Interview with Maria Tymoshenko

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Maria Tymoshenko, a Ukrainian composer and piano player that documents her transition in front of thousands on YouTube. Hello Maria!

Maria: Hello, Monika!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Maria: I am a composer and sound designer. I like contemporary art and sometimes participate in different art projects as a musician and as a model. As a hobby, I like roofing. My last clip was shot on the highest bridge in Ukraine. I climbed to it without safety gear. Last year I participated in LGBTQ and human rights activism actions. 

Monika: Why did you decide to share your transition details on YouTube?

Maria: When I launched my YouTube channel, I never wrote that I am transgender. Even record labels and movie producers with which I worked did not know about this part of my life. I did not hide, but no one asked me and I did not say.

Interview with Solange Dekker

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Solange Dekker, a fashion model from the Netherlands, hairstylist, beauty pageant queen, Miss Netherlands at Trans Star International 2019, Miss Evolution 2019, and Finalist Miss Beauty of Noord-Holland 2020. Hello Solange!

Solange: Hi Monika! Thank you for taking the time to interview me.

Monika: You have already taken part in three beauty pageants! What is so special about being a beauty queen? :)
Solange: Thank you for your question. I have actually taken part in 2 beauty pageants! Miss Evolution is a title I won during my participation in 2019 Miss Trans Star International held in Barcelona, where I was the first-ever Miss Netherlands. The title goes to one woman who has shown the absolute most interest in the pageant and who has been the most 'evolving' girl in the pageant. Things such as being on time every time, taking extra catwalk lessons, trying to learn Spanish to talk to the girls, etc. Since this was my first ever pageant and I showed so much determination, I earned the title of Miss Evolution 2019.

Interview with Anna Skinner

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Anna Skinner, a liberated transwoman from New Zealand, passionate cyclist, and happy parent of three. Hello Anna!

Anna: Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you. I love to share my journey so that people may gain a better understanding of what it is to be transgender and also to touch those folk who may be struggling with their gender identity.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Anna: I am a 55-year-old transwoman, born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. I have been living in Christchurch for the last 22 years which is a beautiful place located on the east coast of the South Island. When I was younger, I dreamt of living as my authentic self but for many reasons it never eventuated to a lot later in my life.

Interview with Rachel Reese

Rachel Reese is a British transgender activist, solicitor and diversity and inclusion specialist. She began her career as an avionics software engineer at GEC Avionics before moving into human resources and studying law. She qualified as a solicitor in the 1990s and spent around 15 years at the College of Law, eventually becoming Production Director and an operational board director. Reese has spoken publicly about transitioning in the 1990s and experiencing discrimination while seeking legal employment. After initially returning to male expression, she later came out as transgender at the College of Law and transitioned with the organisation’s support. She subsequently obtained a Gender Recognition Certificate and a new birth certificate.

 

In 2015, Reese founded Global Butterflies, a consultancy specialising in transgender and non-binary inclusion in the workplace. She has advised organisations in the legal, financial and insurance sectors, provided training and developed workplace-transition policies and guidance. With Emma Cusdin, she co-authored A Guide to Trans and Non-binary Inclusion for Lloyd’s of London in 2019. Reese has also held prominent roles within the legal and LGBTQ+ sectors. By 2020 she was Vice-Chair of the Law Society’s LGBT Lawyers Division Committee, a trans and non-binary ambassador for Aspiring Solicitors, a trustee of GiveOut, and a judge for the People in Law Awards. Through GiveOut and Global Butterflies, she supported transgender and non-binary rights in Britain and internationally. A frequent speaker and writer on transgender equality, Reese has advocated reform of the UK Gender Recognition Act, including self-declaration of legal gender and recognition of non-binary identities.

Interview with Michelle Relayze

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honour to interview Michelle Relayze, a fashion model from Spain, beauty pageant queen, transgender activist, Miss Spain at Miss Trans Star International 2019. Hello Michelle!

Michelle: Hello Monika! It is a pleasure, to be able to share with you a bit of my history. I am honored that you want to know about me and be able to reach many more people.

Monika: Michelle, you look like a million dollars! Could you say a few words about yourself?

Michelle: Thanks Monika! Of course, I will tell you about myself. I have the honor of being the current queen of Miss Trans Spain and being able to represent this beautiful country in two international competitions: the Miss Trans Star International held in Barcelona in 2019 and in future in Miss World International in Italy.

Interview with Diane Keinanen

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Diane Keinanen, a Minnesota lady of many talents, RN Vascular Access Specialist. Hello Diane!

Diane: Hello Monika! Thanks for having me.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Diane: Old life dissolved, been left to the past. Now Diane has evolved, loving life at long last!

Monika: You are a nurse but you have an artistic hobby ...

Diane: Creation is my serenity. I love to create in stained glass. I also enjoy woodworking as well. I find great fulfillment in crafting things that will bring happiness to another.

Interview with Dina Jacobs

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Dina Jacobs, a Hawaii entertainer, a star at the famed Chicago drag club, The Baton Show Lounge, proud holder of 70 beauty contest titles, and Houston’s Grande Dame of Drag. Her biography "Forever Her Mother's Son: The Dina Jacobs Story" (2020) was published a couple of months ago.

Dina, You look fantastic! What is the secret of your beauty?

Dina: Actually, I'm very fortunate. My Mom and Dad had great DNA. This year in February I turned 73 years old. I've been doing shows since 1964. I started my career in Honolulu, Hawaii, and I worked as a female Impersonator for 56 years!