Monika: Do you like fashion? What kind of outfits do you usually wear? Any special fashion designs, colors, or trends?
Jaycee: I love fashion but unfortunately being an older transgender woman I’m having to tone it down. I love black leather and fishnets on stage and bright colors for daily wear. I mostly wear leggings and shorts and I love V. neck and tank top style tops that show cleavage. I also love billowing blouses lol I love Pink, Purple and Turquoise colors and knee hi boots!
I wear sandals in the summer. I have no particular style but I like to be comfortable, and the soft and colorful styles I choose help the visuals of a feminine look for myself. I love dresses but the last few dresses I wore people said they make me look old? I like the hippy dress style maybe I should try mini skirts? My favorite thing about being a transgender woman is being able to wear the women’s clothing I’ve always loved to wear.
Monika: Do you often experiment with your makeup?
Jaycee: Once again being older it’s difficult to experiment too often. Between my bad eyesight and saggy old skin, it’s difficult to apply eyeliner. When I was younger I applied liquid eyeliner on the inside of my eyelids top and bottom, now I go above the lash and only on the top. I have a book of makeup ideas for all age types and I have tons of eyeshadow my girlfriends all gave me when I transitioned.
I use a Mary Kay clear sunscreen primer and liquid foundation and a little powder, Blush and Revlon lipstick. I use Neutrogena and Bad Girl Mascara and liquid eyeliner. I have a daily routine and a stage routine. I’m sure if my makeup was better like a glamorous model I could pass more but I’m an outdoorsy country girl always out in the bush and trails walking with my Doggie Hanna.
Monika: I remember copying my sister and mother first, and later other women, trying to look 100% feminine, and my cis female friends used to joke that I try to be a woman that does not exist in reality. Did you experience the same?
Jaycee: I copied my sisters and an X girlfriend. Eventually, I had a good look going but I often overdid it when I was Sabrina Thunders! I always want to look 100% feminine and my cis friends sometimes make suggestions but always compliment my makeup. I try to look like I’m not wearing makeup and I think it works for me. I often wish I was younger to look more feminine but I’m the only canvas I have to paint. I sometimes think of going wild “Drag Queen from Planet Glamour” but my idea of wild is dark magenta lipstick and eyeliner.
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| "It’s a difficult time in America now." |
Monika: By the way, do you like being complimented on your looks?
Jaycee: I absolutely love compliments! Nothing makes me feel better. I know I don’t need validation and the heck with everyone else and all that jazz but it’s very important for me to feel good so Yes!! I love compliments more than cocktails.
Monika: Do you remember your first job interview as a woman?
Jaycee: I never had to interview. For a job as a woman, I did however try to get Disability for my lower spine as a woman. I had not yet come out and I brought my clothes with me in the boot of the car and changed in the car. This was the move that finalized my decision to come out. I felt really comfortable and the interview went well. I drove home as a woman and changed before I came into the house. A few weeks later I made my decision to remain as a woman for the remainder of my life.
Monika: When I came out at work, my male co-workers treated me in a way as if the transition lowered my IQ. Did you experience the same? Do you think it happens because we are women or because we are transgender? Or both?
Jaycee: I never experienced anything like this by a co-worker. I did hear a few people ask my workmate this: “who was going to do the (Man type stuff now)?” and my workmate replied: “She only changed her gender, she still has the same skills she had as a man! She had her (Explicit) removed not her brains” lol.
Monika: What would you advise to all transwomen looking for employment?
Jaycee: Be honest and check out the views of the place you are seeking work. Make sure it’s a safe workplace. Research and feel comfortable
Monika: Are you involved in the life of the local LGBTQ community?
Jaycee: I support my local LGBTQ community but I’m not socially involved because it is mostly for people under 25 years of age. Most of the events are for the youth in the area. But I’ve used the services like counseling days and they do have meet-ups for adults now and again.
Monika: Could you tell me about the importance of love in your life?
Jaycee: Love from family and friends is extremely important, especially in this day and age. Everyone needs love. “All you need is Love” da da da dada.
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| "I feel so much better with my new female body." |
Jaycee: Yes. I’m working on one now. I often post “Monday Memoirs” on Instagram and share little bits. I had a crazy rock and roll-punk rock life as well as a US Tour in Drag and the most memorable is my transition and 50 years in the closet.
Monika: What would you recommend to all transgender women that are afraid of transition?
Jaycee: Stiff Upper lip and have a strong support team. You will know who your support team is when you come out, they will come to you. Stick to your decision once you come out and ignore the haters. It’s much easier once you are on this side of coming out. There is a pot of gold on the other side of the rainbow once you’ve made it through all the hurdles.
Monika: My pen-friend Gina Grahame wrote to me once that we should not limit our potential because of how we were born or by what we see other transgender people doing. Our dreams should not end on an operating table; that’s where they begin. Do you agree with this?
Jaycee: I believe to each his own. I have many transgender friends that have not had bottom surgery or any surgeries. I started with HRT but immediately researched surgeries and found a transgender healthcare program and within my first year I had my bottom surgery. I just recently had my breast augmentation. I’ve been out of the closet for less than two years and I feel so much better with my new female body.
Dreams are what’s in your vision. I always felt the way I do now, I just never shared it before so I guess my dreams did begin on the operating table. Do what feels right and never regret your decision. My transition was back to front from bottom to top! It usually starts with FFS then breast, then bottom.
Monika: Jaycee, it was a pleasure to interview you. Thanks a lot!
Jaycee: You’re welcome and thank you for inviting me to take part in your project. I appreciate it very much.
END OF PART 2
All photos: courtesy of Jaycee Frances.
© 2023 - Monika Kowalska
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