Interview with Olivia Hill

Olivia Hill is a trailblazer: the first openly transgender person elected to the Metro Council At-Large in Tennessee, a U.S. Navy combat veteran, public speaker, author, and staunch advocate for equality. Her passions encompass LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, and cycling. In her own words, "I get one life. I'm going to do everything I can to live that life in a way that does not prioritize making the wealthy more wealthy while..."

 

Monika: As a fellow transgender woman, I'm thrilled to have this candid chat with you, Olivia. Welcome to my blog!

Olivia: Hello Monika!

Monika: Olivia, first things first - I've got to ask: what's more challenging, navigating Nashville's political landscape or surviving a family dinner with differing political views? 

Olivia: Honestly, they’re equally challenging in different ways. In politics, progress often feels like trying to sprint in a three-foot-deep section of a pool—you can put in all the effort, but things will only move so fast. Family dinners with differing political views can be just as tough because, unlike in politics, where dialogue is expected, some family members can be completely closed off to discussion. That said, I’m an optimist, and I believe that, whether in politics or around the dinner table, meaningful conversations can make a difference.

Interview with Martina Sobková

Martina Sobková is a trailblazer in the world of beauty and fashion, proving that courage and authenticity are the true marks of elegance. At 36, this inspiring Czech model has made history as the first transgender woman from her country to compete in the prestigious Miss Trans Star International pageant in São Paulo, where she earned the title of Miss Evolution. 

 

Also, Martina is currently focused on growing her modeling career and is open to new opportunities, so if you’re looking for an aspiring model with beauty, resilience, and passion, she’s your girl! 

 

But her journey is about so much more than crowns and sashes. It's a testament to resilience, self-acceptance, and the power of representation. From navigating the challenges of transition to making her mark in the competitive world of modeling, Martina’s story is both deeply personal and universally inspiring. In addition to her success on the runway, she is also the newly appointed editor-in-chief of Bankovnictví magazine, proving that beauty and intelligence go hand in hand.

Interview with Jesse Patterson

Monika: Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Jesse Patterson, an American social media personality and proud transgender woman who fearlessly shares her transition journey online. You’ve mentioned that we could discuss anything, from politics to, well, panties! Let’s dive in and see where this conversation takes us. Hello, Jesse, and thank you for accepting my invitation!

Jesse: Howdy Monika! Nice to meet you. Happy to have this discussion with you today and yes, lol, I will talk about pretty much anything one can think of.

Monika: Could you share a bit about yourself? Who is Jesse Patterson beyond social media?

Jesse: I’m just a person flitting about trying to find happiness in this world like everyone else. I’m happily married to a wonderful woman, with children. I live in Texas, work in finance and have a couple of degrees in history and sociology. I read history, psychology, astronomy, and self-care books or work out when I can get the time. I also love photography.

Interview with Ashley Anna Parks

Monika: In today’s interview, I am excited to chat with the inspiring Ashley Anna Parks, an American transgender woman who transitioned at 65 and then embarked on a whole new career as an author. Through her company, Butterfly Discoveries, she has shared her unique perspective on life, love, and personal growth with the world.

In addition to her writing, Ashley worked as an assistant facilitator of transition support groups for two years with the LGBTQIA+ Center in Las Vegas, NV, where she supported others through their own journeys. Whether it’s her deeply personal memoir or her whimsical children’s coloring books, Ashley’s writing bridges generations and genders. Her work touches on themes of inclusion, connection, and transformation.