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.
Her goal, as she puts it, is to give hope and inspiration to others while challenging the silence that too often surrounds transgender issues in society. What makes Gabriele stand out is her unapologetic personality. She is outgoing, direct, and unafraid to speak her mind, whether that means declining bizarre offers from internet strangers, sharing her views on transgender representation in the media, or giving her honest critique of LGBTQ community dynamics. While she admits that her path hasn’t been easy, her determination to live authentically and embrace self-love shines through in everything she does. In this conversation, I wanted to go beyond the YouTube persona and learn more about the woman behind the videos. From the challenges of coming out, to her thoughts on politics, fashion, and the importance of self-respect, Gabriele brings a refreshing perspective that mixes humor with heartfelt reflection. So, without further ado, let’s meet her.
Monika: Today’s interview is with Gabriele Orman, a British video blogger who documents her transition on YouTube. Hello Gabriele!
Gabriele: Hello Monika, nice to meet you, honey!!
Monika: For those who haven’t discovered your channel yet, how would you introduce yourself in a few words?
Gabriele: Yes, sure. Well, I am a YouTuber and I document my transition in the form of online videos. I also do product reviews, mainly targeted at trans individuals to give them hope and inspiration. It makes me happy to know that my videos can brighten someone’s day.
Monika: What inspired you to share your transition journey so openly on YouTube?
Gabriele: I decided to do this as I’m a very outgoing person, and I wanted to share my story. Every trans story is different, but some other trans people could relate to my particular story. Basically, I think it’s good to raise awareness of topics that are brushed under the carpet in society. I also believe visibility is the key to breaking down ignorance and fear.
Monika: Viewers often connect strongly with creators. What kind of questions do your followers usually ask you?
Gabriele: Well, as you are aware, with being transgender comes a lot of fantasist and fetish-minded men, so they always say things from a sexual angle. But when you push through all that rubbish, you actually meet nice people that just want advice and help, and ask you questions about the transition process. It’s those genuine conversations that make the experience worthwhile.
Monika: What has been the strangest or most unexpected question you’ve ever received?
Gabriele: I don’t tend to answer strange things, but one guy offered me a lot of money to squeeze a tube of toothpaste on my face. Being naturally classy, I declined the offer, ha-ha. Sometimes I wonder how people even come up with these ideas.
Monika: When creating your videos, do you follow a script or do you prefer to go with the flow?
Gabriele: I am the type of person that just goes with what’s in my head at the time. I don’t tend to plan what I say unless the video needs certain details, then I will plan it. I think spontaneity makes the videos more authentic and fun.
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| Ready for modeling. |
Monika: Could you share where you are right now in your transition process?
Gabriele: I have been on HRT treatment for 2 years and 2 months. I am still waiting for the gender clinic to give me a nod, but this process seems to take forever. It teaches you patience, even when it feels frustrating.
Monika: Looking at your experience so far, how do you feel about the effects of hormone therapy?
Gabriele: Yes and no. I’ve always been slim and been able to pull off the female role. If I’m honest, I just wish I had bigger boobs, but I will still love my A cups nevertheless, ha-ha. Anything is better than nothing, right? I also think hormones have given me more confidence in how I carry myself.
Monika: Do you have any transgender role models you look up to, or do you prefer to create your own path?
Gabriele: If I’m being totally honest, no. I don’t see transgender people in the media show the true meaning of being transgender, and I kinda don’t feel like I relate to many. I just try and do my thing and try to be the best role model I can be for others. In the end, I believe being genuine is more inspiring than copying someone else’s path.
Monika: Looking back, what was the most difficult part of your coming out journey?
Gabriele: I would have to say not being taken seriously, as I’m all about respect, but society has not got to a place of comfort with transgender issues. I’m very intelligent and I know my own feelings, so it’s hard when people deny how you feel, like you’re crazy or something, but life goes on!!! It definitely taught me to rely on my own strength.
Monika: How would you describe the current situation for transgender women in the UK?
Gabriele: The situation with trans women in the UK is not amazing, but it could be worse. People, especially men, are scared in the UK, and it's mainly down to culture. I find Scandinavian and Canadian people are the most accepting. Men in the UK generally deny who you say you are, but I know what I am, and that’s a trans woman, because I say so. I just wish the NHS would give better services to us. It’s like we are expected to live fake lives because they don’t get the funding they need, it’s crazy. Despite this, I remain hopeful that things will change in the future.
