Monika: With more and more transgender women coming out, we're seeing some of them achieve celebrity status or become well-known in various fields, such as Lana Wachowski in film directing, Jenna Talackova in modeling, Kate Bornstein in academia, Laura Jane Grace in music, and Candis Cayne in acting. Do you think we'll continue to see more transgender women in the spotlight like this?
Diamond: Absolutely. Times are changing, and we are all growing in number, not because it's the end of the world or because sin is running amuck, but because we are being bolder and more protected. We are realizing that we can fight for our right to exist. More and more transgender women are speaking out.
They are not just transitioning and going deep stealth, hiding their past, and fading away without making any mark for future generations.
They are breaking barriers down. There were trans women who came before the women you named who broke barriers to allow those women a chance. They deserve to be honored and thanked. Now that we have been passed the torch, it's our turn to keep pushing the envelope for the transgender girls of the 2020s, 2030s, and beyond. We are part of a much bigger movement, and every step forward helps create space for those who come after us.
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| Workshop on the gender binary with Chris Paige. |
Monika: While we see more progress, we also hear horrifying news about transgender women being killed or beaten, such as the infamous case of Chrissy Polis, who was beaten by two teenagers at a McDonald's simply for using the ladies' restroom. How can we work to prevent these tragedies?
Diamond: This is a war of social change. Casualties are inevitable and unpreventable. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, the Apartheid battle in South Africa, India's independence from the British led by Gandhi, and even Poland in the mid-40s fighting against communism all had casualties. In our own civil war, we will have martyrs and casualties. We are fighting for change and justice... As the fight goes on, the casualties will lessen because we will create the change we are fighting for! However, the work is far from over, and it is essential to continue educating, advocating, and creating safer spaces for all transgender individuals.
Monika: Do you think that in our lifetime we could see a transgender woman become President of the USA?
Diamond: No! It took from 1870, when the amendment was ratified to give Black people the right to vote in the US, to 2008 to elect a bi-racial man to the presidency. That is 138 years of Jim Crow, lynching, deaths, and racism going underground and hidden... just to get enough social change to elect a Black president.
Diamond: This is a war of social change. Casualties are inevitable and unpreventable. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, the Apartheid battle in South Africa, India's independence from the British led by Gandhi, and even Poland in the mid-40s fighting against communism all had casualties. In our own civil war, we will have martyrs and casualties. We are fighting for change and justice... As the fight goes on, the casualties will lessen because we will create the change we are fighting for! However, the work is far from over, and it is essential to continue educating, advocating, and creating safer spaces for all transgender individuals.
Monika: Do you think that in our lifetime we could see a transgender woman become President of the USA?
Diamond: No! It took from 1870, when the amendment was ratified to give Black people the right to vote in the US, to 2008 to elect a bi-racial man to the presidency. That is 138 years of Jim Crow, lynching, deaths, and racism going underground and hidden... just to get enough social change to elect a Black president.
It will be a LONG time after I'm dead before I see a trans president. I'm not a cynic though, I'm a realist. If there is a trans woman with the education and potential, I say go for it... if your views and history match mine, she will get my vote. However, the path to that achievement requires significant social progress, and I hope future generations will see a more inclusive and representative government.
Monika: What are your thoughts on transgender beauty pageants? Do you believe we should move beyond the "transgender" label and have inclusive pageants for both transgender and cisgender women?
Diamond: I take pride in being transgender. In recent years I have found problems with transwomen who try to fully assimilate into the woman gender and not give honor to their paths. We are women, but we are a TYPE of woman. Like a Black woman, a fat woman, a tall woman, etc., I don't mind a pageant that celebrates the transgender type of woman. Should we all be treated equally as women? YES, of course... but nothing is wrong with having pride in what and who you are. Pageants that honor our specific journeys help affirm our visibility and give us a space to shine on our own terms.
