Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Samantha Lauzon, a Canadian model, actress, vlogger, transgender rights activist. Hello Samantha!
Samantha: Hello Monika, thanks so much for having me it's an honor.
Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Samantha: A few words about myself? It's weird right when we are asked about others we have so many opinions but when it comes to ourselves it's almost like pulling teeth to get us to say anything. I like to think I'm a fair person, open-minded, and incredibly supportive of my community. Currently working in the Adult Film Industry as an Actress, Director, and Producer of my own content. While I'm not filming or editing I'm working on my YouTube and other Social Media content.
Monika: You are also an active YouTube vlogger …
Samantha: Yes, samanthalauzon is me. I've had my channel since 2007. It's grown slowly into something I love more and more. Being able to interact with my viewers/fans is amazing and I like to talk about a variety of things from Depression to Sex Work from How To's to What Not To Do. I basically do it all and I'm always asking viewers what they want to see and trying to Incorporate those ideas into my videos.
Monika: … and a cover girl of the 96th issue of Transformation Magazine…
Samantha: Actually, it was my Adult Alter Ego @ShemaleAllison who was on the cover. I personally was only credited with taking the photos LOL.
Monika: At what age did you transition into your Authentic self? Was it a difficult process?
Samantha: I transitioned at 13. Yes, it was hard because back when I transitioned the only “Tranny” I knew of was RuPaul and he was a Drag Queen, not a Transexual. My mom took it the hardest which always bothered me because my mom had Gay and Trans friends when I was growing up. Took me a very long time to understand her fear wasn't in my being trans her fear was what she'd noticed her friends going through and that fear turned into anger directed at me because she didn't want me to have to go through that as well.
Monika: At that time of your transition, did you have any transgender role models that you followed?
Samantha: Sadly I did not. However, growing older I started seeing women like Candis Cayne on Ricki Lake and she helped me be proud of who I was becoming.
Monika: Are there are any transgender ladies that you admire and respect now?
Samantha: Yes, Candis Cayne. She was the first-ever Trans woman to play a trans woman on a prime time show called Dirty Sexy Money. It was amazing sadly it didn't last as long as it should've. But I've followed her career and have admired her ever since.
Also, I love Allanah Star she's done so much for visibility within the Trans Community. Having started out as a Porn Star and turning her life into what it is now is just amazing.
But to add, there are Trans MEN I admire like Buck Angel, he's not only hot as sin, he has done more for the trans community than so many before him.
Monika: We all pay the highest price for the fulfillment of our dreams to be ourselves. As a result, many trans women lose their families, friends, jobs, and social positions. Did you pay such a high price as well? What was the hardest thing about your coming out?
Samantha: The hardest part was being physically assaulted by my mom. (I don't care to comment further sorry.)
Samantha: Actually, it was my Adult Alter Ego @ShemaleAllison who was on the cover. I personally was only credited with taking the photos LOL.
Monika: At what age did you transition into your Authentic self? Was it a difficult process?
Samantha: I transitioned at 13. Yes, it was hard because back when I transitioned the only “Tranny” I knew of was RuPaul and he was a Drag Queen, not a Transexual. My mom took it the hardest which always bothered me because my mom had Gay and Trans friends when I was growing up. Took me a very long time to understand her fear wasn't in my being trans her fear was what she'd noticed her friends going through and that fear turned into anger directed at me because she didn't want me to have to go through that as well.
Monika: At that time of your transition, did you have any transgender role models that you followed?
Samantha: Sadly I did not. However, growing older I started seeing women like Candis Cayne on Ricki Lake and she helped me be proud of who I was becoming.
Monika: Are there are any transgender ladies that you admire and respect now?
Samantha: Yes, Candis Cayne. She was the first-ever Trans woman to play a trans woman on a prime time show called Dirty Sexy Money. It was amazing sadly it didn't last as long as it should've. But I've followed her career and have admired her ever since.
Also, I love Allanah Star she's done so much for visibility within the Trans Community. Having started out as a Porn Star and turning her life into what it is now is just amazing.