Monika: What are your thoughts on the way transgender characters and stories are portrayed in films, newspapers, or books?
Gabriele: Yes, I think it’s good. Anything is good in media when it comes to transgender, as it puts the word out there and makes it more normal. The more representation we see, the harder it becomes for society to ignore us.
Monika: Do you see a role for transgender women in politics, or do you think activism takes a different form?
Gabriele: If I’m being totally honest, I don’t think trans people and politics go together. We need to get accepted first, maybe in a few hundred years. That doesn’t mean I don’t admire those who try to push boundaries.
Monika: Do you take part in LGBTQ community life, or do you prefer to keep to yourself?
Gabriele: I don’t have an LGBTQ community, that’s why I do YouTube. As for living in one, I find the LGBTQ community, especially gay men, hard to get on with, as gay men generally don’t like us, transgender people. I quite like being the only transsexual in the village, to be honest. Stay off my patch, girls, ha-ha. It gives me a sense of independence that I enjoy.
Monika: Some say the “T” in LGBTQ doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Do you think the transgender community can promote its cause within the larger LGBTQ group?
Gabriele: Simple answer. Take the T off LGBTQ, as it has nothing to do with sexuality. Everyone knows this, but it still gets left on, whereas gender and sexuality are totally different. I feel we need our own space to define who we are.
Monika: Fashion often plays a role in self-expression. How would you describe your personal style?
Gabriele: I’m a very classy person and like to look neat and tidy always. I would say I model my style after Victoria Beckham, as she is probably my inspiration. I’m a neutral kind of person but like pops of color here and there, ha-ha. Dressing well makes me feel confident in my skin.
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| Gabriele's Instagram page. |
Monika: What do you think of transgender beauty pageants, do they empower or limit trans women?
Gabriele: I don’t like them. I think it’s just a bunch of girls fighting over who is prettier. I don’t believe in promoting looks. Promote personality and experience instead. Beauty fades, but character stays forever.
Monika: Love is an important part of many people’s lives. What place does love have in yours?
Gabriele: Everyone likes to be loved, but if I have learned one thing, it is that if you don’t love yourself first, no one else can. The fact is that I’ve got to a point where I find love within myself. If no other human loved me I’d be cool; anyway, I have dogs for that. Self-love has become my strongest foundation.
Monika: Many transgender women choose to write memoirs to share their journeys with the world. Have you ever considered writing such a book yourself?
Gabriele: Yes, I keep a diary, as it's important to offload stuff when your head gets full but also to be able to look back at how far you have come. Writing helps me process things in a way that talking sometimes cannot.
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender women who are afraid of starting their transition because of discrimination and hatred?
Gabriele: Just be prepared. Try and get yourself to a good place before your transition. Be prepared to have to work stuff out alone, be ready to spend a lot of time on your own, and be prepared to be disappointed by so-called friends and family. If you are not strong to start with, you will never make it to the finish. You have just got to be realistic. Finally, sad people that don’t accept you, you really don’t need them. I only have to look at people these days, and their own hatred towards me strangles themselves, ha! Remember that resilience is your greatest weapon against ignorance.
Monika: What are your next steps at the moment, and where do you see yourself in the next five to seven years?
Gabriele: Well, regarding transition, I am just waiting for the GIC to move things along. As for my personal life, I just carry on living in my own world. I’m generally disappointed by people’s lack of consistency. I think I’m becoming my mother slowly, to be honest. I just love being creative and spontaneous, which leads me to the second part of the question. I don’t actually know where I will be, and I don’t plan it either. I believe we all have a path set out for us, and I'm just gonna go with it!! I find comfort in trusting the journey rather than forcing the outcome.
Monika: Gabriele, it was such a pleasure talking with you today. Thank you for sharing your story!
Gabriele: Thank you, Monika, and thanks for giving me this opportunity. It’s been a pleasure!! I’m grateful for any chance to help others feel less alone. Gabriele Xx
All the photos: courtesy of Gabriele Orman.
© 2017 - Monika Kowalska
