Interview with Ísabel Pirsic

It is my great pleasure to introduce Ísabel Pirsic, a remarkable Austrian transgender rights activist whose quiet determination is helping shape a more inclusive society in her home country. Based in Vienna, Ísabel is an active member of TransX, an organization devoted to supporting the trans community through personal guidance, public education, and political advocacy, ranging from depathologization efforts to the protection of trans prisoners' rights. Ísabel began her public transition nearly four years ago and has been engaged in activism for the past two. When she’s not attending bi-monthly TransX meetups or pushing for social change, she can be found deep in the world of numbers and theorems, working as a university-based scientist and mathematics researcher. In this thoughtful and engaging conversation, we explore Ísabel's personal journey, the current state of the Austrian trans community, her views on visibility and representation, and the complex relationship between the trans experience and broader LGBTQ+ activism. With honesty, nuance, and a touch of humor, Ísabel offers a glimpse into the life of a woman who balances intellectual pursuits with grassroots advocacy, and does it all with humility and heart.

 

Monika: Hello Ísabel!

Ísabel: Hello, Monika! The pleasure and honor are mine as well.

Monika: Could you tell us a little about yourself, and what led you to where you are today?

Ísabel: I started my public transition about four years ago and have been engaged in activism for two years. I work as a scientist at a university, doing research in mathematics. It's a field that constantly challenges me, and I love combining logic with creativity in my work.

Monika: What are the main goals and activities of TransX?

Ísabel: We aim to provide personal support for trans people in their individual processes and also engage in political activism for naming laws, depathologization, trans prisoners' rights, and more. The most visible part is our bi-monthly meetings, where we usually have talks on dedicated topics; these serve as both meeting places and a means of shaping what trans culture can be. It's a beautiful mix of support, empowerment, and collective imagination.

Monika: What do you see as the biggest challenges currently facing the Austrian trans community?

Ísabel: Apart from the themes I just mentioned, I think a trend toward more open hostility in reaction to greater visibility could be emerging. On the other hand, this may also be a temporary phenomenon in the current, generally more charged atmosphere. It’s crucial that we stay connected and resilient, so we can face these challenges together.

For more information about TransX, visit their page.

Monika: I interviewed Johanna Hackl and Monika Donner a couple of years ago, but I must admit I’m not very familiar with the Austrian trans community. Are there any other prominent trans women in Austria who are promoting the transgender cause in media, culture, or the arts?

Ísabel: I find that most trans artists, as well as media personalities and politicians in Austria, don’t really want to emphasize or even discuss their trans status much – which I think is perfectly acceptable and should be respected. As an example of a more public figure in the arts, I might mention Jakob Lena Knebl, who recently had a major exhibition at the Vienna Museum of Modern Art, mumok. Much of the public perception is still overshadowed by the drag persona “Conchita,” who is not actually transgender. There is definitely room for more trans voices to be heard and seen in these spaces.

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

Ísabel: There were several different stages, some of them were difficult. My actual transition happened when I was almost 40; by that time, I had carried the knowledge of being transgender with me for about 20 years already, and looking back at my childhood, there were already some fairly clear indications as well. Each phase brought its own set of challenges, but also valuable moments of clarity and growth.

Monika: When you began your transition, were there any transgender role models who inspired or guided you?

Ísabel: I was not really aware of many trans women, but I was impressed by Waltraud Schiffels, a German trans woman who was quite active at that time, spreading knowledge and fighting against discrimination. I admired her energy and confidence. Her visibility showed me that it was possible to live openly and proudly, even in a society that wasn’t always accepting.

Monika: Are there any transgender women today whom you particularly admire or respect?

Ísabel: I have great respect for Kate Bornstein. Unfortunately, I came upon her books too late in life, I think they would have helped me very much when I was younger. Generally, this generation of trans people initiated our community, specifically in Austria and all over the world. Her fearless approach to identity and gender has had a lasting impact on how I think about my own journey.

The book via Amazon.

Monika: Many of us face great sacrifices in the pursuit of becoming our true selves, losing families, friends, jobs, or social positions along the way. Did you experience such challenges? What was the hardest part of your coming out journey?

Ísabel: For me, the hardest thing was breaking through the wall of self-doubt and learning to accept myself, imperfections and all. Luckily, I didn’t really lose anyone, so far. That sense of acceptance was the key, and it made all the other struggles feel more manageable.

Monika: The transgender community is said to be thriving now. As Laverne Cox famously declared, “Trans is beautiful.” We see trans women excelling in many fields, from modeling and dance to writing, acting, politics, science, and business. What’s your perspective on the current situation for transgender women in contemporary society? Are we just scratching the surface, or is real change happening?

