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.
But Juno is not only an activist; she is also a gifted storyteller. She has written for a wide range of publications and is the author of several acclaimed books that explore gender, identity, HIV, and intimacy with her trademark blend of candor and wit. Through her platform JustJuno.com, she continues to reach a broad audience, offering reflections that are as moving as they are thought-provoking. Juno’s journey into activism began after a successful teaching career, which was cut short in 2009 when she came out as a trans woman. While parents and pupils embraced her authenticity, the education system itself struggled to accept that a transgender person could continue teaching while transitioning. Rather than retreating, Juno transformed this challenge into fuel for her advocacy. She has since worked tirelessly to ensure that transgender teachers and students alike can thrive in an inclusive educational environment. Her belief is simple yet profound: teaching staff should reflect society in all its richness, diversity, and difference. Her activism also extends into the field of healthcare, where she highlights stark inequalities, particularly the under-researched intersection of HIV and transgender lives.
At a time when it is estimated that up to 19% of trans women worldwide may be HIV positive, Juno has been a powerful voice demanding better research, funding, and dedicated care for trans communities. What makes Juno so compelling, however, is not only her professional achievements but also the depth of her humanity. Whether she is writing about the complexities of gender affirmation surgery, challenging societal ideas about beauty and bodies, or reflecting on love, fashion, and joy, Juno speaks with vulnerability and strength. She reminds us that authenticity is not without its struggles, but it is always worth the fight. Today, it is my great pleasure and honor to share this conversation with Juno Roche, a woman who has not only carved out her own space in the world but has also made it a little brighter, safer, and more hopeful for countless others.
Monika: Hello Juno! Welcome to The Heroines of My Life!
Juno: Hi Monika, it's lovely to chat with you.
Monika: For those who may not know you yet, how would you introduce yourself?
Juno: Mmmm, a few words... I'm really known for talking an awful lot, so a few words always seem difficult, but I am a happy, energized, and driven woman who simply wants to make a world for trans peeps that is full of aspiration and equal chances, while also enjoying my own life.
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| Interview for Fox Fisher (YouTube) |
Monika: You spent many years as a teacher. What did you enjoy most about teaching, and when did you realize it was your true vocation?
Juno: I stopped teaching a few years ago when my campaigning work needed full-time attention. I set up JustJuno.com and started to write and talk widely about the issues that had impacted my life. I adored teaching; it is one of the most beautiful professions. Seeing children understand how big the world can be is inspiring.
Monika: Your activism for transgender rights began after teaching primary school for eight years. In 2009, when you came out as a trans woman, you faced certain challenges. How do you remember that period, and what were the reactions of fellow teachers, parents, and pupils?
Monika: Your activism for transgender rights began after teaching primary school for eight years. In 2009, when you came out as a trans woman, you faced certain challenges. How do you remember that period, and what were the reactions of fellow teachers, parents, and pupils?
Juno: I don't want to go into too much detail here, it was widely publicized at the time, but parents and children were brilliant and supportive and just wanted me to carry on being their teacher. At the time the education system found it tough to accept that you could be a teacher who also happened to be transgender and stay in post whilst transitioning. I wanted my community to be part of my process, to see me process and to understand.
Monika: For many years you have been working on how to promote the rights of transgender teachers in the UK. Could you enumerate some of the improvements that have been introduced?
Juno: We are still working hard to get government-specific legislation, but the Equality Act 2010 is used much more widely to ensure that we have policies in place and discussions in the education sector around the rights of both trans teachers and pupils. It makes me incredibly happy to see many more trans teachers in post, being role models for trans and non-binary pupils.
Monika: Beyond legal protections, what kinds of initiatives or events have you organized to push this work forward?
Juno: Last year I held two events that brought together educational professionals, government, and third-sector groups to examine what’s next. The fact that now we have national campaigns seeking to establish consistent strategies is a real achievement for many across the sector.
Monika: You often argue that the teaching workforce should reflect the diversity of its pupils and of society as a whole. If around 2% of the population is thought to be gender variant, what does this mean for the education system?
Juno: Absolutely, I was a trans kid and I felt like I was the only one in the whole world. It took me almost 30 years to be able to understand and accept me as me. If I had looked up and seen myself at the front of the class, employed, teaching, smiling, and happy, what a difference that would make. That goes right across the board, our teaching staff should completely reflect society in all of its wonderful difference and diversity.
Monika: Looking ahead, what do you think are the most urgent issues that still need to be addressed for the transgender community?
Juno: It is felt that up to 19% of all trans women could be HIV positive worldwide, yet less than 1% of research is dedicated to resolving this. We need structural money now dedicated to supporting and enabling our communities to be equal in society. This inequality makes me mad, I am part of that 19%.
Monika: You began your transition in 2009. Was the process especially challenging for you?
Juno: I actually started in 2000 but was held back for about ten years because I was HIV positive and surgery was refused. It still is in many places, private clinics, etc. In Bangkok, I could only find one surgeon who would enable me to have gender alignment surgery, but they wanted to charge me 50% more. It was tough.
