Monika: Today I have the pleasure and honor of interviewing Nofar Morali, an inspirational Israeli model, YouTube vlogger, social media influencer, and transgender woman that shares her transition story on social media. Shalom Nofar!
Nofar: Hi Monika! So glad to be a guest on your blog!
Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Nofar: I’m a free spirit that loves nature and my passion is to share my journey with people here on my social media platforms!
Monika: What inspired you to share your intimate life moments via social media?
Nofar: Since the beginning of my transition I have watched many trans YouTubers who have helped me a lot throughout my transition, and now that I’m at that point where I can help others I’m so glad to do it!
Monika: Do you get many questions from your social media followers? What do they ask for?
Nofar: Yes! I do actually and it varies. I definitely get a lot of transitioning tips on specific topics that also help me better understand which content should I create for my YouTube channel.
Monika: We all pay the highest price for the fulfillment of our dreams to be ourselves. As a result, we lose our families, friends, jobs, and social positions. Did you pay such a high price as well? What was the hardest thing about your coming out?
Nofar: Definitely, I paid my share of struggles as well, I lost my dad due to my transitioning but I wouldn’t call that a loss because I believe that what is meant for me is with me and what’s not very good that it’s far and gone!
 |
| "My family wasn't surprised about my transition." |
Monika: Was your family surprised by your transition?
Nofar: My family wasn’t surprised about my transition because I was always feminine but the time that I announced that was very surprising.
Monika: Are you satisfied with the effects of the hormone treatment?
Nofar: I’m so blessed to have such great results from HRT and saying thanks to estrogen every day for saving my life in such a beautiful way!
Monika: We are said to be prisoners of passing or non-passing syndrome. Although cosmetic surgeries help to overcome it, we will always be judged accordingly. How can we cope with this?
Nofar: Unfortunately, I have to agree on that one and it’s a bit sad but also we need to understand that this is a part of who we are as trans people and to embrace that fully with all the bad things that are attached to the term “passing”. My best advice is to be more forgiving about ourselves and always remember that we are not alone and are surrounded by a big loving community who shares similar experiences to ours!
Monika: Do you remember the first time you saw a transgender woman on TV or met anyone transgender in person?
Nofar: Yes. The first trans woman I ever saw was Dana international. She’s an Israeli singer and when I heard her songs and my mom told me she was trans I felt a weird connection to her music and now I know why in retrospect.
 |
| "I’m so blessed to have such great results from HRT." |
Monika: Dana International is an icon in many countries. I like her a lot. Are there any transgender role models that you follow or followed?
Nofar: I really admire any trans person who catches the public eye and does something good for the trans community and brings awareness. Luckily there are many inspiring trans role models that I can relate to.
Monika: What do you think about the present situation of transgender women in your country?
Nofar: I think that Israel is the most supportive of LGBTQ+ people here in the Middle East but still there’s a lot to be better on when dealing with trans people here in Israel- medically and socially.
Monika: Do you like fashion? What kind of outfits do you usually wear? Any special fashion designs, colors, or trends?
Nofar: I LOVE fashion! I really like to wear crop tops and jeans shorts, that’s probably my everyday style. I like colorful clothes. Anything but black for me!
Monika: Do you often experiment with your makeup?
Nofar: I love expressing myself with makeup, there are days where I feel like being natural but sometimes I just like to play with colors and create crazy makeup looks.
Monika: By the way, do you like being complimented on your looks?
Nofar: I really love being complimented on my looks because I think that I’ve come such a long way to be who I am today.
 |
| "I LOVE fashion!" |
Monika: Do you remember your first job interview as a woman?
Nofar: Yes. My first job interview as a woman was in Zara and I worked there for a few months.
Monika: What would you advise to all transwomen looking for employment?
Nofar: I would advise searching until you’ll find a place that accepts you as you are and don’t give up, you will find it eventually. I came to terms with myself that I work the best as my own boss.
Monika: Are you involved in the life of the local LGBTQ+ community?
Nofar: I am! I volunteer in an LGBTQ+ organization here in Israel and I enjoy every second of it! In addition, many of my YouTube audience are from Israel so I feel like I influence and help people here as well.
Monika: Could you tell me about the importance of love in your life?
Nofar: Love is everything and it’s everywhere, we just need to recognize it in the right places when most needed. Self-love is the most important kind of love, from there on, you can achieve any kind of love that you desire.
Monika: Many transgender ladies write their memoirs. Have you ever thought about writing such a book yourself?
Nofar: Actually I did because I saw AJ’s book and I was stunned. Maybe in the future!
Monika: What is your next step in the present time and where do you see yourself within the next 5-7 years?
Nofar: I’d say I want to finish my medical transition in the coming years and see myself after all of it in the next few years. Also to be stable in my career and achieved my dreams and goals.
 |
| "Love is everything and it’s everywhere." |
Monika: What would you recommend to all transgender women that are afraid of transition?
Nofar: I’d just say that we only live once and we should live for ourselves and ourselves only, and just go for what is best for our future self. Just do it!
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 transgender people doing. Our dreams should not end on an operating table; that’s where they begin. Do you agree with this?
Nofar: I totally agree. I think that surgeries are a big part of transitioning for many trans people and they can help us to feel complete but only so we can be in the mindset to achieve our dreams and goals in life itself.
Monika: Nofar, it was a pleasure to interview you. Thanks a lot!
Nofar: You’re so welcome! It was a pleasure to be a guest on your lovely project.
Nofar's YouTube Channel.
All the photos: courtesy of Nofar Morali.
© 2022 - Monika Kowalska
No comments:
Post a Comment