Interview with Jasmine Neuenhaus - Part 2

Monika: So what would you recommend?

Jasmine: As for recommendations to others, just remember to avoid dangerous areas where LGBTIQ people are not accepted, ignore negative comments from people you will never see again, acknowledge that for every 1 person who gives you a weird look or says something nasty that there are 50 people who don’t have a problem, be proud of who you are and present yourself with confidence to the world.
Oh, and don’t go overboard on the makeup or dress too young for your age, they are dead giveaways!

Monika: What was the hardest thing about your coming out?

Jasmine: Not spending my entire pay on fashion, makeup, and laser hair removal! No, I’m serious! Now that I was willing to let people know about my gender, I had the opportunity to buy those Dianna Ferrari’s that I’d always loved, it was OK for me to visit Napoleon Perdis and why wouldn’t I get the best laser as often as possible to eliminate my beard? It took a while to build some self-control to make sure the speed of my transition did not exceed my means. I was surprised no one warned me of the dangers of momentum.

I love being in the fresh air with my wonderful boyfriend.

Monika: Being such a beautiful lady, do you often use the girl power?

Jasmine: Oh you flatter me, Monika! I have never seen myself as ‘beautiful’, but I have certainly noticed men are a little more helpful and polite these days. They seem enchanted by a hair flick and hypnotized by an ample bust, but I remind myself to use my powers wisely. “With great power comes great responsibility.”

Monika: Have you ever been married? Could you tell me about the importance of love in your life?

Jasmine: Prior to transitioning I lived as a gay male and, in Australia, the government is still behind the times on equal marriage rights. While I have not been married, I’ve always wanted to walk down the aisle as the princess in white, and now that I’m legally female I can.

But I only want to do it once so I will not take the decision lightly. I think love is one of our greatest gifts and no matter how hard circumstances may be, true love can make anything feel possible, so having the right person by your side can make a massive difference to the positive direction of your life.

Monika: Have you ever thought about being a mother?

Jasmine: An emotional point indeed as I have always wanted to be a mother. There is nothing more beautiful or miraculous than a pregnant woman. I’ve cried many times about not having the right body to conceive a child, and I get so angry when I see bad parents who take the privilege of having children for granted.

And yes, selfish as it is, I feel raging jealousy around pregnant women and newborns. But, I have a wonderful nephew and step-niece and I put all of my protective guardian instincts into being a positive part of their life. And I have four cockatiels and my boyfriend’s two dogs who are my adopted children.

My first guest speaking role after
starting life as my true self.

Monika: Are you active in politics? Do you participate in any lobbying campaigns? Do you think transgender women can make a difference in politics?

Jasmine: While I keep my finger on the pulse of equality legislation and scan the media to keep myself up to date with current social issues and community wins, I’m not active in politics outside of Facebook comments and article shares regarding LGBTI rights, animal rights, women's rights, general human rights, and environmental concerns.

Can trans women make a difference in politics? Of course! Any focused individual with goals and ideals can make a difference in politics, and there are indeed trans women involved in politics around the world who are just as valuable and productive as their cisgender counterparts.

I am however involved in activities aiming to promote professional and social integration of trans women in business and society and to dispel inappropriate preconceived notions of what it is to be transgendered.
Through YouTube, media articles, radio interviews, and guest speaking at events, I raise awareness of the issues faced by trans women and provide experiential feedback and assistance regarding workplace transitioning, social inclusion, and the red tape that encompasses medical and legal transition. Aside from that, I am also actively involved in raising awareness of the plight of homeless youth in Australia.

Monika: What do you think about transgender beauty pageants?

Jasmine: Beauty pageants are what they are, a celebration of individuals who take great care with achieving and maintaining a commercially marketable image of aesthetic beauty. Often these individuals go on to use their famed status to contribute to their communities and raise awareness for important issues which I think is a fantastic outcome.

Cisgendered and transgendered pageants are akin, and as long as both cisgendered and transgendered individuals maintain an understanding that the physical image these pageants celebrate is not the defining factor on what constitutes a beautiful person, I don’t see a problem with them. Of course, it would be nice to see birth sex removed from the equation and a greater acceptance of blended pageants involving cisgender and transgendered women as equals.

My typical fashion style, simple yet different.

Monika: Do you like fashion? What kind of outfits do you usually wear? Any special fashion designs, colors, or trends?

Jasmine: I’m not going to lie, there is a female stereotype I very much fit, and that is my love of shopping and fashion. Shopping for fashion, well let’s just say that is an image of part of my personal heaven! For me, fashion is all about pride, comfort, and coordination.

Do I wear dresses and skirts now just because I can? No, it’s just not me. If you see me walking down the street on a weekend you are likely to see me wearing a cute pair of heels, a pair of simple blue jeans, and a top that has some kind of unique design feature, not just a plain t-shirt.

Monika: Many transgender ladies write their memoirs. Have you ever thought about writing such a book yourself?

Jasmine: I’ve often joked with friends about writing a trilogy of my life because my personal history is varied beyond just gender identity. And I’ve actually had people suggest it too. I guess I’m open to the idea, I just haven’t actively pursued it. That said, I have read trans-specific autobiographies and am very thankful for those who have so openly shared their stories.

I'm never afraid to be a kid and play with
my wonderful nephew and niece.

Monika: Could you say that you are a happy woman now?

Jasmine: I’m a woman with a great shoe collection, who gets frustrated with men, has good and bad days at work, doesn’t always like clothes as much at home as she did in the shops, enjoys girls nights out, and spends a lot of effort maintaining her home and keeping on top of her bills so that she can sit back to relax and enjoy her hobbies. I feel I am finally just another normal woman, and that Monika, that makes me a very happy woman indeed!

Monika: Jasmine, Thank you very much for your answers!

All the photos: courtesy of Jasmine Isabella Neuenhaus.

© 2013 - Monika Kowalska