Interview with Nova Twelve

Every once in a while, I come across a story that feels like a patchwork quilt, stitched together with unexpected experiences, bright flashes of humor, and a sense of adventure that refuses to stay inside the lines. Today’s guest is very much that kind of story. Meet Nova Twelve, a young American video blogger whose YouTube channel has become a lively stage where transition, comedy, and creativity intertwine. Originally from the Williamsburg area of Virginia and now based in South Carolina, Nova has a fascinating mix of passions and experiences that shape her outlook on life. Her academic path alone could fill a chapter in a memoir: an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, followed by a Master’s degree in Counseling from The Citadel. Add to that her formal education in both Cosmetology and Culinary Arts, and you quickly realize she’s someone who thrives on curiosity and reinvention. But if you ask Nova what she’s most proud of, she won’t list diplomas or certifications, she’ll tell you about her travels. To date, she has visited 52 countries, each one adding a new piece to her global mosaic, and she’s set her sights on reaching 100. On YouTube, Nova doesn’t just share her transition, she transforms it into something approachable, funny, and refreshingly human.

Interview with Kendra Brill

Some stories remind us that no matter how far we fall, we can rise again, stronger, wiser, and more radiant than before. Today, I have the true privilege of sharing one of those stories with you. My guest is Kendra Brill, the remarkable woman whose life journey is captured in The Kendra Brill Story (2017). Kendra’s life has not been an easy road. She has walked through struggles that many of us can hardly imagine, addiction, incarceration, rejection, loneliness. She has known what it means to stand at rock bottom. But she has also discovered something even greater: the courage to climb, the strength to transform, and the grace to embrace her authentic self as the woman she was always meant to be. Her story is not just about survival, it is about triumph. It is about finding family in unexpected places, and about being lifted up by love when the world seemed determined to pull her down. It is about believing that faith can heal, that wounds can become wisdom, and that no person is ever too broken to be made whole again. What makes Kendra so inspiring is not simply that she overcame hardships, it is the way she turned those hardships into hope for others. She shares her truth openly, without shame, because she knows that visibility saves lives. 

Interview with Yvette Tourettes

When it comes to online creators, authenticity often makes the strongest impression, and my guest today embodies exactly that. Known to her YouTube audience as “Yvette Tourettes,” Kelly Pärlefrost is a content-maker from Stockholm, Sweden, who shares her journey with remarkable honesty and creativity. At just 23 years old (soon turning 24), Kelly has already worn many hats: assistant nurse, student preparing for higher studies in pharmacy and chemistry, and now an emerging voice within the trans community through her online presence. Kelly’s channel is more than entertainment, it is a personal archive of resilience and growth. One of her most notable projects, a video montage tracing her life from childhood to the present day, reflects not only her evolving style but also the courage it takes to embrace one’s identity publicly. For years, Kelly preferred to keep her transgender background private, dreaming of simply being seen as any other girl. Yet, over time, she came to understand that her journey is not something to hide but a source of strength, and by sharing it she may inspire others walking a similar path. Her influences include trailblazing figures like Caroline Cossey, a model and actress who carved out space for trans visibility in the 1980s, and whose career Kelly admires for both its glamour and resilience against prejudice. Like Cossey, Kelly is drawn to fashion and beauty, particularly the artistry of make-up, which she describes as a way to express moods, eras, and emotions.

Interview with Claire Michelle

Claire Michelle is a multi-talented American musician, artist, and video blogger whose creative work and personal journey have inspired a growing audience across the United States and beyond. Hailing from Seattle, Claire stands out not only for her musical talents but also as one of the few openly transgender musicians actively shaping the local arts scene. Through her work in band management, her solo projects, and her engaging YouTube channel, she has created a platform that combines artistry with authenticity, offering a window into both her creative life and her experiences as a transgender woman. Claire’s YouTube channel, which she originally started as a personal diary, has grown into a vital space for education and visibility, where she documents the intricacies of transition while sharing her love of music. From her “Trans Singing 101” series, designed to guide trans women in finding their feminine singing voice, to candid travel vlogs and performance videos, Claire demonstrates both technical skill and a genuine desire to empower others. Her work resonates deeply with fans, many of whom reach out to her to share how her journey has encouraged them to pursue their own artistic dreams or embrace their identities with confidence.

