Monika: How would you envision the ideal world of Transmotivia? What kind of society and values define this place?
Brina: On Transmotivia, gender is neutral, and all types genuinely get along with each other. It’s a place free from judgment, where diversity is celebrated rather than feared. Everyone is accepted for who they are, and cooperation and kindness are the foundation of the culture. It’s the kind of world we could all learn from and strive to create here on Earth.
Monika: Can you tell us a bit about the amazing team behind the movie? Who were the key players in bringing your vision to life?
Brina: Our crew was entirely volunteer-based, blending rookies with seasoned actors and crew members. My BFF Sandra Jack Shaw was my right-hand girl and assistant director, I bounced ideas off her constantly. She helped build the sets, juggle details, and wrangle the cast and crew with incredible patience and skill.
Our sound designer, John Gage, is well-known in the Northeast for his expert capture of on-set dialogue, as well as his talent as the film editor for Transsexuals from Space. This film would probably still be in post-production without his dedication and expertise. Between writing, set-building, casting, and everything else, I personally put over 400 hours into the film. John added perhaps 200 hours. The whole process was truly a labor of love, with everyone passionate about creating something unique. It’s inspiring how a committed group of people can come together and turn a dream into reality.
Monika: Are you currently working on any new projects? What exciting ideas do you have brewing for the future?
Brina: I’m currently writing a new script titled Gay Frankenstein. This one will be different, a romantic comedy aimed at gay men. Basically, men look at Frankenstein, and he morphs into their ideal lover. It’s a fresh take with lots of humor and heart, but it will require a lot of editing to get the tone just right. I’m excited about exploring new themes and pushing creative boundaries with this one. It’s always thrilling to bring something new to the screen that challenges expectations.
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| Modeling Ad from 1978. |
Monika: When did you begin your transition to living as a woman? Was the process challenging for you? How did your family and friends respond, and did your transition affect your career or job situation?
Brina: My first time “out” was at Max's Kansas City rock club in NYC in 1972. At the time, I was working as a stock boy in a well-known Boston music store. Older friends who knew I was still “in the closet” introduced me to a drag queen who got me all glammed-up for the New York Dolls show. There were so many other Trans people at the show that I fit right in. Even Steven Tyler was there, in drag.
I went full-time about eight years ago when my sons were old enough to understand. I had always been femme in many ways around them, so they both wished me luck and wanted me to be happy. As is the case with many people in transition, I faced my share of critics. Friends who had known me for 25+ years turned their backs on me, while others embraced the fact that I was physically and emotionally becoming the person I was meant to be. It’s sad when you’re the same person inside, just happier, but some longtime friends still shun you.
I had been working part-time for three years at a local radio station doing archive, production work, and some “on-air” shifts when they decided they didn’t need me anymore, so yes, employment can be tricky. Navigating the professional world while transitioning often feels like walking a tightrope. But those challenges also taught me resilience and the importance of self-acceptance.
Monika: Looking back to the time before your transition, what was society’s attitude toward transgender people? And what kind of understanding or information did you have about being transgender back then?
Brina: When I was first “coming out,” the climate toward trans people was still quite hostile. I recall going into a drag bar in Denver in 1978. I was still insecure in my femme side, and I only stayed a few minutes. During that era, transsexualism was still classified as a mental illness. I don’t even know if the correct terminology for trans identities was widely known or accepted. Society didn’t care that a natal female could wear jeans, flannel, and work boots, but a man in a dress? Get the nets!!! Visibility was almost nonexistent, and accurate information was hard to find. You had to rely on underground networks, whispers, and intuition to piece together your identity.
Monika: How do you see the current landscape for transgender women in American society? In your opinion, has meaningful progress been made in terms of visibility and acceptance?
Brina: Fortunately, transgenders are becoming more mainstream and more accepted. Of course, it helps if you're young and attractive. The double standard of strong, masculine women being more readily accepted, while men taking a less dominant or more feminine role is still prevalent, however. Society sees strong women as a positive step, while men becoming feminine is psychologically still viewed as a step downward. That bias continues to affect how transgender women are perceived and treated. There's still a long way to go before authenticity is respected over outdated gender expectations.
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| Swag from The Film "Grown Ups". |
Monika: Do you see yourself as politically engaged? While some transgender individuals are involved in lobbying and activism, others support the cause in quieter ways. How do you personally contribute to the movement, and do you believe transgender women can help shape the political landscape?
