Monika: Wild Things put you, Maria Roman and Tiara Russell together on the road. What was it really like spending
so much time with two other strong personalities, and did the cameras capture the friendship and the arguments
honestly?
Cassandra: Well, when we shot Wild Things, it was tricky because I really did not know Maria and Tiara. I obviously
did the pageant together with them, but filming was very, very difficult. We filmed for a month, and I felt kind of
like the loner. I came into the situation with a bunch of clothes and shoes and was very prepared, and I kind of
felt like the one left out. Maria and Tiara were together and hung out together. They would go out. They were very
close to the producer of the show, and I wasn't. I'm a very straightforward person. I was in my room prepping my
hair and my clothes. I took it very, very seriously. What you saw on screen was real. I mean, we had some real
arguments. Maria and I went at it, and Tiara and I did, too. We've since worked out all those issues, and we're
fine. But for me, it was difficult.
Monika: Your career has involved both drag and transgender visibility, but you have also said that you dislike
being reduced to labels. Do you sometimes feel that people become so interested in the word “transgender” that
they forget to ask who the actual woman is?
Cassandra: Well, I've been at this career for quite a while, so I've basically dealt with many different waves. I
remember the wave when people couldn't believe that we could be beautiful. Then there was a wave of all the TV
shows like Strut, What's the T?, and Trantasia, where people wanted to hear our stories. Now, I'm dealing with the
wave where people don't even want us to exist. I mean, people don't want to hear our stories anymore. They don't
even want us to breathe. I mean, I haven't heard from my agent in two years. I would say right now is probably the
hardest time I've ever dealt with because before there was still opportunity and there were dreams.
Now I'm trying to navigate Hollywood, like, what's my next move? Honestly, do I really want to put up with all the
garbage that comes along with it? But I'm going to just follow my heart, and my heart is still in it. My heart
still wants to do what I'm good at. And that's being a performer, being a personality, and just living out loud.
Monika: For a lot of trans girls, loneliness can become a part of life. Did you ever feel that, or were you
lucky enough to avoid it?
Cassandra: Loneliness is not just a trans experience. Loneliness is a human experience. I don't think of myself as
trans. I just think of myself as Cassandra. I was a lonely child. I have moments of loneliness. That's just part
of it. But all you can do is push through.
|
|
“I definitely experience people thinking
I'm dumb because of the way I look.” |
Monika: You also worked with Slay Model Management and helped other transgender women enter the modelling
industry. Looking back at all the girls you’ve met and mentored, what are some of the biggest mistakes you think
trans women should avoid when trying to build a career in modelling or entertainment?
Cassandra: Yes, I think the biggest mistake someone can make is labeling themselves. I think your beauty, your
personality, your star quality speaks for itself. I think if that's an industry you want to go into, you should
lead with that. And also, don't wait around for someone else to make you a star. I have, predominantly throughout
my career, done my own photo shoots. I've created my own moments. All of the shows I've been a part of, I've sold
them. I've been in the room with the network pitching the show. I mean, you just can't wait around for someone to
knock on your door. And you should put yourself out there because no one's going to see you if you're not in their
face.
Monika: You have mentioned Dolly Parton, which reminded me of her wonderful line: “I’m not offended by all the
dumb blonde jokes, because I know I’m not dumb, and I’m not blonde either.” It actually made me think about
something I experienced after transitioning at work. Once I was living openly as a woman and looking more
feminine, some men seemed to assume I must also be less intelligent, as if becoming more attractive had somehow
reduced my IQ! Did you ever encounter that kind of attitude, where people underestimated you because of your
femininity or the way you looked?
Cassandra: Oh, yes. I mean, I definitely experience people thinking I'm dumb because of the way I look. But
actually, it doesn't matter. I chuckle inside, and I'm like, well, I must be doing a good job. Just like Dolly
said, I know who I am, and I know I'm not dumb.
Monika: We’ve talked so much about Cassandra the showgirl and performer, but what about Cassandra when the
lights go down? What do you like to do when you’re off-stage and have some time to yourself? What helps you
relax, recharge and simply enjoy being you?
Cassandra: As far as when I'm off stage, I don't wear makeup. I really love to go hiking. I have two little
doggies and two cats. I love animals. It's funny because I found that most sex symbols, like Pam Anderson or
Brigitte Bardot, eventually become animal rights activists. That's very much me. I imagine my 70s living on a
farm, taking care of a bunch of rescue animals and, you know, still being hot, but just being about giving back
and just, you know, relaxing.
|
| “Of course, there's a new chapter.” |
Monika: Many transgender women are writing their memoirs these days. Have you ever thought about writing your
own book, and if so, what would its central message be?
Cassandra: Yes, some of those memoirs are a little too soon. LOL. To me, I am not there yet. Because when I write
my story, I want to talk about all the good, bad, and ugly. I feel like I have another 10 years in me before I'm
ready to do that. My central message is that I never gave up. That I never stopped. That no matter who told me I
couldn't, I shouldn't. I did. So my message would be tenacity in spite of everything.
Monika: Where can people see you performing these days? Are you still doing burlesque and showgirl performances,
and do you have any upcoming shows that your fans should look out for?
Cassandra: Yes, I still perform. I basically do a lot of private performances. I mean, look, I go where the money
goes or where the money is. So just keep posted to my Instagram at CassandraCast21 or my Facebook. I always post
what I'm doing, but I've definitely got something up my sleeve.
Monika: And finally, what’s next for you? What dreams and goals are you working toward now, and is there still a
completely new chapter of Cassandra Cass waiting to surprise us?
Cassandra: Of course, there's a new chapter. But I'm not going to talk about it. I'm just going to show you. LOL.
Monika: Cassandra, thank you so much for sharing your story with me and my readers.
Cassandra: Thank you, Monika. It was truly my pleasure.
END OF PART 3
All photos: courtesy of Cassandra Cass.
© 2026 - Monika Kowalska
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