Monika: You are married, and I imagine your wedding day must have been especially meaningful. Take me back to that day. What was it like to choose your dress, plan the ceremony, and finally see the moment you had dreamed about become reality?
Lisa: Yes, I always wanted to get married. I planned a dream day and loved every moment of it, choosing my dress and venue was a dream come true.
The ceremony was really special and just what I planned. It was a special day, and I wish I could do it again; it was all over so fast.
The ceremony was really special and just what I planned. It was a special day, and I wish I could do it again; it was all over so fast.
Monika: Looking beyond your own experience, how would you describe the situation for transgender women in the United Kingdom today? What do you think the country is getting right, and where do you still see room for improvement?
Lisa: There is always room for improvement, but I think that transgender women in the UK still have an advantage compared to some other countries around the world. There are support systems in place, and surgery is done on the NHS.
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| Advert for Paris Hilton underwear (2011). |
Monika: America has seen a growing number of transgender women becoming visible in public life, from film and fashion to academia, music, and acting. What about the United Kingdom? Which transgender women do you think are making an important impact here, and are there any you feel deserve much more recognition?
Lisa: There are not a lot of people popping out of the woodwork here. I am not sure why, but I do see a lot of up-and-coming transgender people who are making their mark on society, and the press is changing. They are reporting on transgender people more positively, and this will hopefully help people get the confidence to come out and be who they are.
Monika: Let’s look a little further into the future. We have seen transgender people become increasingly visible in many areas of public life, but politics can be a particularly difficult arena. Do you think we could live to see a transgender woman become British Prime Minister?
Lisa: Oh dear, that is a tough one. I am not sure we will see the day when another lady rules the UK, never mind a transgender woman. However, this idea might not be so far-fetched as we think.
Monika: Many transgender women eventually tell their stories through memoirs, giving readers a chance to understand the person behind the public image. You have already written a book, so what is keeping you from publishing it? And do you hope that, one day, you will feel ready to share your story?
Lisa: I have done a book, but I am not ready to publish it. I have not always had a good relationship with my father because of my change. We have only recently made up, and he now loves me for who I am, and he has a great relationship with my husband.
There is some truth in my book that I feel will ruin this relationship, and I don’t want this to happen, so I am holding back my memoirs for the right time.
There is some truth in my book that I feel will ruin this relationship, and I don’t want this to happen, so I am holding back my memoirs for the right time.
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| Modeling (2011). |
Monika: You have already made your mark in modeling and business, but acting would open up an entirely different creative world. Is that something you have ever seriously considered? If the right opportunity came along, would you be tempted to take it?
Lisa: I would love to act, and given the right opportunity, I possibly would. I have a lot of other business interests, and this keeps me really busy for now, but I won’t turn down a role if it were offered to me.
Monika: Your support for other transgender people seems to be an important part of your life today. You run an online support group and speak with people and families from around the world. What kinds of situations do they bring to you, and how do you try to help them?
Lisa: I have an online support group where I advise people from all over the world. I speak to families and try to share my first-hand experience with others wherever I can.
Monika: We have talked about marriage, modeling, your career, your experiences, and the people you now support. When you put all those pieces of your life together, how do you feel about the woman you have become? Would you describe yourself as a happy woman today?
Lisa: Is a woman ever happy? We always want to have something better, but for my life as a woman, I am extremely happy.
Monika: Lisa, thank you very much for sharing your story with me. It has been a real pleasure talking to you!
All the photos: courtesy of
Lisa Du Preez.
© 2013 - Monika Kowalska
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