hard to get over, but in the grand scheme of things, I am still happy I transitioned. It has taught me to prioritize my own happiness and the people who truly support me.

Monika: The transgender cause is often represented alongside other LGBT communities. Do you think the transgender community is able to promote its own issues effectively within this broader group?

Jamie: I am torn about this. I think there is strength in numbers, yet at the same time, I feel our agenda can be overshadowed. I also notice that many people outside the community do not fully understand the unique challenges trans people face.

Monika: What do you think contributes to this confusion, and how does it affect the perception of transgender issues?

Jamie: One thing that bothers me is that the first three letters represent sexual orientations, while the last represents gender identity. Most people within the trans community clearly understand the difference, but this often confuses people outside the community, who are unsure if being trans is a sexual orientation or something else entirely. This misunderstanding can make it harder to advocate for trans rights and visibility.

 

Courtesy of Jamie Haze.

Monika: Are you personally involved in politics or any lobbying efforts, and how important do you think political activism is for transgender women? 

Jamie: No, I am not very involved in lobbying or formal activism. I know it needs to be done, but I just simply don’t want to participate in that way. I prefer to focus on other forms of advocacy that feel more authentic to me and sustainable for my own energy.

Monika: In what ways do you advocate for the transgender community outside of traditional activism, and how do you see your actions making an impact?

Jamie: I try to advocate by educating people one-on-one, especially those who may be less familiar or less open to the trans community, such as the rednecks from my hometown or close-minded athletes. I think the best way I can be an activist is by pursuing what I want most in life because doing so shows others that it is acceptable and okay to be trans. I hope that by living openly and confidently, I can inspire others to embrace their true selves as well.
Monika: How do you feel about fashion, and what kind of outfits or styles do you usually enjoy wearing? Are there any colors, trends, or designs that you particularly like?

Jamie: I love fashion, but I am not always the most fashionable. Most days I wear an athletic quarter zip and leggings. However, recently I have been going through an extreme girly phase where I enjoy wearing dresses, modern business casual looks, and experimenting with make-up. Exploring different styles has been a fun way for me to express my personality and creativity. 

Monika: How important is love in your life, and what role does it play in your overall happiness and well-being?

Jamie: Love is incredibly important, and I think finding someone to share your life with is essential to truly being happy. I look forward to having a husband and kids one day, but I am very guarded and sometimes afraid to open up to guys because of the fear of being hurt or facing a negative reaction due to “You were a guy.” I know I will find love one day; it just has to be with the right person who truly respects and accepts me. Feeling loved and supported gives me hope and motivation in all areas of my life.

Monika: Many transgender women choose to write memoirs about their experiences. Have you ever considered writing a book about your own journey?

Jamie: I love to write, and maybe I will when I am much older, but right now I have too much life to live to focus on that. Writing is something I hope to explore in the future because I feel there will be so many stories to share.

Monika: Are you currently working on any new projects or creative endeavors that you can tell us about?

Jamie: I am working on a pretty major project that I am keeping secret for now. It is very exciting, and I cannot wait to share it when the time is right.

 

Courtesy of Jamie Haze.

Monika: What advice would you give to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria, especially when it feels overwhelming?

Jamie: My advice is to stay strong and not try to handle everything by yourself. Although you may hear horror stories, there are so many incredible people willing to help, whether they are trans or cis. Reaching out for support can make a huge difference in your journey and your well-being.

Monika: How can building a support system help someone navigate the emotional and mental challenges of transition?

Jamie: Transition is a long and often emotionally and mentally draining process. Having a strong support system makes everything so much easier and more manageable. Just be yourself and keep pushing through the pain, because there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it truly does get better. Staying connected to those who care about you helps you remember that you are not alone.
Monika: Jamie, thank you for the interview!

All the photos: courtesy of Jamie Haze.

© 2016 - Monika Kowalska

 

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