There are women whose strength takes the shape of quiet resilience, and then there are those like Samantha Lauzon, radiant, outspoken, unapologetically fierce, and unmistakably feminine. A Canadian model, actress, adult film director, and beloved YouTube vlogger, Samantha is not only a powerhouse in the entertainment world, but also a heartfelt voice for transgender visibility, mental health awareness, and self-love. Her journey began early, transitioning at just 13, in a time when role models for trans girls were almost nonexistent, and when love, both from others and for herself, had to be fiercely fought for. With a career that dances between vulnerability and boldness, Samantha shares her life online with unfiltered honesty, offering everything from beauty advice to deeply personal reflections on depression, sex work, and empowerment.
Her storytelling invites us into the real, messy, beautiful corners of a woman’s life, one built on courage, compassion, and an endless willingness to uplift others. Her resilience is grounded in experience, her words in truth, and her laughter in knowing that nothing, not stigma, not rejection, not even fear, can outshine authenticity. In a world that often underestimates transgender women, Samantha stands tall, camera in hand, heart on sleeve, a living example of what it means to never shrink for anyone. As she says herself: “I don’t need a man, I want a man. There’s a difference.” And that difference is called power. It’s my honor to introduce you to Samantha Lauzon: a woman who has transformed her pain into passion, and her voice into a lifeline for those still learning to love the reflection in the mirror.
Monika: Today, it’s my pleasure and honor to speak with Samantha Lauzon, a Canadian model, actress, vlogger, and transgender rights activist. Welcome, Samantha!
Samantha: Hello Monika, thanks so much for having me. It’s an honor to be here.
Monika: How would you describe yourself to someone who hasn’t met you yet?
Samantha: A few words about myself? It’s weird, right? When we're 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. I’m 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 channel and other social media content. I try to keep a good balance between creativity and advocacy in everything I do.
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| Photoshoot with G.G. |
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 and fans is amazing, and I like to talk about a variety of topics, 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. It’s become a platform where I can be authentic, candid, and hopefully helpful to others.
Monika: You’ve also graced the cover of Transformation Magazine, issue 96, to be exact. How did that feature come about?
Samantha: Actually, it was my adult alter ego, @ShemaleAllison, who was on the cover. I personally was only credited with taking the photos, LOL. It was still a proud moment for me, seeing my creative work recognized on a national platform.
Monika: When did you first begin your journey toward living as your authentic self, and what challenges did you face during that time?
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 transsexual. My mom took it the hardest, which always bothered me because my mom had gay and trans friends when I was growing up. It took me a very long time to understand that her fear wasn't about me being trans, her fear came from what she had seen her friends go through, and that fear turned into anger directed at me because she didn’t want me to experience the same pain. Over time, I was able to forgive her and understand that her reaction came from love, not rejection.
Monika: During that early stage of your transition, did you have any transgender role models or public figures who influenced you?
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. She made visibility feel possible at a time when I really needed hope and affirmation.
Monika: Are there any transgender women today whom you admire and respect?
Monika: Are there any transgender women today whom you admire and respect?
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 have. But I’ve followed her career and admired her ever since. Seeing her breakthrough helped pave the way for greater transgender representation on television.
Monika: Besides Candis, are there other trans figures you look up to, perhaps from different fields or experiences?
Samantha: Absolutely. I also love Allanah Star, she’s done so much for visibility within the trans community. Starting out as a porn star and transforming her life into what it is now is just amazing. And to add, there are trans men I admire as well, like Buck Angel. He’s not only hot as sin, but he’s also done more for the trans community than so many before him. Their work shows that activism and visibility come in many forms and inspire people across the spectrum.
Monika: Being true to ourselves often comes at a great cost. Many trans women face losing family, friends, jobs, and social standing when they come out. Did you experience any of these losses? What was the hardest part of your coming out journey?
Monika: Being true to ourselves often comes at a great cost. Many trans women face losing family, friends, jobs, and social standing when they come out. Did you experience any of these losses? What was the hardest part of your coming out journey?
Samantha: The hardest part was being physically assaulted by my mom. (I don’t care to comment further, sorry.)
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| Photoshoot with G.G. |
Samantha: (laughs) Honestly, Laverne Cox rubbed me the wrong way. Having met her in person and seen how she interacted with fans, I can’t say I support everything she represents, even though I admire many other actors and actresses. But that’s just my personal experience, and I respect that everyone’s journey with public figures is different.
Monika: Moving beyond that, what is your overall take on the status and visibility of transgender women today?
Samantha: I think it’s a fantastic time to be trans. We have unprecedented visibility, which is powerful and inspiring. So many trans men and women are coming out younger and feeling proud of who they are, that’s really amazing. I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of them, and I believe this momentum will only continue to grow and open doors for future generations.
Monika: The transgender community is often included under the broader LGBTQ umbrella, yet it sometimes feels like the “T” is sidelined. Do you feel the trans community has enough space to advocate for its own unique needs within the LGBTQ movement?