Interview with Kirsty Jayne Crow

When we think of lives that read like a novel, few could rival the extraordinary story of Kirsty Jayne Crow. Born on the beautiful island of Jersey, Kirsty grew up surrounded by family love and the kind of picturesque childhood that might have promised a straightforward path ahead. Yet, from the age of eight, she was already grappling with a deep sense of gender incongruence, quietly envying her sisters’ silky hair and elegant clothes. Alongside this internal struggle, she discovered another passion, aviation, which would chart the early course of her professional life. By her teens, she was already flying, preparing for what seemed like a glittering future in the skies. But life, with its unexpected twists, intervened: a diagnosis of insulin-dependent diabetes at twenty-two brought an abrupt end to her dream of becoming a pilot. Resilient and determined, Kirsty built a successful career in airline operations, working for major carriers across the globe. Yet, behind the professionalism and discipline required in aviation, gender dysphoria remained an unrelenting shadow, shaping her personal relationships and, eventually, her destiny. Like many trans women of her generation, she clung to the belief that love alone could "cure" her. That hope carried her through two difficult marriages before she met Julia, the woman who would become not only her partner but also her rock throughout her transition.

Interview with Jessnisa

When it comes to transgender visibility in Southeast Asia, Thailand often comes to mind first. Known internationally as a place where transgender women are both more visible and more socially acknowledged than in many other parts of the world, the country has produced a new generation of role models, beauty queens, and public figures who are changing perceptions every day. Among this new wave of voices is Jessnisa, a young Thai model and video blogger who has embraced the power of storytelling through social media. By documenting her transition journey on YouTube, she has not only carved out a space for herself in the digital world but has also become an inspiration for many other transgender women who are still searching for the courage to live authentically. Jess, as she prefers to be called, radiates confidence and ambition. Her story is one of persistence, personal growth, and determination to follow her dreams despite challenges. Through her modeling career, fashion enthusiasm, and presence in transgender beauty pageants, Jess has shown that she is more than just a voice online, she is also a visible face of the vibrant Thai transgender community.

 

At the same time, she is deeply honest about the struggles of acceptance, particularly within her own family, and the stereotypes that transgender women in Thailand still encounter both at home and abroad. What makes Jess stand out is her passion for lifting others up. She openly shares the joys and struggles of hormone therapy, her hopes for future surgeries, and her experiences with both prejudice and empowerment. By doing so, she encourages other transgender women to embrace their identities and take steps toward becoming the women they dream of being. She admires pioneers like Poy Treechada, one of Thailand’s most celebrated transgender figures, yet she is also carving her own unique path. Whether on the runway, in beauty pageants, or in front of a camera, Jess embodies the mix of elegance, strength, and youthful drive that makes her such a compelling figure to follow. Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Jess about her journey so far, her modeling career, her thoughts on the representation of transgender women in Thai media, and her dreams for the future.

Interview with Rhyannon Styles

When we talk about trailblazers within the British transgender and LGBTQ community, one name shines with particular resonance, Rhyannon Styles. She is an actress, writer, performer, columnist, and activist who has brought visibility, creativity, and honesty to countless audiences over the past two decades. Many first came to know her as a fearless performer with Carnesky Productions, where she pushed boundaries and reinvented theatrical magic with raw and unapologetic power. Others discovered her through her writing, including her candid and witty columns for ELLE UK, which captured the nuances of transgender life with grace, humor, and sharp social insight. In 2017, she expanded that honesty into her widely acclaimed memoir The New Girl: A Trans Girl Tells It Like It Is, a book that resonated deeply with readers navigating identity, resilience, and the courage to live authentically. Rhyannon’s career has spanned both stage and screen, from avant-garde performances in London’s Soho Theatre to dancing alongside Kylie Minogue on ITV, touring with Arcade Fire, and stepping into television drama with the BBC’s groundbreaking Boy Meets Girl. Each step in her journey has been marked not only by her artistic range but also by her determination to amplify trans voices and open doors for the next generation of performers. 

Interview with Caroline Cossey

There are women whose lives shimmer quietly, glimpses of grace in the everyday. And then, there are women like Caroline Cossey, whose very existence reshaped the world’s understanding of beauty, courage, and what it means to live as your whole self. Born in the pastoral calm of Brooke, Norfolk, Caroline entered the world with a secret written in her chromosomes, an intersex variation that gave her a soft, feminine appearance long before doctors could explain it. But in the rigid world of mid-century England, difference was not met with wonder. Caroline’s girlhood was laced with confusion, shame, and bullying, her delicate features marking her as an outsider before she even had the words to defend herself. Yet even in those early years, there were glimpses of the woman she was becoming: the way she and her sister Pam would play dress-up in their mother’s clothes, or how she longed, quietly and achingly, to be seen. To be recognized. To belong, not in disguise, but in truth. 