But to add, there are Trans MEN I admire like Buck Angel, he's not only hot as sin, he has done more for the trans community than so many before him.
Monika: We all pay the highest price for the fulfillment of our dreams to be ourselves. As a result, many trans women lose their families, friends, jobs, and social positions. Did you pay such a high price as well? What was the hardest thing about your coming out?
Samantha: The hardest part was being physically assaulted by my mom. (I don't care to comment further sorry.)
Monika: The transgender community is said to be thriving now. As Laverne Cox announced, “Trans is beautiful.” Teenage girls become models and dancers, talented ladies become writers, singers, and actresses. Those ladies with an interest in politics, science, and business become successful politicians, academics, and businesswomen. What do you think in general about the present situation of transgender women in contemporary society? Are we just scratching the surface or the change is really happening?
Samantha: Hahaha, first Laverne Cox is a cunt. You can quote me on that. Having met her in person and how she reacted to fans etc. I wouldn't support anything she's been a part of even if I loved all the other actors and actresses.
Moving on past her and onto the more important part of this question. What do I think in general of Transgender Women in contemporary society as is? I think it's a BRILLIANT time to be trans. We have so much visibility right now and that's an incredible thing to see. So many trans Men and Women coming out as younger and younger and feeling proud of who they are is amazing. I'm so so proud of each and every one of them.
Monika: The transgender cause is usually manifested together with the other LGBTQ communities. Being the penultimate letter in this abbreviation, is the transgender community able to promote its own cause within the LGBTQ group?
Samantha: I think so. I think when any marginalized community comes together to further their own agenda that's beautiful. Remember there's power in numbers and the more the queer community comes together to fight injustices the better.
Monika: What do you think in general about transgender news stories or characters which have been featured in films, newspapers, or books so far?
Samantha: Listen back when I first transitioned every Trans woman on tv was a hooker or a drug addict or a liar or considered to be deceiving either to themselves or the cisgender people around them. More and more Trans MEN and Women are being seen as actual FULLY realized human beings and that's important because when I was a kid what I would've given to see someone like me with my struggles being shown in the movies. The very idea that a little girl or boy can look up and finally see themselves is such an incredible thing to think about.
Samantha: Hahaha, first Laverne Cox is a cunt. You can quote me on that. Having met her in person and how she reacted to fans etc. I wouldn't support anything she's been a part of even if I loved all the other actors and actresses.
Moving on past her and onto the more important part of this question. What do I think in general of Transgender Women in contemporary society as is? I think it's a BRILLIANT time to be trans. We have so much visibility right now and that's an incredible thing to see. So many trans Men and Women coming out as younger and younger and feeling proud of who they are is amazing. I'm so so proud of each and every one of them.
Monika: The transgender cause is usually manifested together with the other LGBTQ communities. Being the penultimate letter in this abbreviation, is the transgender community able to promote its own cause within the LGBTQ group?
Samantha: I think so. I think when any marginalized community comes together to further their own agenda that's beautiful. Remember there's power in numbers and the more the queer community comes together to fight injustices the better.
Monika: What do you think in general about transgender news stories or characters which have been featured in films, newspapers, or books so far?
Samantha: Listen back when I first transitioned every Trans woman on tv was a hooker or a drug addict or a liar or considered to be deceiving either to themselves or the cisgender people around them. More and more Trans MEN and Women are being seen as actual FULLY realized human beings and that's important because when I was a kid what I would've given to see someone like me with my struggles being shown in the movies. The very idea that a little girl or boy can look up and finally see themselves is such an incredible thing to think about.
Monika: Do you participate in any lobbying campaigns? Do you think transgender women can make a difference in politics?
Samantha: I don't know if I participate in any ONE movement. Anyone that knows me and my social media knows that I take my place in this world very seriously. I have been blessed with a voice. I've been blessed with a platform to have my voice be heard so I think it's very important for me to voice my opinions and to share stories that I believe in.
I think women whether they be Cis or Trans absolutely make a difference in every policy so long as they're loud and proud and trying they make a huge difference.