Monika: The transgender community is often included under the broader LGBTQ umbrella, yet it sometimes feels like the “T” is sidelined. Do you feel the trans community has enough space to advocate for its own unique needs within the LGBTQ movement?
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 unites to fight injustices, the better. It’s all about standing together without losing sight of our individual needs.
Monika: How do you feel about the way transgender people are portrayed in the media, whether in films, books, or news stories?
Samantha: Listen, back when I first transitioned, every trans woman on TV was a hooker, a drug addict, a liar, or someone seen as deceptive, either to herself or to the cisgender people around her. More and more, trans men and women are being seen as fully realized human beings, and that’s important, because when I was a kid, what I would’ve given to see someone like me and my struggles portrayed on screen. It’s a shift that gives hope and validation, and that matters deeply. The very idea that a little girl or boy can now look up and finally see themselves is such an incredible thing to think about.
Monika: You're very active online and outspoken about issues that matter to you. Would you say you’re involved in any specific advocacy work or awareness campaigns?
Samantha: I don't know if I participate in any one movement. Anyone who 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. Every voice counts, and I try to use mine with intention and heart.
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| Photoshoot with G.G. |
Samantha: 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. Passion and persistence can change the world, one policy at a time.
Monika: Do you think we’ll ever see a transgender woman elected as Prime Minister of Canada? Or at least someone breaking new ground at that level?
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 who 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? Dreaming big is where change begins.
Monika: Let’s switch to something fun, do you follow fashion? What kind of clothes make you feel the most like you?
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” 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. I usually pair them with a nice T-shirt or tank top and a great sweater. My go-to sweater at the moment is a $200 Michael Kors piece 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. It makes me feel vibrant and confident.
Monika: You’re such a beautiful woman, what are your thoughts on transgender beauty pageants? Are they empowering or outdated?
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. They can offer a rare moment to shine, especially in a world that so often tells trans women to dim their light.
Monika: Many transgender women have found writing memoirs to be both healing and empowering. Have you ever considered sharing your own story in a book?
Monika: Many transgender women have found writing memoirs to be both healing and empowering. Have you ever considered sharing your own story in a book?
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. It’s still in the early stages, but I’m really excited about the possibility of putting my journey into words.
Monika: Love means different things to different people, especially when we’ve lived through so many transformations, both inside and out. How has love shaped your personal journey?
Monika: Love means different things to different people, especially when we’ve lived through so many transformations, both inside and out. How has love shaped your personal journey?
Samantha: 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 allowing myself to fully embrace love. One thing I’ve never encountered, though, is a guy who truly understands that love and relationships are work. They shouldn’t be entered into lightly, and by "work," I mean they take effort and commitment, if you don’t have that to give, you shouldn’t be in a relationship to begin with. Learning this the hard way has made me much more protective of my heart.
Monika: Have your professional life and public image made romantic relationships more challenging?
Samantha: I'm a hopeless romantic, but working in the adult industry and maintaining my social media presence means I don’t really get time off. I'm always working, and while I absolutely make time for someone who's truly worth it, those kinds of men are few and far between. These days, I’d rather stay home with my dogs, cuddling and watching Will & Grace, they never disappoint me. It’s about choosing peace and joy over drama and disappointment.
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| From Baby to Brains. My transformation over the years. |
Monika: What creative projects or passions are currently keeping you inspired and busy?
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 just to inflate his ego. I always say, I don't need a man, I want a man. There's a difference. I'm excited to use my platform to uplift other women and remind them of their worth.
Monika: Many transgender girls and women experience painful struggles with gender dysphoria. What advice would you give to someone navigating those difficult moments of self-doubt?
Monika: Many transgender girls and women experience painful struggles with gender dysphoria. What advice would you give to someone navigating those difficult moments of self-doubt?
Samantha: I would say to any transgender youth or adult coming to terms with their identity that there are going to be days when you don't feel beautiful or confident. There will be days when your inner voice is going to be an asshole. It'll say things 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. Practicing this regularly helped me rebuild my confidence when I thought it was beyond repair.
Monika: That’s a powerful affirmation. Why do you think self-love is such a vital part of the transgender journey?
Samantha: 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 stayed with me ever since. It is a beautiful thing to look in the mirror and actually say something kind to yourself. Remember, the world already tries to tear us down, so we have to be the ones who lift ourselves up.
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| Playing with my Camera, always smiling. |
Monika: Some people believe that gender-affirming procedures are a destination, an end point. Others, like my pen friend Gina Grahame, say that these procedures mark the beginning of our journey toward realizing our full potential. What’s your perspective on this idea?
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 ever 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 of your success.
Monika: Samantha, thank you for the interview!
Samantha: Thank you for asking. It's been an absolute pleasure.
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 crossed over to the other side. May she find the love and peace she so generously gave to others. Thank you, Samantha, for everything you shared, inspired, and stood for. You will be deeply missed.
18 March 2022