 

At sixteen, she left school and fled to London, where the city’s electric anonymity gave her a taste of freedom. She took jobs as an usherette, a shop assistant, a showgirl. By seventeen, she had begun hormone therapy. By twenty, she had undergone gender-affirming surgery. And by twenty-one, she was reinventing herself in front of cameras, tall, poised, breathtaking, as the model known as Tula. The world saw the glamour. The magazine spreads in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. The dazzling smile on television. The magnetic presence in the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. What they didn’t see, until a tabloid brutally outed her, was the private cost of that visibility. In one day, the headlines erased her privacy, twisted her womanhood into scandal, and left her emotionally shattered. But Caroline didn’t break. She rose. She chose, instead, to tell her story on her own terms. Through her memoirs, I Am a Woman and My Story, she gave voice to a truth the world wasn’t ready for, but desperately needed to hear. She showed us that trans women are not shameful secrets, but full and radiant beings, capable of loving, hurting, rising, and remaking the world in our image.

Interview with Michelle Raine

Michelle Raine is a Canadian actress, theatre student, and video blogger whose openness and authenticity have made her a relatable voice in the transgender community. Based in Nova Scotia, Michelle is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in theatre, all while balancing her academic life with her artistic passions. From acting in productions to writing plays, she continues to carve out a space for herself in the world of performance. But Michelle is more than just a student and an actress, she is also a storyteller who shares her journey of transition on YouTube. At a time when she was still very early in her transition, she began documenting her experiences through video blogs, giving viewers an intimate glimpse into the realities of self-discovery, identity, and resilience. Her channel became a way not only to reach out for support but also to provide encouragement for others navigating similar paths. For Michelle, YouTube offered something powerful: a community where she could feel less alone and where she could also give back by answering questions, offering advice, and sharing moments of vulnerability. Her honesty resonates with many. Whether she’s talking about the joys of hormone therapy, the challenges of facial hair, or the sometimes awkward questions she receives from viewers, Michelle approaches each subject with humor and sincerity.

Interview with Crissy Red

When it comes to telling transgender stories, there are many different ways to raise awareness, foster understanding, and build community. Some take to the streets, marching with banners and megaphones. Others dive into politics, lobbying for much-needed reforms. And then there are those, like Crissy Red, who choose the power of storytelling through the lens of a camera. A Canadian video blogger, Crissy has carved out a unique space on YouTube where she shares her life experiences as a transsexual woman with honesty, wit, and warmth. Crissy’s journey began in the late 1990s, a time when conversations about transgender lives were far more limited than they are today. In 1999, after years of feeling as though something fundamental in her life was missing, she entered therapy and was told that what she was experiencing had a name: gender dysphoria. From that moment, she set her life in motion toward authenticity, beginning hormone therapy, legally changing her identity, and preparing for gender reassignment surgery. By 2004, she had completed her transition and describes the experience as if “being released from prison.” But Crissy didn’t stop there. Recognizing that not everyone has access to real-life role models or supportive communities, she turned to YouTube to create the kind of resource she wished she had found years earlier. 

Interview with Andrea Chrysanthe

When it comes to telling the stories of transgender women, no two paths are alike, yet each carries echoes of resilience, creativity, and determination. My guest today embodies all of these qualities and more. It is my pleasure and honor to introduce Andrea Chrysanthe, an American transgender musician, video blogger, and multitalented creative spirit who has been documenting her transition on YouTube with courage and authenticity. Andrea is not someone who can be defined by a single passion. Her background is as multifaceted as her personality, she is a licensed x-ray technician, medical assistant, and phlebotomist, and is close to completing her bachelor’s degree in physics and teaching. Alongside her academic and professional pursuits, Andrea has long been immersed in the world of music and sound. A musician and audio engineer, she has built her own recording studio, performed live sound engineering, and experimented with a wide variety of instruments, from piano, guitar, and bass to cello, violin, and organ. Her musical style has evolved from pop-grunge influences to heavier sounds inspired by bands like Tool and Opeth, and now to more ambient, hypnotic melodies reminiscent of Tycho.

