Since our first conversation back in February 2014, Isley Reust’s life has blossomed in ways both bold and beautiful, much like the vibrant hues she once dared to wear in her hair. From blue back to blonde, her ever-evolving style reflects the fearless spirit of a woman embracing her truth with grace and joy. But beyond the colors and styles, it is Isley’s journey, marked by courage, creativity, and self-discovery, that truly captivates and inspires. In October 2014, Isley and her band Spectacular Spectacular introduced the world to their infectious single, Orange Juice, a sparkling disco anthem that marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter. This trio of talented women, Isley, Jessica De Grasse, and Millie Chan, came together through friendship and shared dreams, weaving their diverse influences into an album rich with emotional depth and dancefloor energy. Over two and a half years, their work blossomed into a collection of songs ranging from intimate acoustic melodies to dark, haunting soundscapes, each track flowing seamlessly into the next like chapters of Isley’s own unfolding story.
Music is just one of the many arenas where Isley shines. Her upcoming role in the acclaimed television series Glee, participating in a groundbreaking trans choir performance, promises to amplify her voice and visibility within the transgender community. This opportunity is not only a milestone for Isley personally, but a beacon of representation for so many who long to see themselves reflected in mainstream media. Isley’s creative spirit extends to film as well. Her collaboration with director Tony Minas on The Story of Isley Reust, Transwoman chronicles a poignant journey of self-discovery and the search for true happiness. With plans to showcase the film at international festivals and art exhibits, Isley’s story is poised to touch hearts worldwide, inviting audiences to witness the authentic struggles and triumphs of a trans woman living fully and fearlessly. Her involvement in projects like True Trans with Laura Jane Grace further highlights Isley’s commitment to community and visibility. Beyond professional ties, her friendship with Laura Jane Grace has become a source of strength and joy, a reminder of the power found in genuine connection among those who share similar paths. In Isley Reust, we find a woman whose journey is as diverse and dynamic as the music she creates, a courageous soul who embraces every facet of her identity with grace and authenticity. Her story is a testament to the power of self-love and the beauty that unfolds when we dare to live our truth.
Monika: So much has changed in your life since our first interview back in February 2014! One of the most striking changes is your hair, you went from blue back to blonde! What made you decide to switch it up?
Isley Reust: Haha, yes, coloring my hair blue was definitely the worst mistake ever. It took me about six months to get it back to blonde. But honestly, changing my hair feels like a way to express different chapters of myself, and I’m happy to be back to a color that feels more like ‘me.’
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| Spectacular Spectacular - Orange Juice (YouTube) |
Monika: In October 2014, your band Spectacular Spectacular released its first single, “Orange Juice,” which has a disco vibe. Can we expect the entire album to follow that style? Also, when is the full album scheduled for release?
Isley: We released our first single on October 7th, and it will be available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Target Music, and more starting November 25th. The rest of the album is set to come out sometime in February. As for the sound, the album is a very diverse mix of songs, mainly because we wrote and recorded it over the course of two and a half years. Nonetheless, we promise you won’t be let down. There are tracks that are dark and melodic, some that are dancey, and a couple of intimate acoustic songs. The album flows very well! We really poured our hearts into creating a rich and varied musical journey.
Monika: Your band features three talented women: Jessica De Grasse, Millie Chan, and yourself. Can you share how you all met and what inspired you to come together and form this band?
Isley: Jessica and I met about ten years ago at a party, two close friends introduced us and said we would make beautiful music together one day. So, to cut a long story short, we started a band, released two EPs, and toured the U.S. for a while. During that time, I was playing in two bands and touring, which became overwhelming, so I decided to basically quit music and go into hiding to focus on my transition in 2009. Fast forward a couple of years to early 2011–12, Jessica and I decided to form a new band in San Francisco. Over the next two years, we wrote many songs and made countless trips to Los Angeles to record. During that process, I met Millie Chan, and we all immediately hit it off. We knew she was the missing piece of the band. It felt like the perfect blend of talent and friendship that could take us places.
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| Photo by Joseph Viles - Los Angeles, California. |
Monika: What’s the story behind your band’s name? How did you decide on “Spectacular Spectacular”?
Isley: The name came from one of our favorite movies, Moulin Rouge. It perfectly captures the vibrant, theatrical spirit we want our music to embody.
Monika: Do you have any upcoming concerts or tours planned? Will you be performing outside North America anytime soon?
Isley: We plan on doing a full U.S. and Canada tour from March to May and hope to do more touring throughout the year. We would love to hit up Europe at some point as well. It’s always exciting to connect with fans across the globe and share our music live.
