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.
Monika: Today I have the great pleasure and honor of speaking with Pamela Giovanni, a British actress, model, singer, performer, entertainer, and true diva whose talent and charisma have captivated many. Hello Pamela, and welcome!
Pamela: Hello! It is wonderful to be here and to share this moment with you.
Monika: Could you introduce yourself to my readers and share a little about who you are?
Pamela: Firstly, thank you for asking me to take part in this interview, it is a pleasure to offer my advice and help to others. I am a mature lady. I am an actress, model, and wannabe singer. I enjoy exploring different forms of performance that allow me to express my personality.
Monika: At what point in your life did you realize that performing was something you truly wanted to pursue?
Pamela: I am not a stage artist per se, but I have performed on both stage and screen. I guess I have always been a drama queen from a very early age. Performing has always felt natural to me, almost like second nature.
Monika: Could you share some of the venues or productions where you have performed?
Pamela: My first performance was actually in a church hall as an amateur performer. I played a goddess, and the acoustics were excellent in adding bass and depth to the performance. That experience gave me confidence and encouraged me to continue performing.
Monika: As an actress, could you tell me more about the films you have appeared in and the roles you played?
Pamela: Wow, so many to mention. I have been in a few movies: You Owe Me (a western-style movie in which I played a lap dancer), The Lift (an informational short in which I played a domestic assistant, helping someone with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder overcome their phobia), and Two Gunned Saint, another “shoot ’em up” movie where again I played a sexualized role. Each part brought new challenges and opportunities to grow as an actress.
Monika: How do you look back on your participation in the 2011 season of The X Factor?
Pamela: The X Factor experience was an eye-opener. Although I am an actress and used to the way the media treat us, The X Factor (Fremantle Media) was despicable in their total misunderstanding of me as a person. I was interviewed on camera for over 12 hours, and at the last minute I was told I could not audition due to “duty of care.” They felt they were “protecting” me from a harsh public. In hindsight, it taught me a lot about resilience and self-worth.
Monika: Did you ever consider competing in a transgender beauty pageant?
Pamela: No, I would have been too old. Besides, I never really saw myself fitting into that kind of competition. Pageants have their own rules, expectations, and pressures, and I have always preferred to follow my own path rather than measure myself against someone else’s standards. My focus has always been on expressing myself authentically through performance and personal style, rather than seeking validation in a contest. Participating in a beauty pageant just never felt like the right stage for me.
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| The role model. |
Monika: How would you describe the current situation of transgender women in British society today?
Pamela: I think things are improving. There is still a long way to go, but there is definitely better social acceptance than only a few years ago. People are more aware of transgender issues now, and media representation, although not perfect, is helping to foster understanding. I remain hopeful that the next generation will experience even greater progress and that society will continue to move toward genuine equality and respect. It is encouraging to see younger people embracing diversity and challenging outdated stereotypes, which gives me optimism for the future.
Monika: How do you view your own journey as a woman, and did you find it difficult at any point?
Pamela: I never “transitioned,” as the term itself is a misnomer and only adds to the confusion that society in general already has. I have always been a woman, and you could view it as a simple change of outfit. Transitioning implies you become something else, but I have always been me. My journey has always been about self-acceptance rather than transformation.
Monika: When you were coming into your identity, did you look up to any transgender role models?
Pamela: I play by my own rules and learn from my own mistakes. That independence has shaped who I am and given me strength. I never really sought out role models because I felt it was more important to discover my own path and make decisions that felt true to me. Watching others can be inspiring, of course, but I have always believed that real growth comes from facing challenges firsthand and trusting your own instincts. Each experience has taught me lessons that no one else could provide.
Monika: Are there any transgender women you particularly admire or respect today?
Pamela: Obviously there have been individuals who have had an impact on the transgender community, such as Christine Jorgensen, Stephanie Lloyd, and others. But I do not view myself in the same way these ladies viewed themselves. I admire their achievements, but my path has always been different.
