In the ever-expanding digital world, there are countless voices sharing their lives, hopes, and struggles. Yet every so often, one of these voices stands out, not because of flashy editing or viral fame, but because of authenticity. Meet Kenna Aloi, a 22-year-old American video blogger whose YouTube channel, Kenna’s World, is less about curated perfection and more about honesty, growth, and connection. Between juggling two jobs and working seven days a week, Kenna somehow finds the energy to document her gender transition, share personal reflections, and invite viewers into her life as though they were old friends. Kenna’s channel functions as a living diary, one that she hopes will not only serve as a record of her own journey but also as a beacon for others navigating their own paths. Whether she’s talking about the realities of hormone therapy, reflecting on her coming out, discussing the challenges of dating as a trans woman, or weighing in on how transgender characters are represented in the media, her approach is refreshingly candid. She prefers to improvise rather than read from a script, believing that unpolished honesty resonates more deeply than anything rehearsed.
Her story is also one of resilience. Coming out twice, first as gay before fully understanding what it meant to be transgender, Kenna knows firsthand the courage it takes to push beyond fear and step into one’s truth. She speaks openly about the challenges transgender women face in the United States, from bathroom politics to societal prejudice, while also celebrating the role models and moments of joy that keep her inspired. Outside of YouTube, Kenna has her eyes set on a future in the military, aiming to become one of the first openly transgender women to enter active service after transitioning, a goal she hopes will not only advance her personal dreams but also help pave the way for others. In this conversation, Kenna shares her thoughts on self-worth, the importance of visibility, and the need to love yourself before you can truly love anyone else. She’s quick to laugh, unafraid to be vulnerable, and never loses sight of her bigger mission: to live authentically and encourage others to do the same.
Monika: Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Kenna Aloi, an American video blogger who documents her transition on YouTube through her channel Kenna’s World. Hello, Kenna!
Kenna: Hey Monika, I am so happy to be able to have this interview with you and to share my story on another platform. Thank you so much for reaching out to me, I really appreciate it! I’m excited to connect with more people through your audience.
Monika: For those meeting you for the first time, how would you introduce yourself in your own words?
Kenna: So, as you know by now, my name is Kenna Aloi. I am currently 22 and I consider myself a hardworking millennial. I work seven days a week, try to manage a YouTube channel on top of that, and still attempt to fit in some personal life as well. My days are full, but I enjoy having multiple projects to pour my energy into.
Monika: What inspired you to document your transition journey and share it so openly on YouTube?
Kenna: I love doing update videos on my life, where I am at, and what I am doing. It's like an online diary that I get to share with the world, hoping that people can relate and maybe be able to help them through my personal experiences. I can also look back and see how far I have come while leaving my digital mark on the world, which will probably last forever. Knowing that even one viewer might feel less alone makes it all worth it.
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| "1 Year on Hormones" via YouTube. |
Monika: Your viewers must be curious about your life. What kinds of questions or requests do you typically get from your YouTube audience?
Kenna: I would rather call my "fans" friends or subscribers because I personally feel that I'm not any better than any other person, but as of right now, my subscribers aren't very interactive with me. I wish they were, though! When they do reach out, it’s always a nice reminder of why I started my channel in the first place.
Monika: How do you approach creating your YouTube content? Do you plan out your videos in detail or prefer to speak more spontaneously?
Kenna: I keep a list in my notes app on my phone to make sure I don't forget any ideas that I have, sometimes I have a terrible memory, but other than keeping the title, for example: "Military Dating," I'll improvise while knowing what topic to talk about. I feel it would be more genuine to improvise instead of having a script. That spontaneity helps me sound more authentic and connected to my viewers.
Monika: Where would you say you are in your transition journey at the moment?
Kenna: Right now, I have been on hormones for almost two years. I do plan on getting surgeries at some point in my life. Even though I work seven days a week with two jobs, I'm still broke, haha. It’s a gradual process, but I’m determined to reach my goals step by step.
Monika: How do you feel about the progress and changes you’ve experienced through hormone therapy so far?
Kenna: For the most part, I am definitely a much happier person now than I was prior to transitioning. I feel that I am farther along on the inside than the outside. Hormones only do so much for the body, and at this point, I need surgery. Still, I’m grateful for the emotional and physical changes I’ve already seen.
Monika: Which transgender role models or public figures have inspired or influenced you along the way?
Kenna: Oh, I have so many trans role models, Gigi Gorgeous, of course, lol. Harlow Rose Monroe, Princess Joules, A Lions Fear, and Maya. That's just a couple; the list would be too long otherwise, haha. Seeing their journeys motivates me to keep pushing forward no matter the obstacles.
Monika: Coming out can be an intense and emotional process. What was the most difficult part of it for you?
