Interview with Shandi Strong

From the heart of Winnipeg, Manitoba, emerges a woman whose resilience and advocacy have carved out a path of courage, compassion, and transformation. Shandi Strong is not only a powerful voice for transgender rights in Canada, but a symbol of what it means to rebuild a life with fierce authenticity and tender hope. As a public speaker, author, photographer, musician, and dedicated community leader, Shandi's journey is one of deep losses and even deeper triumphs. Crowned as the first transgender Grand Marshal of the Winnipeg Pride Parade in 2015, honored with the Trail Blazer Award by the Winnipeg LGBT* Chamber of Commerce, and currently serving in multiple leadership roles, Advocacy Coordinator for Pride Winnipeg, Executive Secretary for Manitobans For Human Rights Inc., and a constituency assistant at the Manitoba Legislature, Shandi has committed her life to lifting others even as she walked through her own storms.

 

Her story, detailed in a forthcoming book and widely shared across Canadian media, is a mosaic of personal reinvention, political ambition, and quiet grace. From performing live music at Pride events to organizing Winnipeg’s first Trans March, she embodies the beautiful intersection of creative spirit and civic service. What stands out most, however, is her unwavering belief in the power of visibility, empathy, and the strength found in simply being oneself. In this interview, Shandi speaks openly about her journey, her heartbreaks, her rediscovered connection with her daughters, and her unrelenting hope for the next generation of trans youth. Her words are honest and warm, touched by a lifetime of growth, and a heart that never stopped loving, dreaming, and believing in a better world for all of us.

 

Monika: Today, I have the pleasure and honor of speaking with Shandi Strong, a Canadian transgender rights advocate, author, public speaker, and politician from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Shandi made history as the first trans Grand Marshal of the 2015 Winnipeg Pride Parade and was awarded the Trail Blazer Award by the Winnipeg LGBT* Chamber of Commerce. She currently serves as Advocacy Coordinator for Pride Winnipeg, Executive Secretary for Manitobans for Human Rights Inc., and works as a constituency assistant for the Liberal Caucus in the Manitoba Legislature. Welcome, Shandi!

Shandi: Hi Monika! I’m truly honored to be part of this interview, thank you so much for inviting me. I’ve never had the chance to be interviewed by anyone from your side of the “pond,” so this feels very special. It’s always exciting to connect across borders and share our experiences globally.

Monika: I came across your powerful short story in The New York Times series “Transgender Today,” where you described yourself as a transgender activist, photographer, musician, and writer, quite the creative portfolio! How would you introduce yourself to someone meeting you for the first time?

Shandi: Over my life, I have discovered that I possess a wide range of talents, skills, and abilities. Not all of them seemed immediately valuable, but as I grew into myself through some difficult times, I began to appreciate them more, especially as I was able to share them with friends and my community. Of course, I had dreams and desires associated with each of them, but I lacked the focus to fully pursue them all. When transitioning became an achievable goal, and my life fell apart as a result, the rebuilding process, with all its ups and downs, taught me to value what I was capable of. Looking back, I realize that those challenges actually helped refine and strengthen my sense of purpose. 

 

Proud Grand Marshall.

 

Monika: It sounds like the creative side of you has played a big role in that rebuilding process. How have your talents helped shape your self-expression and confidence?

Shandi: Each of my creative abilities has played a meaningful role in developing my self-esteem. My photography, for example, is a visual outlet that allows me to share art and beauty with the world. My writing gives me the clarity and structure to communicate effectively, especially when giving speeches or presentations. And my music has always been a passionate release of creativity and energy. Performing live at Pride a few years back still gives me goosebumps just thinking about it! Expressing myself through these creative forms has helped me feel seen and empowered. 

Monika: You’ve worn many hats over the years, activist, artist, and public speaker, but stepping into the political arena takes a unique kind of courage. What inspired you to run for office, and how did that experience shape your views?

Shandi: I ran for office in our 2016 provincial election at the urging of the leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party, who had come to know me through my activism. I didn’t win, but it was an experience that demonstrated to me that I had more to give. Prior to that, I had been so focused on dealing with life’s stresses, raising a family, jobs, divorces, etc., that I never had time to consider much of anything that could make a difference on that scale. That campaign opened my eyes to a larger platform for change.

Coming out and immediately losing my job, while not completely unexpected in that day’s climate, was a wake-up call. Prejudice, in spite of my experience and ability, opened my eyes to what marginalized folks face daily. I had shifted from a position of average privilege to become part of a marginalized community, a teaching moment if there ever was one. That lived experience deepened my commitment to advocacy and social justice.

Monika: That must have been a difficult transition both personally and professionally. How did you find your footing again after facing such blatant discrimination?

Shandi: After a series of less-than-ideal jobs, and one really amazing one, I found my footing and my voice. Working for the direct competitor of the company that fired me, thriving there, and re-engaging with old customers post-transition who accepted and celebrated my change proved to me that it was my former employer who had the problem, not me. That validation was incredibly healing. It reminded me that when we’re affirmed for who we are, we gain back the confidence that prejudice tries to strip away.

Monika: Based on all that, what’s your vision for change in politics, especially when it comes to transgender representation?