Monika: What would you say was the most challenging part of revealing your identity to others?
Pamela: Hmmm, again the whole idea of “coming out” never really happened. My parents were Jehovah’s Witnesses, so their religion was imposed upon me along with its values. At the age of eight I was sent to a psychiatrist because of my “cross-dressing.” Further tests were carried out, and I had chromosomal testing. I was found to have no testes and an unusually small penis, and the doctors categorized me as a pseudo-hermaphrodite. To this day I do not fully understand the term. That period of my life left lasting questions that I still carry with me.
Monika: How do you feel about the way transgender people are portrayed in films, newspapers, and books?
Pamela: I think Eddie Redmayne did a fantastic portrayal of Lili Elbe, and Alicia Vikander also played her role with such sensitivity and understanding. The newspapers will always sensationalize something that is against the social norm. Caitlyn Jenner, in my opinion, does the trans community a disservice, and who set her up as a spokeswoman for the community God only knows. Positive representation matters, but it is still too often mixed with distortion.
Monika: Since the transgender cause is often linked with the wider LGBT movement, do you think the transgender community can successfully promote its own goals within that group?
Pamela: We are all individuals. Yes, it is good to know that you are not alone in a situation made difficult by socio-religious ideals, but each person can hold their own without relying entirely on a “community.” I believe strength comes from within before it can be shared with others.
Monika: Do you engage in politics or activism, and in your view can transgender women make an impact in political life?
Pamela: I am not active in politics, but I do have political views, and rather strong ones at that. I believe that if more transgender women stepped into politics, they could bring valuable perspectives and much-needed change. Transgender voices are often overlooked in decision-making, yet they have unique insights into social issues, equality, and human rights. I think having more representation could challenge outdated policies and create a more inclusive society. Even if I do not participate directly, I try to stay informed and support initiatives that align with fairness and justice.
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| Singing at Leeds University. |
Monika: How would you describe your relationship with fashion, and what styles or designers appeal to you most?
Pamela: At the moment my employment only allows for a uniform, and I do not get a lot of time to dress up. I have my favorite designers, Galliano, Williamson, McQueen, D&G, and Versace. Right now I would say I love McQueen’s style. I am also a fan of Blahniks. Fashion gives me joy whenever I have the chance to indulge in it.
Monika: What role does love play in your life, and how do you reflect on it personally?
Pamela: Love is something that every human being needs. I miss the love of my parents, something I never feel I ever had. As for romantic attachment, I am quite happy alone. I have no one to answer to, and whether it remains that way, who can say. Love, in its many forms, continues to be both a mystery and a source of strength for me.
Monika: Many transgender women choose to write memoirs about their experiences. Have you ever considered writing a book of your own?
Pamela: Yes, of course. The trans issue would not be a feature, as I do not feel I belong to that community. I can see the misconception that people feel, but that is not me. I would endeavor to aid others in coming to an understanding of pseudo-hermaphrodites whilst gaining more knowledge myself. Writing would also allow me to tell my story in my own words, without compromise.
Monika: Are there any creative projects you are currently working on?
Pamela: At this moment I am writing a feature that is loosely based upon Neil Jordan’s Crying Game. Whether it comes to fruition depends upon my other work commitments. The process itself has been inspiring and keeps me focused on my artistic goals.
Monika: What message would you like to share with transgender women who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Pamela: All I can say to ladies who are going through a similar experience to me is to be true to yourself. Listen to no one, because only you know who you are. Avoid stereotyping yourself, the world can do that for you. If you want to make a change, do it. Remember that authenticity is the greatest gift you can give yourself.
Monika: Pamela, thank you very much for sharing your story with me.
Pamela: And thank you, Monika. Much and continued success to you and your readers. It has been a pleasure to reflect on my journey with you.
All the photos: courtesy of Pamela Giovanni.
© 2016 - Monika Kowalska
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