Monika: It’s incredibly exciting that you’ll soon appear on Glee, the popular American musical comedy-drama on Fox. Could you tell us more about your role and what you hope this opportunity will mean for both you and the transgender community?
Isley: I’m going to be part of a trans choir piece for the show. I’m super excited about that and think it’s a great opportunity. Being able to represent the transgender community in such a popular series is a dream come true. I hope it helps to raise awareness and promote acceptance while showcasing the incredible talent within our community. I can’t wait to see how audiences respond to our performance and to be part of a show that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. It feels empowering to share our stories on such a widely viewed platform.
Monika: Which actresses or films have inspired you the most throughout your life and career?
Isley: I’ve loved Shannyn Sossamon since I was younger. Of course, Audrey Hepburn and Cate Blanchett are also huge inspirations for me. Their grace and strength on screen have always resonated deeply with me.
Monika: You have an exciting new film coming out in 2015, directed by Tony Minas, titled The Story of Isley Reust, Transwoman. Can you share more about the film and what it means to you?
Isley: Tony and I started working on this film around April 2014 and plan to wrap up shooting in January 2015. The release date is still unknown, but my guess is sometime around summer 2015. In the film, I play a trans woman who sets off on a journey to find true happiness and self-discovery. I’m extremely excited for this film and the direction it’s headed. We also plan to enter it into some international film festivals and hold art exhibits alongside it as well. This project feels deeply personal, and I hope it will inspire others to embrace their own journeys.
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| A still from “The Story of Isley Reust, Transwoman”. |
Monika: True Trans with Laura Jane Grace premiered its first episode on October 10, 2014, and you were involved in this powerful project. What was your experience like participating in the series?
Isley: YES! I was very honored to be part of this remarkable show. I love that Laura created it and truly believe it will help the community a lot. I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback so far. I make appearances throughout the show and also have a featured bonus segment. I believe in episode 6 they show some of my YouTube footage. Being involved allowed me to share my story and connect with others in a meaningful way.
Monika: After working together on True Trans, did you have the chance to develop a friendship with Laura Jane Grace?
Isley: Yeah, since the taping of the show, Laura and I have remained in contact and hung out a few times. She is one of those special friends that I'll always want in my life! It's been amazing to connect with someone who understands the journey and challenges we face as transgender individuals. We share a lot of laughs and support each other in our respective careers, which makes our friendship even more meaningful. Having someone like Laura in my corner has been invaluable, and I cherish our time together. Our bond continues to grow stronger with every conversation we share.
Monika: Beyond your professional achievements, you’ve experienced significant personal milestones, including undergoing gender reassignment surgery. Did you have many fears or concerns before the operation?
Isley: I did not have really any fears besides what the pain was going to be like. It was more of a feeling of peace I had inside. I knew it was a crucial step in my journey, and that knowledge outweighed any apprehension I had. I felt supported by my friends and family, which helped ease any lingering doubts. Ultimately, I was focused on the excitement of finally being able to live authentically in my body. It was a transformative experience, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. The strength I gained from that process continues to inspire me every day. When they wheeled me into the surgery room, I was crying not out of sadness but out of pure joy, and because I couldn't believe this day was actually going to happen. The feeling was indescribable. I will forever cherish that day.
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| The Spectacular Trio: Isley Reust, Millie Chan, and Jessica De Grasse. |
Monika: Where did you have your gender reassignment surgery
Isley: I had it with Marci Bowers in San Mateo. She is highly respected in the field, and I felt confident in her experience and care. The whole process was handled with professionalism and compassion, which made a huge difference in my recovery.
Monika: What was the very first thing that went through your mind when you woke up from anesthesia? Did you experience any pain right away?
Isley: My first thought was, "Where is my phone? Give me my phone, I have to text everyone I know and tell them I have a vagina and how happy I am." Despite the excitement, I did feel some pain, but it was manageable and nothing compared to the joy I felt in that moment.
Monika: Do you feel fully complete and at peace with yourself now?
Isley: I feel 110%, never felt better. This journey has truly allowed me to embrace my authentic self completely.
Monika: Are there any new projects you’re currently working on or planning for the near future?
Isley: I have a couple of projects in the works for the upcoming year. I'm always trying to better and improve myself as a person. So far, 2014 has been the best year of my life. All I can say is that 2015 is going to be a big year for me! I’m excited to see where these new opportunities will take me.
Monika: Isley, thank you for the interview!
END OF PART 2
All the photos: courtesy of Isley Reust.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska
Done on 14 November 2014.
Some documentaries with Isley Reust:
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