Ísabel: It’s certain that there is much greater visibility. Through that visibility, more knowledge about transgender issues is spreading, which leads to greater acceptance. In some areas of business, stigmatization still occurs massively, but in others, progress is being made. We are definitely seeing progress, but it's important to remember that true, widespread acceptance will take time and continued effort.

Monika: The transgender cause is often represented alongside the broader LGBTQ community. As the penultimate letter in that abbreviation, do you feel the transgender community is able to effectively promote its own cause within the LGBTQ+ group?

Ísabel: I think cooperation works fairly well in Austria, at least in Vienna. I feel the trans community is seen, respected, and occasionally approached, but perhaps more active networking from all sides might be needed. There’s still room for stronger, more direct collaboration between trans people and other groups to better address our unique needs.

Monika: How do you feel about the portrayal of transgender stories or characters in Austrian films, newspapers, and books? Have the depictions improved, or is there still room for growth?

Ísabel: It depends on the quality of the media. Some newspapers feature transgender issues from time to time, even employing trans authors. The tabloids are not as horrid in their portrayals as they used to be, but they still sometimes miss the mark. More nuanced and accurate representations are slowly emerging, but there's still a lot of work to be done to challenge stereotypes.

Ísabel in a train (where she spends much time).

Monika: Are you currently involved in any lobbying campaigns? And do you believe transgender women can make a significant impact in politics?

Ísabel: Personally, I don’t participate in any campaigns at the moment, but I am politically engaged. I certainly think that transgender people can have as much impact as anyone else. It’s crucial that transgender voices are heard in political spaces to create meaningful change.

Monika: Do you have an interest in fashion? What kinds of outfits do you typically wear, and are there any specific brands, colors, or trends you enjoy?

Ísabel: I like fashion, but I wouldn’t say I’m particularly skilled at it. I often wear fairly androgynous, comfortable outfits and only dress up for special occasions. I used to be fond of Desigual for a while, but I also really appreciate classic styles like pencil skirts and more timeless pieces. I think fashion should be about feeling comfortable and expressing oneself, rather than following trends.

Monika: I’ve read that cisgender women were liberated by the development of contraceptive pills, while transgender women are said to have gained freedom through cosmetic surgery, no longer being prisoners of the "passing" or "non-passing" syndrome. What’s your take on this perspective?

Ísabel: I'm not so sure about that, especially considering the question of access to surgery, which is either severely limited or completely unavailable, let alone being widely funded by healthcare systems. Freedom for not only trans women, but all women and people, would mean not being held to arbitrary standards that revolve around notions like passing and non-passing. True freedom lies in being able to live authentically, regardless of societal expectations or medical procedures.

Monika: What are your thoughts on transgender beauty pageants?

Ísabel: Mostly, my opinion aligns with how I feel about any beauty pageants – it would be great if they lived up to their potential as a source of support. I envision a scenario where such events are friendly, open, not overly serious, and not excessively competitive, providing a space where people who might be insecure about their appearance can receive positive affirmation. However, in reality, they often become highly competitive and showcase arbitrary, artificial beauty standards, which isn't particularly helpful in promoting self-acceptance or empowerment.

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

Ísabel: I wouldn't want to write Yet Another Trans Memoir. Perhaps if I could discover a fundamentally different narrative, one that offers something fresh or unique, and if I could be confident that it would be engaging and valuable to readers beyond just the subject matter, I might consider it. But at this moment, I don't think I have that story yet.

Monika: Could you share with me the role love plays in your life?

Ísabel: A deep connection to a cherished person is a very valuable thing to have, and I treasure it whenever it appears. Through my experiences, I have learned not to rely too much on it for my well-being, though. However, I believe it’s important to find balance, love can be nourishing, but self-love and inner peace are crucial too. Perhaps I'm not completely honest with myself in this respect.

At work in the office.

Monika: Are you working on any new projects now?

Ísabel: Not really.

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

Ísabel: Don't try to navigate this journey alone. Find support, whether it's from close friends or family members (though this can be risky), local support groups, or even a therapist. It's important to be surrounded by people who understand and respect your journey. Also, find a truly safe space where you can explore yourself, try different approaches (and outfits, too), and allow yourself to develop. Give yourself time to grow into your own comfort zone and discover what makes you feel at ease, both now and in the future.

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

Ísabel: The “operating table” can seem like the ultimate goal for many, but in reality, the actual goal is learning to accept and love yourself. Whether or not surgery is part of that journey is deeply personal. When you achieve self-acceptance, no matter the path you take to get there, you gain a profound sense of confidence and strength, which opens the door to realizing your true potential and chasing your dreams.

Monika: Ísabel, thank you so much for this insightful conversation!

All the photos: courtesy of Ísabel Pirsic.

© 2017 - Ísabel Pirsic and Monika Kowalska