Monika: What do you think about the present situation of transgender women in British society?
Jessie: There have been a lot of changes here in the past decade or so. As an American in Great Britain (this is the third time I’ve lived over here since 1997), I certainly wouldn’t presume to speak from a British perspective, but my overall impression is that the social and legal status of transgender women (and men) has improved whereas the medical community lags behind the States and much of Europe. The National Health Service remains about a decade behind the curve in terms of progressive, inclusive, and respectful policies towards trans and gender-variant clients/patients.
However, the old guard will have to hand over the baton sooner or later to doctors and administrators with a more normalized and diversified perspective on what defines gender, sex, and identity, meaning stereotyping and “gatekeeping” methodology will be replaced by something more fluid and individualistic. I’m a big supporter overall of the NHS and am therefore very acutely aware of its failings in this area though there have been some improvements. They can certainly learn something from the politicians and legal system in this regard.
Monika: Could transgenderism be the new frontier for human rights?
Jessie: Absolutely and it has been for a long while, although admittedly overshadowed by the larger LGB communities. The past decade has seen a remarkable amount of change although it’s really only the tip of the iceberg.
Some of the changes have been a part of the LGBT, etc. umbrella (same-sex marriage) but others, and I’m thinking of things like the changes in passports in the US, UK, and some European countries and the effects those have had on immigration and travel concerns. The U.S. has a long way to go in terms of states’ (and further federal) rights for trans/gender-variant people, and when we look outside of parts of South America and Europe, the picture still appears very grim.
Jessie: Absolutely and it has been for a long while, although admittedly overshadowed by the larger LGB communities. The past decade has seen a remarkable amount of change although it’s really only the tip of the iceberg.
Some of the changes have been a part of the LGBT, etc. umbrella (same-sex marriage) but others, and I’m thinking of things like the changes in passports in the US, UK, and some European countries and the effects those have had on immigration and travel concerns. The U.S. has a long way to go in terms of states’ (and further federal) rights for trans/gender-variant people, and when we look outside of parts of South America and Europe, the picture still appears very grim.
Monika: Are you active in politics? Do you participate in any lobbying campaigns? Do you think transgender women can make a difference in politics?
Jessie: Transgender women and men are already making a huge difference in politics and I see things only progressing in that area as time goes on. I’m hoping there will also be increased representation for minority transgender women and men as they face heightened difficulties and decreased access to public and political forums. As regards my own political activity, I would say my input has been more in terms of my therapy work, lecturing and teaching.
While I sign petitions and sometimes contribute to the debate in terms of political issues and campaigns, my primary interest has been focused on educating the psychological, psychiatric, and medical professions in terms of trans awareness. I’ve lectured at universities, high schools, mental health facilities, and non-profits as well as in the press, and on radio and television. Working at LAGLC opened me a lot to the sociopolitical aspects of my chosen field and I hope to more actively participate in the future.
Monika: Could you tell me about the importance of love in your life?
Jessie: Love is absolutely essential both in terms of my private life and my professional work. On a personal level, I am married to a wonderful transwoman with who I have been together for 11 years although we were only finally able to marry last year following the Supreme Court’s far-too-close 5-4 decision(s) for marriage equality. As concerns the workplace, the fact that I love the work I do and am able to find something to love in every person I work with is central to keeping me present as a therapist. I love my kitty cats too!
Monika: Do you like fashion? What kind of outfits do you usually wear? Any special fashion designs, colors, or trends?
Jessie: I do appreciate fashion. Perhaps I remain a bit of a 1960s child in terms of my love for color (having dyed my strawberry-blonde hair black a decade ago) and striking juxtapositions but I’m also quite happy in jeans and a nice, comfortable blouse. In the cold months here in London, it’s all about an attractive but practical jacket, though perhaps because I lived in Los Angeles for so many years, I’ve never been a fan of long-sleeve outfits as I tend to heat up like a furnace!
Monika: Are you working on any new projects now?
Jessie: There’s always that book everybody keeps telling me to write! My wife and I are considering the possibility of moving back to Los Angeles now that we are finally legally able to do so (she’s Italian) and so there may be some big changes coming up but nothing I can really discuss at this point.
Monika: Many transgender ladies write their memoirs. Have you ever thought about writing such a book yourself?
Jessie: I’m not sure I’d choose to write a straight-out memoir but something that combined my personal and professional experiences has always interested me because I have been fortunate enough to be in the unique position of bearing witness to literally hundreds of separate stories from trans and gender-variant people. Therefore, perhaps an expansion on the Counter-Transference pamphlet I wrote a decade ago might be the way to go.
Monika: What is your next step in the present time and where do you see yourself within the next 5-7 years?
Jessie: I have dealt with some chronic pain neck and back issues and haven’t been able to work as much as I would have liked the past 5 years but thanks to various surgeries, a great NHS pain clinic, and other factors, I am physically the healthiest I’ve been in a long while and hope to become more actively involved in the community on both a personal and professional level once again.
Monika: What would you recommend to all transgender girls, struggling with gender dysphoria?
Jessie: First and foremost – don’t isolate. Secondly, embrace who you know yourself to be. Try to find others going through similar circumstances and don’t be afraid to seek out professional help. I became a therapist to help other trans/gender-variant, LGB, etc. folks because of how much therapy helped get me through the transition process.
Seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist is not an admission of there being something wrong with being transgender, simply a practical and direct means of dealing with the difficulties, both internal and external, that come with coming out and transitioning. Obviously, a trans-aware therapist is always going to be the way to go if you can find one where you live.
Also, the internet, if utilized correctly, can be a remarkable tool and there is a lot more high-quality literature on the subject out there now than there was a decade or two ago.
Monika: Jessie, thank you for the interview!
END OF PART 2
All the photos: courtesy of Jessie Jacobson.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska
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