Interview with Prof. Deirdre Nansen McCloskey

Professor Deirdre Nansen McCloskey is one of the most original and wide-ranging thinkers of our time, a scholar whose work stretches across economics, history, philosophy, rhetoric, ethics, and beyond. Born in 1942 in Ann Arbor, she studied economics at Harvard University, earning her AB in 1964 and her PhD in 1970 under the supervision of the eminent economic historian Alexander Gerschenkron. Her doctoral dissertation on the British iron and steel industry won the David A. Wells Prize and announced the arrival of a scholar deeply interested in the intersection of economic theory and history. McCloskey began her academic career at the University of Chicago, where she taught from 1968 to 1980. During those years she became a central figure in the “cliometric revolution,” applying quantitative methods to economic history and training generations of students in Chicago Price Theory, later distilled into her classic textbook The Applied Theory of Price. At Chicago, she also began her pioneering turn toward the rhetoric of economics, influenced by literary scholar Wayne Booth, and in doing so opened up an entirely new way of examining how economists argue and persuade.

Interview with Juno Roche

Few voices in the world of trans activism and writing carry the same mix of passion, honesty, and courage as Juno Roche. A celebrated writer, campaigner, and public speaker, Juno has devoted her life to advancing transgender equality, with a particular focus on education and sexual healthcare. Her activism is deeply personal, shaped by her own experiences of navigating life as a trans woman living with HIV for over two decades. She proudly identifies as a "long-term thriver," and through her work she continually challenges stigma, while opening conversations that many shy away from. Over the years, Juno’s contributions have been recognized widely. She is the Patron of cliniQ, a holistic sexual health and well-being service for the trans community, and a Trustee of the Sophia Forum, which supports women living with HIV. Her fearless commitment to justice has earned her numerous accolades: she is a Blair Peach Award winner, was named one of the most influential LGBTQ leaders in the UK, and appeared on both the Rainbow List 2014/2015 and the World Pride Power List 2015. She has also been shortlisted as European Campaigner of the Year (2016) and more recently for Campaigner of the Year by Diva Magazine.

Interview with Alexus Sheppard

There are some lives that read like a journey of constant rediscovery, and Alexus Sheppard’s is one of them. From her early days growing up on a conservative farm in rural Kansas to becoming a writer, educator, blogger, activist, and happily married woman, Alexus has walked a path marked by courage, transformation, and love. For decades, she searched for a way to reconcile the expectations of her upbringing with the quiet but insistent truth of who she really was. That search, filled with resistance, self-discovery, and ultimately acceptance, led her to embrace her authentic self as a transgender woman. Alexus has long been a pioneer in creating spaces where transgender voices can be heard and understood. Back in 1997, when most people were only beginning to explore what the internet could be, she launched one of the first websites dedicated to documenting the realities of transgender life. What began as a deeply personal outlet quickly grew into a resource that inspired and reassured countless others who were embarking on their own journeys. Over the years, her honest reflections, combined with her willingness to share not just her triumphs but also her struggles, made her something of a celebrity within the transgender community.

Interview with Riki Wilchins

Riki Anne Wilchins is a force of nature in the world of gender activism, a trailblazer whose work has challenged the very rules that society uses to define who we are. Born in 1952, Riki has spent decades asking the questions most people never dare to ask: What does it mean to live beyond the boxes of “male” and “female”? How can we create a world where no one is punished for defying the scripts society hands them at birth? In asking these questions, Riki didn’t just theorize, they acted, they organized, they changed the landscape of gender politics forever. Their activism began with fearless direct action. In the early 1990s, Riki co-founded The Transexual Menace, a bold protest group modeled on Queer Nation that brought transgender rights into the streets and into the public consciousness. They joined forces with intersex leader Cheryl Chase to stage demonstrations that sparked what is now Intersex Awareness Day, and appeared in Rosa von Praunheim’s 1996 film Transexual Menace, capturing the urgency, energy, and humanity of a movement often ignored. From the beginning, Riki’s work has centered on youth, believing that young people, while vulnerable to the pressures of gender norms, also bring fresh eyes and revolutionary potential to society.

 

In 1995, Riki founded the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition, or GenderPAC, the first national organization dedicated to gender rights. Under their leadership, the organization expanded from transgender advocacy to a broader mission: protecting anyone facing discrimination or violence because of their gender identity or expression. Riki helped corporations like IBM and JP Morgan Chase adopt inclusive employment policies, created the GENIUS Index to rank schools on gender inclusivity, and launched the GenderYOUTH Network, empowering student groups in over 100 schools to foster safer, more welcoming environments. Their work has influenced public policy, corporate culture, and educational systems, proving that activism can ripple far beyond the streets. Riki has also been a pioneer in research and storytelling. From publishing the first national survey of trans-related violence to the reports 50 Under 30 and 70 Under 30, which documented the tragic impact of gender-based violence on young people, Riki has used data to shine a light on injustice and push for legislative change, including the Matthew Shepard Hate Crime Act. They have also brought humor and performance into activism, debuting The MANGina Monologues, one of the first transgender standup shows, blending artistry and advocacy in ways few could imagine.