Shandi: I think we all need to realize that the root of marginalization is prejudice. Marginalized people wouldn’t be marginalized if not for ignorance and systemic exclusion, it’s the people who are ignorant who are the problem, not us. Transgender people are a portion of our population, as are other LGBTQ* people, and we don’t have much representation in politics. My getting elected would have been historic in Canada and would have given credibility to the community, just as it has for gays and lesbians who have held public office. I currently work for the Liberal caucus in Manitoba and have been making my campaign plans for the next election in 2020. It’s time for more of us to take our seat at the table, not just to be seen, but to help shape policy that reflects all lives.

 

"I do what I can to make our voices heard."

 

Monika: You’ve become a powerful voice for visibility and justice. What drives your commitment to transgender advocacy, and how have you made your voice heard across different platforms?

Shandi: Yes, I do what I can to make our voices heard. I have spoken to many different groups over the years, including medical students, prison guards, nuns, GSAs, teachers, and more. I’m the local “go-to” trans person for the media, so any time there is something related in the news, I’m usually on the radio, on TV, or in the newspapers. For the last few years, I’ve been involved with our local TDOR (Trans Day of Remembrance) and have been the lead organizer for the last three. These opportunities give me a platform to foster greater understanding and compassion for trans people in our communities. 

Monika: Organizing visibility events must be both rewarding and intense. What has that experience meant to you personally?

Shandi: This past summer I organized our first-ever Trans March for Pride, which brought out four times as many people as expected. I feel it’s important for me to give back in this way because there were people in the LGBTQ* community who were there for me when I really needed them. Seeing that kind of turnout reminded me how deeply people are longing to be seen, heard, and united.

Monika: While the LGBTQ+ community is often united in shared advocacy, each letter represents distinct identities and struggles. In your experience, how visible and supported is the transgender community within broader LGBTQ+ initiatives?

Shandi: Locally here in Winnipeg, we have a very diverse trans group, and a very wonderful and supportive Pride committee, which I serve on as Advocacy Coordinator. They have been incredibly supportive and encouraging of our coming out. Their openness has really empowered us to push for representation and create new opportunities for visibility.

Monika: Have you seen shifts in how trans and Two-Spirit people are recognized within major LGBTQ+ events?

Shandi: Since I was Grand Marshal, we’ve had a second trans Grand Marshal and a Two-Spirit Grand Marshal. The organization has come to the realization that the “L” and “G” have fought for and earned significant rights and privileges in our country and are now turning their energy toward supporting the other letters of our alphabet, especially those who are more marginalized, like trans, Two-Spirit, queer and trans people of colour, newcomers to Canada, and more. It's been inspiring to witness this expanding inclusivity and genuine allyship take root in our city.

Monika: Beyond Pride, what kinds of support structures have developed locally for the trans community?

Shandi: When I suggested that we do a Trans March, they fully supported us and even provided some funding. They also donate to TDOR every year and attend. Our local LGBTQ resource centre is supportive as well, with trans-related programming, support groups for parents, trans people, and trans youth, plus reference materials and contacts with schools and businesses to raise awareness. This kind of consistent support helps create a sense of safety and belonging that’s essential for our well-being.

 

Giving a speech.

 

Monika: Looking back to the time before your transition, were there any individuals, formally recognized or not, who inspired or supported you on your path?

Shandi: During the 15 years I spent in the community prior to committing to my transition, I got to know a lot of people who were there to help others along the journey. Michelle and Rachel led the trans support group for many years, and both are dear friends. Natalie, also a dear friend, went through a great deal during her transition and rose to become a pillar of our community who was very involved with the Rainbow Resource Centre. I admire her a great deal. But none of them were really “out” to the world, as I feel we need to be. 

Monika: And now, are there any visible trans figures, activists, artists, or public personalities, whom you look up to today?

Shandi: I have a few that come to mind: Janet Mock and Laura Jane Grace from Against Me!. They are passionate pioneers and get the word out there, sharing themselves to demonstrate that trans people are people. But my favorite by far is Laverne Cox. She is amazing, well-spoken, strong, and smart. Certainly a good role model for any aspiring trans person.

Another is Bella Burgos, a very young former Winnipegger who had the strength and family support to come out at a very young age, fight, and win a human rights case against her school division over which bathroom she could use. She is a friend and a hero! 

Monika: Many transgender women face heartbreaking losses when they choose to live authentically, families drift away, careers end, friendships falter. When you stepped into your truth, what kind of personal cost did you face?

Shandi: Did I lose those things? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. But I learned much about myself in the process and came back stronger. So much so that I’ve written a book that I expect to have out by Christmas called Growing a Pair. That journey was filled with both pain and growth, and writing the book gave me a chance to reflect and reclaim my strength. 

Monika: Can you share a bit more about the emotional toll and how you coped with those early challenges?

Shandi: My story, in a nutshell, was that I lost my 15-year career when I came out. Then, three weeks later, my supportive spouse of nearly 20 years betrayed me and left, and my daughters basically followed her. I was distraught and so messed up that I nearly ended myself. After my surgery, I found redemption in the job I mentioned before, made more money than I had previously, and was on a high until the company closed my store. I spiraled again, ending up on welfare for a time, at times working three part-time jobs just to keep the collection agents at bay.

I am grateful to so many friends and my current partner Kate for helping me out and not letting me lose faith in myself. That period of my life taught me resilience I didn’t know I had, and I’ll never forget the people who stood by me.

END OF PART 1

PART 2

 

All photos: courtesy of Shandi Strong.

© 2017 - Monika Kowalska