Kenna: Coming out, in general, is extremely tough, and unfortunately, I came out twice, haha. The first time, I came out as gay because I had no clue what being transgender meant or was, but as soon as I knew, it was like a light bulb. But the best advice I could give is to force yourself out of your comfort zone and just spit it out, and the weight of the world will be lifted off your shoulders, the feeling is extremely liberating. When I came out as transgender to my mom, I wrote everything down I wanted to say, and I was shaking so badly, haha. Looking back, I realize how much strength it took just to have that conversation.
Monika: How would you describe the current social climate for transgender women in your country?
Kenna: We are in a really tough spot because, as a whole, we are not fully accepted by society, and because of that, it is extremely dangerous. We have to worry about “Is this person going to have a bad reaction if I want to go to the bathroom and pee?” It's hard not to live a life in fear, but I try not to as much as I can. I believe that small acts of visibility and courage can help change the culture over time.
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| "What Transitioning Meant To Me" via YouTube. |
Monika: How do you feel about the way transgender stories and characters are portrayed in the media, whether in films, TV shows, or books?
Kenna: I heard about the movie The Danish Girl, and what gets me mad about that is if you are going to have trans characters, let trans actors or actresses play them, not a cisgender person. In Sense8 and the TV show Star, they have trans actors playing trans characters. Representation matters so much, and casting authentically makes a huge difference in how our stories are told.
Monika: Do you take part in political or advocacy work, and what role do you think transgender women can play in shaping public policy?
Kenna: I am not involved in politics, and I don't participate in any campaigns, but I am planning on enlisting and going into the active army. I will be the first transgender person who transitioned prior to going to boot camp, so that is awesome. And anyone who has a voice people are willing to listen to can make a huge change in society as a whole. I believe that visibility in unexpected places, like the military, can challenge stereotypes and open minds.
Monika: Are you currently active in your local LGBTQ community, and if so, in what ways?
Kenna: At the moment, I am not involved, unfortunately. I would like to be more engaged in the future when my schedule allows.
Monika: Within the larger LGBTQ movement, how well do you think the transgender community is able to advocate for its own issues and priorities?
Kenna: I personally feel that we are able to actively promote within the LGBTQ group, but we also promote outside of the group as well, and so do all the others. Our cause benefits from solidarity, but it also gains strength when we speak with our own voice.
Monika: How would you describe your personal style, and what role does fashion play in your life?
Kenna: Lately, all I feel I ever wear is work uniforms, but I am similar to Kylie Jenner in the way that I am either wearing sweatpants or I am really dressed up. I usually go with the current fashion, but I absolutely love 1950s dresses, they are amazing! Clothing can completely change how I feel about myself on a given day.
Monika: What are your thoughts on transgender beauty pageants?
Kenna: I think they are awesome. I know that they are around, but I haven't seen one. If I had the opportunity, I'd participate, haha. I think they’re a great way to celebrate confidence, diversity, and self-expression.
Monika: How important is love in your life, and how has it shaped your experiences?
Kenna: I think love is important to have in life, for me and for anyone. You have to have love for yourself so you can be happy from within, which can be difficult sometimes. I am currently single, and for me, it is extremely hard to find that special someone to treat me the way I deserve to be treated. There are so many tranny chasers who only want to be with you if you haven't had reassignment surgery because they view you more as a sex object. Also, most guys who are into someone who is trans don't want to be open about it to friends or family, and I'm not willing to be someone’s secret. I know my worth, and I deserve more than that. So if you are a nice guy, you know where to find me, haha. My experiences have taught me that self-respect must always come before romance.
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| "Are Guys Gay If They Date Transwomen" via YouTube. |
Monika: Many transgender women choose to share their journeys in memoir form. Have you ever considered writing your own life story?
Kenna: If I had an opportunity, I would love to do a book! It would be a fun experience. I think it could also help others relate to my story and find courage in their own paths.
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender women who feel hesitant about transitioning because of fear of discrimination or hatred?
Kenna: To be honest, I say go for it, because in the end, it's something you will regret not doing for the rest of your life. If you aren't living your personal truth, then you aren't really living. You just have to have thick skin. It’s your life, and no one else should have the power to define your happiness.
Monika: What are your short-term plans, and where do you see yourself in the next five to seven years?
Kenna: I see myself still in the military for at least eight years, and more if I like it. They would help me with my surgeries, I am hoping, so that would be absolutely amazing. I’m excited by the idea of building both a career and the life I’ve envisioned for myself.
Monika: My pen friend Gina Grahame once said that we should never limit our potential based on how we were born or on the examples set by other transgender people. She believes our dreams should not end on an operating table, that’s where they begin. Do you agree?
Kenna: I completely agree with this. Our biggest insecurities, like "if my tuck looks good" or "can they see my Adam's apple," wouldn’t hold us back so much, and we could live our lives to the fullest potential! Confidence and self-acceptance can open the door to experiences we never thought possible.
Monika: Kenna, it’s been a true pleasure speaking with you today. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Kenna: Thank you for this opportunity. I really enjoyed talking to you. Conversations like this remind me why I share my journey in the first place.
All the photos: courtesy of Kenna Aloi.
© 2017 - Monika Kowalska