 

A founding member of Camp Trans and a key organizer of National Gender Lobby Day, Riki’s influence is both broad and deep. Time magazine recognized their impact by naming them one of six “100 Civic Innovators for the 21st Century.” Behind these achievements is a mind forged in academia and business alike: Riki holds a bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University, a master’s in clinical psychology from the New School for Social Research, and founded a Wall Street consulting firm before committing to activism full time. Their life’s work is a relentless push toward a world where people are free to live authentically, where gender norms no longer dictate worth or opportunity, and where courage and creativity are the engines of social transformation. To know Riki is to understand that activism is not just about protest, it is about imagination, resilience, and the audacious belief that society can evolve for the better. 

 

Monika: Today, I have the pleasure and honor of interviewing Riki Wilchins, an American LGBTQ rights activist, one of six community leaders named by TIME magazine among its "100 Civic Innovators for the 21st Century," founder of The Transexual Menace, Camp Trans, and GenderPAC, and author of Read My Lips: Sexual Subversion and the End of Gender (1997). Hello, Riki!

Riki: Hello, Monika!

 

Available via Amazon.

 

Monika: Do you still wear the Transsexual Menace logo?

Riki: Alas, no, I haven’t had an occasion to wear mine lately.

Monika: One of my favorite quotes of yours from Read My Lips is: "Academics, shrinks, and feminist theorists have traveled through our lives and problems like tourists on a junket. Picnicking on our identities like flies at a free lunch, they have selected the tastiest tidbits with which to illustrate a theory or push a book." Do you feel that observation still holds true today?

Riki: I think it’s finally improved. Folks realize we’re not just some gender-weird tribe for them to cut their professional teeth on.

Monika: It’s been over 20 years since you and Denise Norris created The Transexual Menace. How do you remember those early days of activism?

Riki: I think it’s interesting that it’s finally getting recognition. I do wish we saw trans people picketing more, especially in this time of resurgent street activism in the U.S.

Monika: How would you define The Transexual Menace’s legacy today?

Riki: I really don’t know. I think we’re still finding out.

Monika: The 1990s saw the launch of the first Southern Comfort Conference, the creation of organizations like Transgender Nation and The Transexual Menace, the first Transgender Day of Remembrance, and numerous transgender marches and parades. What do you think sparked such a rapid expansion of the transgender movement at that time?

Riki: That’s a great question I ask myself sometimes. The community had been so determinedly non-political. I think there was just a critical mass of people at the right time. And once you did one political thing, doing the second or the third became easy and obvious.

Monika: You were one of the first transgender activists to recognize the importance of political action and lobbying. With the creation of the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition (GenderPAC) in 1995, the transgender community began engaging directly in politics. Considering that American politics is shaped by interactions with numerous interest groups pursuing specific agendas, how successful was the transgender community in navigating that landscape?

Riki: Not very successful at first. Trans was considered so way-out, so on the fringe. No one even knew the issue. But now you see trans included in everything LGBTQ, and we have a (regrettably bad) Republican president who also says “LGBTQ.” Trans is deeply anchored in gay rights, so I think that’s a success.

 

The MANgina Monologues (YouTube)

 

Monika: How did you perceive the attitude of President Obama’s administration toward transgender Americans?

Riki: Seeing the Obama Attorney General hold a press conference to call out the needs of trans Americans and say “We see you” was life-changing. I turned to my 10-year-old daughter and said, “Please watch this, honey, mommy has just become normal.”

Monika: Do you notice a difference in how Republicans and Democrats address the needs and rights of the transgender community?

Riki: Republicans would gladly throw the whole gay community under the bus, us included. You see that in all the bathroom bills launched by Republicans to satisfy their base. The Democrats are now fully committed to our rights. 

Monika: Does that mean the next four years could be a particularly difficult time for the U.S. transgender community?

Riki: No one has ANY idea what this president is going to do on any issue, especially this one, I’m afraid.
Monika: Do you think it’s possible in our lifetime to see a transgender woman become President of the United States? Are you smiling?

