The Heroines of My Life: Interview with Rebeckah Loveday

Monika: Do you remember the first time you saw a transgender woman on TV or met anyone transgender in person?

Rebeckah: The first time I met a transgender person was when I moved from the countryside to the city. Before moving to the city, I wasn’t even really aware of what it meant to be transgender but I met some trans women in Sydney and this made me come to the realisation that I was transgender too!

The first time I saw a transgender person on television was in the early 2000s when I watched the reality television show “There’s Something About Miriam”. I was blown away by how beautiful she was and this was definitely the first time I had seen a transgender person on television and not just a portrayal or character in a film.

Monika: What do you think about the present situation of transgender women in your country?

Rebeckah: In Australia, we are quite fortunate in regards to laws and legislations that protect transgender people. Although it does vary from state to state, predominantly Australia is a fairly safe place for transgender people in relation to laws and our protection.

Our First Nation’s brotherboys and sistergirls do need more support and advocacy. Suicide and poverty rates are extremely high within Aboriginal communities, especially for brotherboys and sistergirls in rural and regional areas. The Australian Government needs to do more to protect and support our First Nations People and their lands. I think the issues we face is that societally, we are not always accepted, as it is for many transgender people across the globe. The global issues we face as a community are terrifying and we need to be united and supported by our governments and people in power.

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

Rebeckah: I am really big on sustainability and recycling. I actually really love going to opportunity stores and buying second-hand clothing. It’s rare that I will buy brand-new clothing. I do appreciate designer clothing and designers like Chanel, Dior, and Versace but for me, I am pretty comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt, that is when I am not modeling, hosting, or acting.

I do have one Australian designer that I absolutely love, Aron Katona. Aron is a Melbourne-based designer and I have walked for him during Melbourne Fashion Week and I have also worn one of his gowns while hosting Miss Trans Global Australia.

"I felt really honoured to be able to play Sandra
Pankhurst in the recreations of her life and I hope
that I did her justice and made her proud."

Monika: By the way, do you like being complimented on your looks?

Rebeckah: I think most of us enjoy being complimented, so long as it is genuine and comes from a good place.

Monika: Could you tell me about the importance of love in your life?

Rebeckah: Love is really important to me. Love in all its forms, from family, friends, or a partner. I have been single for 2 years now and I am definitely open to love and a relationship again. I believe that giving and receiving love is one of the most beautiful things you can experience in life!

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

Rebeckah: I have definitely thought about writing a memoir of my life. I will do this one day! It is just a matter of finding the time. I have already thought of the title, so yes I have definitely thought about writing a memoir. I actually really enjoyed reading Janet Mock’s book, “Redefining Realness”. It really inspired me and I would love to be able to do this with my own memoir and inspire other trans folks.

Monika: What would you recommend to all transgender women that are afraid of transition?

Rebeckah: I would say to other transgender women and anyone that is wanting to start their transition, to ensure you have support around you. Medical support, friends, family (blood or chosen) and any other support that you feel you may need. With the right support in place, it is just a matter of taking it one step at a time to begin your transition. It is not an overnight process, it takes time and patience. Go at a pace that feels comfortable for you and always keep in your mind that when it gets challenging, that you are doing this to live your truth. It does get easier and you will be happy.

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?

Rebeckah: That is an incredibly powerful statement and I definitely agree. I remember when I started my transition, that was all I focused on, there was no other goal or dream I was focused on, just transitioning and becoming a woman. After a while, I got to a stage of my journey and thought “now what?”. It was then I turned my focus from transitioning to actually living life, building a career, experiencing love, and knowing that anything is possible, as long as you love yourself and live your truth.

Monika: Rebeckah, it was a pleasure to interview you. Thanks a lot!

Rebeckah: Thank you, Monika!

END OF PART 2

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