Monika: During that period, did you have any transgender role models to look up to?
Juno: No, not really, we were still a few years away from the tipping point. Strong women and feminists always inspired me, and I suppose becoming me was a testament to them. Women such as Kate Bornstein and Laurie Penny.
Monika: Which feminist ideas or perspectives resonate most strongly with you?
Juno: I do an awful lot of work that examines the connection between gender-based violence and HIV, and intimate partner violence and HIV. We know that many women, trans and cis, are still victims of violence perpetrated against them by people they know and often have relationships with. Society still places these women as being wrong, as being to blame, look at the new law in Russia in relation to violence within relationships. There is a huge amount of work to do in order that women are safe within societies and that women have autonomy over their own bodies and actions.
Monika: Today, are there transgender women you particularly admire and respect?
Juno: Yes, absolutely, but too many to mention. We are a rather wonderful bunch of superwomen in my eyes, who are working hard to really change society for the better, with considerable opposition.
Monika: Reflecting on your journey, what was the most difficult part of coming out?
Juno: It wasn't hard. There were difficulties, but coming out and being true to myself has been an absolute blast and a joy. Facing discrimination is never easy, but it made me even more determined to live my life authentically and honestly.
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| Juno photographed by Fox Fisher. |
Monika: I recently read your very emotional article about the complications you experienced after gender reassignment surgery. I was deeply touched by the sadness and pain you expressed, as well as the many questions you asked yourself during that time.
Juno: Yes, there were some issues. It's not always a perfect surgical procedure, and I think it's important that we as trans folk talk about that openly and honestly. Like we should talk about our desires, our sex lives, our attractions. I just felt that if I shared my problems then it might help other trans women, especially younger trans women.
Monika: Despite those challenges, you’ve said that you never regretted having surgery. Is that still how you feel today?
Juno: Not for a second. I love my vagina, and through all the problems I am incredibly happy. I think some people may have thought that I was unhappy and regretful, but I really just wanted us, as a community, to explore our bodies much more. I'm currently making a film about that subject, What Is a Vagina?
Monika: The transgender cause is often connected with the wider LGBTQ movement. Do you think the trans community is able to highlight its own issues within the larger LGBTQ framework?
Juno: Absolutely. We are always far stronger together, and besides, I don't see it as a list with a beginning and an end, but rather as a set of different people who work wonderfully together. It's how the community has grown and changed that matters, not the order of letters.
Monika: What is your view on how transgender people and stories are portrayed in films, books, and the media?
Juno: Lots of it is good. As many different stories as possible begin to really open up a wide debate. I am a little tired of seeing “the first trans …” though. It seems a little pointless, as more and more of us carry on with our lives without fuss. It just gives newspapers salacious stories.
Monika: Are you involved in any lobbying or advocacy campaigns? And in your view, can transgender women make a real difference in politics?
Juno: Lobbying for good research into why trans women (especially) are seemingly high risk in relation to HIV. It matters to try and support this vulnerable community of which I am a part. I am also with cliniQ, trying to create the first permanent trans sexual healthcare center in London. We currently don't have our own space, so I am working with them to try and secure major funding.
Monika: Fashion often plays a role in self-expression. Do you enjoy fashion, and what styles or trends do you personally prefer?
Juno: I love clothes, but I work mainly from home so I am frequently in loungewear and yoga wear. If I'm going out, I like good white shirts, jeans, smart casual. I have a passion for handbags and spend far too much on them. I love Ralph Lauren, VB, and Chloé.
Monika: Some activists criticize transgender beauty pageants, saying they reinforce an obsession with youth and beauty. What is your perspective on them?
Juno: Anything that makes people feel better or good about themselves is fine if it's not hurting others. I might think, as a feminist, that beauty pageants are a little silly, but if it gives pleasure to the women taking part then why not. I would prefer, though, if we moved away from a rigid binary model of beauty, which in the long run helps no one.
Monika: Could you share your thoughts on the role of love in your life?
Juno: Love is incredibly important, and I definitely need to meet someone lovely! I am content and happy by myself, but this year I am going to get out onto the dating scene.
Monika: Are you currently working on any new projects or creative endeavors?
Juno: Films about our bodies and writing two books, one about my experiences and thoughts, and the other on sex.
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Juno: Believe that it will get better, it does. In my darkest days, I didn't think I'd pull through, but here I am now with a life that is much more wonderful than I ever imagined possible. When I look in the mirror, I am completely happy with me now. Aiming to be authentic and honest with yourself is always a good thing. Trans people are superheroes!
Monika: My pen friend Gina Grahame once wrote that we should not limit our potential because of how we were born or by what we see other transgender people doing. She said our dreams shouldn’t end on an operating table, that’s where they begin. Do you agree with her perspective?
Juno: Absolutely. Surgery is just a very small part of the journey; everything after, before, and during is equally important. Many people will not have surgery but still be beautiful, authentic people.
Monika: Juno, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today!
All the photos: courtesy of Juno Roche.
© 2017 - Monika Kowalska
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Beautiful words, all these years later!
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