Riki: I am smiling, but the answer is no. Although I just read we do have our first trans mayor in Texas.

Monika: GenderPAC was also instrumental in helping many corporations expand their employment non-discrimination policies to include gender identity and gender expression. Would you say that is now a common standard?

Riki: It’s completely standard among the Fortune 1000 corporations. And since HRC made it part of the Equality Index, you can’t get a good score without it.

Monika: The transgender community is often described as thriving today. Teenage girls are becoming models and dancers, talented women are emerging as writers, singers, and actresses, and those interested in politics or business are achieving success as politicians and business leaders. How do you assess the current situation for transgender women in American society? Are we just scratching the surface, or is real change happening?

Riki: Both, we are just barely scratching the surface, and change is really happening. That’s the way new issues always are, though.

Interview for Columbus Metropolitan Club
(YouTube)

Monika: If we are just barely scratching the surface, what would you consider a true harbinger of real change?

Riki: It would be nice if the First Lady came out as a trans woman, I think that would be a real harbinger.

Monika: I’ve read that cisgender women gained freedom with the advent of contraceptive pills, while transgender women are becoming freer thanks to advances in cosmetic surgery, no longer constrained by “passing” or “non-passing” concerns. Do you see it that way?

Riki: I wrote a whole piece on early hormone treatment called Transgender Dinosaurs about the changes this will make in the community. I don’t think it’s surgery; it’s the spread of early treatment that will shift everything for future trans generations.

Monika: Okay, trans women may increasingly look like cisgender women, but I worry that they could still face ostracism when they come out. Even very feminine-looking trans women encounter transphobia. Do you think society will eventually accept them as women, perhaps when they can give birth?

Riki: I don’t think that giving birth will make much difference. And in my experience, transphobia is often less for more passable trans women. In any case, I don’t think cisgender acceptance should be at the center of our analysis, our human rights should.

Monika: The transgender cause is usually discussed alongside other LGBTQ communities. Being the last letter in this acronym, is the transgender community able to effectively promote its own issues within the larger LGBTQ movement?

Riki: In the U.S., they’re doing a pretty good job of this. And there is a robust ecosystem of trans-specific organizations for just this purpose.

Monika: At what age did you transition, and was the process difficult?

Riki: 26, and yes, it was a bear!
Monika: At the time of your transition, did you have any transgender role models to follow? And today, are there transgender women you particularly admire or respect?

Riki: There really wasn’t much of anyone back in 1978. I think the courage of some of the trans celebrities today is wonderful. I’m not sure any of them is really radical enough in their politics or their gender to please me. We need some trans women who are openly, proudly genderqueer.

 

EPIP Award (YouTube)

 

Monika: Does the coming out of a TV celebrity contribute to the success of the transgender movement? More broadly, what do you think about transgender news stories or characters featured in films, newspapers, or books today?

Riki: Every celebrity who comes out helps, and makes us more palatable to mainstream society.

Monika: Many transgender women write memoirs. Have you ever thought about writing one yourself?

Riki: I have thought about it, but I find such books boring, and politics and theory so much more interesting!

Monika: Are you working on any new projects at the moment?

Riki: I have a new book coming out later this year on the early years of transgender activism from Riverdale Books.

Monika: What would you recommend to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?

Riki: Courage. It DOES get better. 

Monika: My pen friend Gina Grahame once wrote that we should not limit our potential based on how we were born or by what we see other transsexual and transgender people doing. Our dreams should not end on an operating table; that’s where they begin. Do you agree with this?

Riki: Well said!

Monika: Riki, thank you so much for this interview!

All the photos: courtesy of Riki Wilchins.

© 2017 - Monika Kowalska

 

Other sources about Riki Wilchins:

Interview with Monica P Mulholland

Monica P. Mulholland is a writer, activist, and trailblazer whose story continues to inspire people in New Zealand and beyond. Monica is a transgender activist, the president-elect of the Queenstown Rotary Club, and the co-author of the 2016 book ME!: The Gift of Being Transgender, a collaborative work created by seven authors, including Andrea James. This book is not only a deeply personal exploration of transgender lives but also a call to shift the narrative away from stigma and despair toward pride, resilience, and the recognition of transgender identity as a gift rather than a curse. All proceeds from the book are donated to Lifeline New Zealand, an organization providing crucial suicide prevention services and support for LGBTQ individuals, which further reflects Monica’s commitment to saving lives and creating hope within her community.