Monika: Do you think that in our lifetime we could live to see the day when a transgender lady could become the Prime Minister of Canada? Or the First Lady at least? :)
Samantha: Prime Minister ABSOLUTELY! Without a doubt. The first lady of the United States sadly no. However, this shouldn't ever stop someone from having that dream. I mean there's always been “A first” this or that. The people that became the first were the ones who had a dream and didn't give up on that dream even after they were told it wasn't possible, you know?
Monika: Do you like fashion? What kind of outfits do you usually wear? Any special fashion brands, colors, or trends?
Samantha: OH God, I LOVE fashion! I wish I were more fashion-forward but I'm more a “Classics” with a touch of “Statement” piece-wearing kind of woman. My go-to is always and will always be a pair of Old Navy jeans they fit amazing and their price point is incredible and a nice t-shirt or tank top with a great sweater. My go-to sweater at the moment is a $200 Michael Kors sweater I found at Winners for $49! Score.
When it comes to colors I LOVE coral on me. With my light skin and dark hair, it really works well.
Monika: You are a beautiful woman. What do you think about transgender beauty pageants?
Samantha: I think beauty pageants are a great way to help a girl with her self-esteem. They're great at teaching us to own our power and to have fun.
Monika: Many transgender ladies write their memoirs. Have you ever thought about writing such a book yourself?
Samantha: I'm currently talking with my best friend Jesse about writing my story. He's a professional writer and we've known one another for well over a decade. You can check out his blog here.
Monika: Could you tell me about the importance of love in your life? Samantha: Love... what is love?
Love... What is love? Just kidding haha. It's taken decades for me to learn to love myself and in that time I've loved and lost many boyfriends even a fiancé once. I've had a lot of issues like most trans women with trusting my own worth and giving into love. What I've never met, though is a guy who understands that Love and Relationships are JOBS. Jobs that shouldn't be entered into light and by job I mean they take work and commitment and if you don't have that in you to give then you shouldn't be in a relationship to start.
I'm a hopeless romantic but working in the Adult World and my Social Media a lot of men don't understand that I don't get time off. I'm always working and yes I make time for someone who's worthy of my time but they are so far and few between I would rather sit at home with my dogs cuddling and watching Will & Grace.
Monika: Are you working on any new projects now?
Samantha: Currently, I've started putting some real effort into my How-To videos on my YouTube channel. There's nothing I hate more than a woman making herself appear smaller to engage with a man to allow his ego to feel inflated. I always say I don't need a man I want a man there's a difference.
Monika: What would you recommend to all transgender girls struggling with gender dysphoria?
Samantha: I would say to any Transgender Youth or Adult coming to terms with their own identity that there are going to be days where you're not going to feel beautiful or confident. There are going to be days where your inner voice is gonna be an asshole. They're gonna say stuff like “You look like a man you big tranny” or “You look like a woman tranny” and here's what I want you to do. I want you to stand in front of a mirror and repeat after me “ I matter! I have Value and it's NOT because I'm trans it's because I'm human. I have a place here and I belong here. I have a right to be who I want to be when I want to be them” then with the most sincerity you can muster I want you to say “I love you” to yourself.
Samantha: I don't know if I participate in any ONE movement. Anyone that knows me and my social media knows that I take my place in this world very seriously. I have been blessed with a voice. I've been blessed with a platform to have my voice be heard so I think it's very important for me to voice my opinions and to share stories that I believe in.
I think women whether they be Cis or Trans absolutely make a difference in every policy so long as they're loud and proud and trying they make a huge difference.
Monika: Do you think that in our lifetime we could live to see the day when a transgender lady could become the Prime Minister of Canada? Or the First Lady at least? :)
Samantha: Prime Minister ABSOLUTELY! Without a doubt. The first lady of the United States sadly no. However, this shouldn't ever stop someone from having that dream. I mean there's always been “A first” this or that. The people that became the first were the ones who had a dream and didn't give up on that dream even after they were told it wasn't possible, you know?
Monika: Do you like fashion? What kind of outfits do you usually wear? Any special fashion brands, colors, or trends?
