Interview with Angelique Munro - Part 2

Monika: In your opinion, how do you see the current situation of transgender women in American society?

Angelique: Well, there is more awareness of trans issues in the world today, with more coverage on television and in magazines. Whether people support those views or not, it is finally shining a light on a community that has always been pushed to the side and kept in the dark.

Monika: Many transgender women struggle with the fear of not being accepted as women. What advice would you give to those who worry about not passing? 

Angelique: This makes me very emotional, and I am beginning to cry, because society can be so cruel and unwelcoming, and we all know that. However, within our own transgender community there is also far too much negativity toward one another, instead of support for our fellow trans sisters and brothers. How can we expect society to respect us when we don’t respect one another?

Monika: Some transgender women are becoming more visible in politics and activism today. Do you see yourself as someone who could ever take part in that world, or do you prefer to stay away from it altogether?

Angelique: I don’t ever get into politics or religion. I don’t like to preach to anyone, and I don’t like it done to me, ha ha ha.
Monika: Love takes many forms in life. How would you describe the role of love in your own journey?

Angelique: Importance of love in my life, mmmmm, I’m going to answer that in a few parts. First, I think it is important to love yourself first. If you don’t, no one else will. Self-love has been the foundation of my happiness and strength.

Monika: How have romantic relationships and companionship shaped your life?

Angelique: Dating has always been very difficult for me since I transitioned back in 2006. I’ve only had one long-term boyfriend. We dated for four years on and off, and he left the last time for a variety of reasons, one of the main ones being that he wanted a natural-born child, which I could not give him. The true love of my life, however, is my little dog Cleopatra; she is my entire world and brings me endless joy.
Monika: Many transgender women choose to share their journeys through memoirs. Have you ever considered writing a book about your own experiences?

Angelique: Yes, actually, back in the early 2000s I began to write my book on the old dinosaur computer I had back then, and I was almost done when, can you guess it? OMG, it crashed and I lost everything! Oh well, perhaps the timing wasn’t right. I truly believe everything in life happens for a reason, and I plan to rewrite it in the near future.

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Monika: You have had an impressive career on stage. Are you currently working on any new projects?

Angelique: After working as one of Chicago’s most respected top female impersonators for the past twenty years, I am still in demand and busier now than ever. I know my drag career is coming to an end, or let’s just say it has been a wonderful journey, and I am so grateful for all the memories.

Monika: How are you planning to take your experience forward in the next chapter of your career?

Angelique: As I move forward in my life, I am bringing the character I created, Angelique Munro, back to television. In May 2015, I auditioned and was cast as the moderator of a TV talk show, and we filmed a pilot called Transformative The Talk Show. A major cable network has shown interest not only in the show but in me personally, so hopefully it will get picked up and air in the spring of 2016.

Monika: What advice would you give to transgender girls who are considering a career in entertainment?

Angelique: Do it for the right reasons, and never try to be a clone of anyone. Just be yourself!

Monika: Angelique, thank you for the interview!

END OF PART 2

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All photos: courtesy of Angelique Munro.

© 2015 - Monika Kowalska