 

Monica herself describes her journey as that of a “late bloomer,” beginning her societal transition at the age of 59. She speaks candidly about the transformation she experienced, not only in how she presents herself to the world but in the profound happiness and authenticity that followed. For Monica, transition was not a burden but a liberation, and her story is a testament to the truth that it is never too late to be yourself. Her philosophy of “making transgender normal” guides her work, encouraging others to live openly and authentically, and challenging society to broaden its understanding of gender identity. In addition to her writing and activism, Monica is also a Level 2 teacher in The Art of Feminine Presence, a practice that reconnects women, cisgender and transgender alike, with their inner feminine energy. She has openly shared how these practices helped her replace fear and self-consciousness with confidence, joy, and a deep sense of belonging. Whether discussing identity, spirituality, or fashion, Monica’s approach is filled with humor, honesty, and wisdom, all woven together with the conviction that being transgender is not a limitation but an opportunity for authenticity and growth. 

Interview with Kira Darling Brand

Kira Darling Brand is a writer, musician, and YouTube personality whose work offers a candid window into the experiences of a transgender woman navigating life, identity, and resilience in the American South. She is best known as the author of Becoming Her: From Man, To Woman: Part 1 (2016), an autobiographical account that documents her early struggles and triumphs in transition. Written with honesty and vulnerability, the book quickly established her as a voice willing to speak openly about the realities of transgender life at a time when authentic stories were still scarce. At 28 years old, Brand has already built a diverse creative portfolio. Based in Alabama, she has faced the challenges of seeking stability in a workforce that is often hostile toward transgender individuals, yet she continues to pursue her passions in literature, music, and digital media. Her YouTube channel, which has drawn an audience of more than two thousand subscribers, blends political commentary, comedic sketches, practical guides, and reflections on civil rights activism. This mix of humor and advocacy has allowed her to connect with a wide range of viewers, many of whom find in her work a sense of relatability and encouragement. Brand’s personal history adds depth to her public presence. 

Interview with Emily

Emily is a 31-year-old video blogger from Boston who has been sharing her transition journey with the world on her YouTube channel, It’s Emily!. What started as a personal project to document her own milestones quickly grew into something much bigger. Over time, Emily’s videos attracted a supportive audience who connected with her honesty, humor, and openness. For many, her channel has become more than just a transition diary, it’s a space of encouragement, authenticity, and shared stories from people across the transgender community and beyond. Emily describes herself as outgoing and confident, though she admits that wasn’t always the case. Her transition has brought her a newfound sense of happiness and freedom, and she radiates that energy in everything she does. Whether she’s chatting about her experiences with hormone therapy, reflecting on the challenges of going full-time, or simply celebrating little victories like her first Christmas as Emily, she does so with warmth and sincerity. It’s this genuineness that makes her such a relatable figure for her viewers, who often reach out not only with questions about transition but also to share their own deeply personal journeys.

Interview with Scottie Madden

Scottie Madden is a woman who has spent her entire life telling stories, whether through the lens of a camera, the pages of a book, or the intimate words of her blog. An American writer, director, producer, and showrunner, she has built a career that spans adventure reality television, documentary filmmaking, and feature films. Her projects are as diverse as they are ambitious, ranging from rugged wilderness expeditions to the romantic horror-comedy of her cult indie film the kiss. Yet, no matter the medium, Scottie approaches every story with the same guiding principle: complete immersion, authenticity, and the pursuit of emotional truth. Her memoir, Getting Back to Me: From Girl to Boy to Woman in Just Fifty Years (2015), has become a cornerstone of her legacy. It is not just the account of a transition, it is the story of reclaiming a life, of love tested and renewed, and of finding the courage to live openly after decades of carefully constructed armor. Written with humor, candor, and heart, the book continues to resonate with readers who find in Scottie’s journey a mirror of their own struggles and a beacon of possibility.

Interview with Melody Maia Monet

Melody Maia Monet is a 46-year-old American video blogger and outspoken transgender advocate, whose YouTube channel offers an authentic and candid glimpse into her life as a transgender woman. Living in Orlando, Florida, Melody is five years post-op and has dedicated herself to creating content that is both relatable and educational for a wide audience. Born in New York City to Latino immigrant parents and raised on Long Island, she later attended Princeton University, where she met her ex-wife. Married for 15 years, Melody is also the proud mother of a teenage son. After coming out as transgender, she moved to Florida, where she continues to cultivate a life rich with family, community involvement, and advocacy. Melody’s decision to share her life on YouTube was born from a desire to offer an alternative perspective to the transition-focused narratives dominating the platform. She noticed that many prominent transgender creators were young, straight, and glamor-focused, often emphasizing the early months of hormone therapy with undertones of sadness or resentment. Melody wanted to create a space that was positive, grounded, and honest, showing that a transgender life can be real, approachable, and full of the everyday experiences that people don’t often see. Her content addresses everything from voice development and hormone therapy results to intimate questions about sexuality and post-surgery experiences, all handled with frankness and humor.