Samantha: OH God, I LOVE fashion! I wish I were more fashion-forward but I'm more a “Classics” with a touch of “Statement” piece-wearing kind of woman. My go-to is always and will always be a pair of Old Navy jeans they fit amazing and their price point is incredible and a nice t-shirt or tank top with a great sweater. My go-to sweater at the moment is a $200 Michael Kors sweater I found at Winners for $49! Score.
When it comes to colors I LOVE coral on me. With my light skin and dark hair, it really works well.
Monika: You are a beautiful woman. What do you think about transgender beauty pageants?
Samantha: I think beauty pageants are a great way to help a girl with her self-esteem. They're great at teaching us to own our power and to have fun.
From Baby to Brains. My transformation over the years. |
Monika: Many transgender ladies write their memoirs. Have you ever thought about writing such a book yourself?
Samantha: I'm currently talking with my best friend Jesse about writing my story. He's a professional writer and we've known one another for well over a decade. You can check out his blog here.
Monika: Could you tell me about the importance of love in your life? Samantha: Love... what is love?
Love... What is love? Just kidding haha. It's taken decades for me to learn to love myself and in that time I've loved and lost many boyfriends even a fiancé once. I've had a lot of issues like most trans women with trusting my own worth and giving into love. What I've never met, though is a guy who understands that Love and Relationships are JOBS. Jobs that shouldn't be entered into light and by job I mean they take work and commitment and if you don't have that in you to give then you shouldn't be in a relationship to start.
I'm a hopeless romantic but working in the Adult World and my Social Media a lot of men don't understand that I don't get time off. I'm always working and yes I make time for someone who's worthy of my time but they are so far and few between I would rather sit at home with my dogs cuddling and watching Will & Grace.
Monika: Are you working on any new projects now?
Samantha: Currently, I've started putting some real effort into my How-To videos on my YouTube channel. There's nothing I hate more than a woman making herself appear smaller to engage with a man to allow his ego to feel inflated. I always say I don't need a man I want a man there's a difference.
Monika: What would you recommend to all transgender girls struggling with gender dysphoria?
Samantha: I would say to any Transgender Youth or Adult coming to terms with their own identity that there are going to be days where you're not going to feel beautiful or confident. There are going to be days where your inner voice is gonna be an asshole. They're gonna say stuff like “You look like a man you big tranny” or “You look like a woman tranny” and here's what I want you to do. I want you to stand in front of a mirror and repeat after me “ I matter! I have Value and it's NOT because I'm trans it's because I'm human. I have a place here and I belong here. I have a right to be who I want to be when I want to be them” then with the most sincerity you can muster I want you to say “I love you” to yourself.
I once read a meme that said “And if I asked you to list the things you do in your life in order of importance how long would it take you to say Yourself” and that has been with me ever since. It is a beautiful thing to look in the mirror and actually say something nice to one's self.
Monika: My pen friend Gina Grahame wrote to me once that we should not limit our potential because of 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?
Samantha:
I would have to say our dreams don't begin on the operating table. I would say our dreams begin when we start believing we can do things far greater than we anticipated. Look we live in a shame-based society. Where anything that's deemed wrong is frowned upon. I believe that's horse shit. The only thing we should ever truly feel ashamed of is the moment we give up. The moment we stop dreaming and the moment we give in to the haters.
Do yourself a favor, my darlings. THE greatest revenge in this life is doing exactly what others said you couldn't. Don't take what others say and use it as a reason to give up, take what others say and use it as the fire that fans the flame to your success.
Monika: Samantha, thank you for the interview!
Samantha: Thank you for asking. It's been an absolute pleasure.
Do yourself a favor, my darlings. THE greatest revenge in this life is doing exactly what others said you couldn't. Don't take what others say and use it as a reason to give up, take what others say and use it as the fire that fans the flame to your success.
Monika: Samantha, thank you for the interview!
Samantha: Thank you for asking. It's been an absolute pleasure.
All the photos: courtesy of Samantha Lauzon.
© 2017 - Monika Kowalska
Ms. Samantha Lauzon has passed to the other side. May she find the happiness and love she gave to others. Thank you for all you have done ...
18 March 2022