Diamond: I take pride in being transgender. In recent years I have found problems with transwomen who try to fully assimilate into the woman gender and not give honor to their paths. We are women, but we are a TYPE of woman. Like a Black woman, a fat woman, a tall woman, etc., I don't mind a pageant that celebrates the transgender type of woman. Should we all be treated equally as women? YES, of course... but nothing is wrong with having pride in what and who you are. Pageants that honor our specific journeys help affirm our visibility and give us a space to shine on our own terms.
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| With Chaz Bono, Cher's son. |
Monika: Are you passionate about fashion? How would you describe your personal style, and are there any particular designs, colors, or trends that you feel especially drawn to?
Diamond: I love fashion. If I was to describe my fashion, I would say it’s called rustic elegance. I have a taste for the earthy outdoor but also elegant and sophisticated apparel, and I look for things that mix those ideas well. I love Black... not because it’s dark but because it looks good by itself, and if you put it with anything else, it makes it look that much better.
Monika: Are you actively engaged in your local or national LGBT+ community, and how do you contribute to its visibility and advocacy?
Diamond: I love fashion. If I was to describe my fashion, I would say it’s called rustic elegance. I have a taste for the earthy outdoor but also elegant and sophisticated apparel, and I look for things that mix those ideas well. I love Black... not because it’s dark but because it looks good by itself, and if you put it with anything else, it makes it look that much better.
Monika: Are you actively engaged in your local or national LGBT+ community, and how do you contribute to its visibility and advocacy?
Diamond: I am involved with the LGBT all across America. People fly me to different conferences and events to speak, do workshops, panels, and perform, representing the T of the LGBT. I love it, and I think that is my purpose in life, to represent our people well. I would LOVE to be invited to European events if there are any sponsors out there... lol. Sharing my story and empowering others through my presence and voice feels like a calling, not just an activity.
Monika: You run a successful vlog and Internet radio show. Could you tell us more about their content and the impact they’ve had on your audience?
Diamond: Well, I am the first African American YouTube Transgender partner. This means that I get paid to do videos by them, posting advertising on my popular videos. It is a wonderful avenue where I share the trans experience with so many people around the world.
I share my talents. I give advice to trans women, gay men, natal-born women, and men who date us, or anybody really that can relate to me and my stories. It is a great experience that allows me to meet people that I never would have met. My YouTube channel is growing and has reached over 2.1 million views and almost 8,000 subscribers. I am so proud of it. The feedback I get from viewers saying my words gave them hope or confidence makes all the effort worthwhile.
Monika: Many transgender women are writing their memoirs to share their personal journeys and inspire others. Have you ever considered writing a book about your own experiences?
Diamond: Yes, that is one of my many goals, to write a few books and have a few albums. I actually have an acting role in the works as well. Maybe even some reality TV... lol. So many things are on the horizon. We all have stories to tell. I don't want the world to forget me like so many of my trans sisters before me; their stories have been lost or erased. Documenting our experiences is a powerful way to leave a legacy and create understanding for future generations.
Monika: Would you say that you are a happy woman now?
Diamond: I was a happy trans child then, and I grew to become a happy trans woman now. Despite the struggles, I have learned to find peace in who I am and joy in the journey.
Monika: Diamond, thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story and insights with us today!
Diamond: Thanks for having me! It’s always an honor to use my voice to uplift and empower others in our community.
Diamond: Yes, that is one of my many goals, to write a few books and have a few albums. I actually have an acting role in the works as well. Maybe even some reality TV... lol. So many things are on the horizon. We all have stories to tell. I don't want the world to forget me like so many of my trans sisters before me; their stories have been lost or erased. Documenting our experiences is a powerful way to leave a legacy and create understanding for future generations.
Monika: Would you say that you are a happy woman now?
Diamond: I was a happy trans child then, and I grew to become a happy trans woman now. Despite the struggles, I have learned to find peace in who I am and joy in the journey.
Monika: Diamond, thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story and insights with us today!
Diamond: Thanks for having me! It’s always an honor to use my voice to uplift and empower others in our community.
All the photos: courtesy of Diamond Stylz.
© 2013 - Monika Kowalska
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