Interview with Christi Brekke

When it comes to storytelling, few things resonate more powerfully than honesty. Christi Brekke, a writer, blogger, and memoirist from the Pacific Northwest, is a living testament to how vulnerability can become a source of strength. Known for her candid and heartfelt memoir I Want to Be Her (2016), Christi chronicles her personal journey through gender dysphoria, health struggles, transition, and ultimately, self-acceptance. Her book, originally drafted as a form of therapy and self-reflection, has since become a beacon for many in the transgender community and beyond, offering solidarity, hope, and recognition to those who see their own experiences mirrored in her words. Christi’s story is not one of simplicity but of transformation in every sense of the word. At one point, weighed down by severe health issues and carrying the silent burden of dysphoria, she was given a stark medical ultimatum: lose weight or prepare for the worst. What followed was not just a physical transformation, shedding over 150 pounds and overcoming life-threatening conditions, but also a profound personal rebirth. Once she embraced her true identity and began hormone replacement therapy, the need to self-soothe through food and drink diminished, and with it, many of her health issues.

Interview with Gabriele Orman

The world of YouTube has become a lifeline for many transgender people who are seeking information, community, and a sense of belonging. In recent years, countless brave women and men have decided to share their deeply personal journeys online, offering viewers not only a glimpse into their day-to-day lives but also the raw, emotional truth behind transition. Among these voices is Gabriele Orman, a British video blogger who has been steadily carving out her own corner of the internet by documenting her transition with honesty, wit, and a touch of glamour. Through her channel, Gabriele shares candid updates about her hormone replacement therapy, the ups and downs of navigating healthcare systems, and the emotional reality of being a transgender woman in the UK. But her videos go beyond her own story: she also posts product reviews, practical advice, and motivational content for trans viewers who may be at earlier stages of their journeys.

Interview with Caisie Breen

Caisie Breen, a remarkable transgender writer and the author of the compelling biographical memoir Songbyrd: Becoming She (2016). Caisie’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, authenticity, and love, proving that the path to self-realization can be both challenging and deeply rewarding. At 61 years old, she has lived a life full of experience, having been married to the same devoted woman for over 36 years, raising two adult sons, and managing a small plumbing and electrical service company in Portland, Oregon. Caisie’s story is not just about her transition, it is about embracing who you truly are, even when the world expects something else. Her decision to write a memoir stemmed from a recommendation often given to transgender people early in their journey: journaling as a tool for self-discovery. For Caisie, this advice became a transformative practice, capturing the complex emotions, challenges, and triumphs she faced while navigating life as her authentic self. One of the most insightful aspects of her memoir addresses the question that many trans women face, especially those transitioning later in life: “Do I pass?” Caisie recalls the early days of her transition, when she wore women’s slacks and tops and struggled to find the confidence to present fully as herself in public. Her honesty and humor shine as she describes her anxieties and the unwavering support of her wife, Brenda, emphasizing that true courage often requires stepping boldly into visibility, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Interview with Renee Norlander

Renee Norlander is a woman who has lived her life on both sides of the gender spectrum and found the courage to put her journey into words. A writer, blogger, and storyteller at heart, she is best known as the author of Life from Both Sides: Deciphering the Transgendered Mind (2015), a biographical exploration that gives readers an honest and heartfelt glimpse into the challenges, discoveries, and triumphs of being transgender. Beyond her literary work, Renee is also a screenwriter and co-owner of Risa Tortuga Productions, balancing creativity with resilience as she continues to build her career in the arts. Her story, however, is not only about words on paper. Having spent years wrestling with feelings of being “wrong” for her identity, Renee finally embraced the woman she had always known herself to be, embarking on her transition in 2015. Alongside her personal transformation, she has navigated divorce, motherhood, and the pursuit of self-acceptance, all while maintaining her signature grace and dignity. Renee’s honesty about these experiences, whether about the pain of broken family relationships or the joy of rediscovering love with a childhood friend, makes her voice relatable to many who are searching for themselves.