Brina: Personally, I let the trans folk who have a political side do the lobbying for us. I'm always in support of all trans people, whether they're M2F or F2M. I do what I personally can by being a positive image in the film world and in my daily life. I've had my personal charitable company, “Kidsstufff,” for nearly 15 years. I coordinate donations from local retail sources and distribute them to schools, libraries, and food banks. My clients know I'm trans, and that hopefully puts them at ease with other trans folk in general. Visibility in everyday life is a quiet but powerful form of advocacy. By simply showing up and doing good work, we chip away at ignorance and build acceptance.
Monika: Do you believe we’ll live to see the day when a transgender woman could become President of the United States? Or is even the idea of a woman in the Oval Office still too much for some voters? How far do you think we’ve come, and how far do we still need to go?
Brina: Doubtful. Even seeing a female as Commander-in-Chief would be a very important step. I remember supporting Geraldine Ferraro years ago in her bid for the vice presidency. I've always been a feminist/pro-female, I guess. There’s still a lot of fear and misunderstanding surrounding trans identities, especially in politics. But change starts with visibility and persistence, we're planting the seeds now for a future we may not live to see, but others will.
Monika: Have you ever experienced marriage, and how has your understanding of love evolved over the years? In what ways has your transition shaped your relationships and your hopes for future companionship?
Brina: I've been married for 27 years, although separated since my formal transition. My spouse and I are actually closer now than when we lived together. We have a warm, platonic relationship and are best friends. I'm currently searching for a long-term relationship, be it with males or females. I'd just like to be happy and have a life partner to share with. Love, to me, is about authenticity and mutual support, not just romance. After everything I’ve been through, I value emotional connection more than ever.
Monika: Are you passionate about fashion? What kinds of outfits make you feel most confident and comfortable? Do you have any favorite designers, colors, or trends that speak to your personal style?
Brina: As with many others, my budget dictates just how fashionable I get. As a photographer, I regularly shoot runway and fashion shows, but those styles are usually beyond my personal taste. So I stick with what's stylish, comfortable, classic, and appropriate.
Monika: In what ways do you engage with or support your local LGBTQ+ community? Are there any projects or events you've contributed to that you're particularly proud of?
Brina: I support my LGBT community by exhibiting a positive image in the film community. Representation matters, and I believe that visibility can change hearts and minds. Whether I'm behind the camera or simply showing up authentically, I try to lead by example.
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| "Transsexuals From Space" (YouTube) |
Monika: Many transgender women choose to share their journeys through memoirs. Have you ever considered writing your own story, perhaps blending personal reflections with your signature sense of humor?
Brina: I've had natal females laughing at many of the comparisons and anecdotes I told them. As a trans woman, we get to see things, people, and society from both sides, which gives us a unique perspective. I truly enjoy this more open look at the world, and I'm developing a comedy monologue to spread the humor. Yes: I really should pen a book soon. I think there's something powerful in using laughter to bridge understanding. Maybe my stories could help people find both insight and joy in our shared human experience.
Monika: You once mentioned wearing a ring on your index finger engraved with the initials "GMTYT", short for "Give More Than You Take." Do you still wear it, and what does that message mean to you today?
Brina: I do. “GMTYT” is what I taught my sons while they were developing their personalities and something I've always tried to put out to the world. Imagine how warm, friendly, and wonderful the world would be if everyone just gave a bit more to life than they took from it. Boggles the mind, doesn't it? It’s such a simple philosophy, but it can change everything. Even the smallest acts of kindness have a ripple effect far beyond what we can see.
Monika: Looking at your journey so far, would you say that you’ve found happiness and peace as the woman you are today?
Brina: My inner person is much happier and at personal peace since my formal transition. I 'pass' well, but being six feet tall can't help but draw attention. There are still daily challenges to face from those who are less accepting, but those instances make for interesting anecdotes. I’ve learned to navigate the awkward moments with humor and grace. True happiness, for me, comes from living authentically and not having to hide who I am anymore.
Monika: Brina, thank you so much for sharing your story with us. It’s been a real joy to speak with you, any final thoughts you’d like to leave with our readers?
Brina: It was a personal pleasure to have the opportunity to share my thoughts and views with your readers and audience. If I've helped to clarify anything about trans culture, that's even better! I believe open conversations like this are how understanding and change begin. Hopefully, someone out there feels a little less alone after reading this.
END OF PART 2
All the photos: courtesy of Brina Healy.
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