Monika: You returned to Thailand in 2014 for another shot at the Miss International Queen pageant and earned the titles of 2nd Runner-up Best Talent and Miss Congeniality. How did this experience compare to your first time in 2011? Was it easier or more challenging?
Yuni: 2014? What can I say without getting controversial or starting an earthquake, lol! It was very different, the girls were a lot nicer, but the pageant itself got a lot harder! I was so prepared this time around, but once there, it all fell apart. I don’t want to get into all the details, but once again, I realized I should have brought a team to support me and keep me at my A-game. A makeup artist and hairstylist who really knew my face and understood the look I was going for would have made a huge difference. Lesson learned! Still, everything happens for a reason, and this experience helped me grow stronger and more resilient. I’m grateful for the challenges because they taught me how to better handle pressure and stay focused.
Monika: Besides Miss International Queen, you’ve won quite a few other beauty pageant titles. Which ones stand out the most to you, and are there any titles you still dream of achieving?
Yuni: Aw, thank you, dear... But the only title I dream of now is Miss Continental. I’m getting ready for that these days. The pageant takes place in Chicago, and they don’t need any boast or introduction since they are the most prestigious pageant in the world. Today, besides that title, I think I am done with pageants for now! However, I really enjoy helping upcoming young girls get ready for competition, and I find that incredibly rewarding. It feels great to share my experience and see others shine. Pageants have given me so much, and now I want to give back.
Monika: When you began your transition, were there any transgender role models who inspired you or whose journeys you looked up to?
Yuni: Not really. I did my whole transition following my heart and staying true to who I was inside... and not giving up no matter what. When I first started, I felt very lonely, but somehow, while listening to Mariah Carey’s songs and believing in my dream, I just didn’t give up. I knew someday, somehow, I would accomplish everything I ever dreamed of. The power of hope and belief is truly amazing. I can say dreams are real today. It’s important to trust yourself even when the path feels uncertain. Staying positive and focused helped me overcome many challenges along the way.
|
| Courtesy of Yuni Carey. |
Monika: Looking back, what was the most difficult part of your coming out journey?
Yuni: Not knowing who I was inside. Not having any knowledge or information on how to pursue my dream... how to start or explain to people that I was dying inside because I felt lost, alone, and misunderstood. But thank God for my loving parents! Otherwise, I would not be here today to tell you my story. They are my true role models. Their unwavering support gave me strength when I felt weakest. Without them, my journey would have been much harder and lonelier.
Monika: As someone who has lived between cultures, how do you view the current challenges and progress for transgender women in both American and Cuban societies? Are there major differences in how trans women are treated, or do you see common struggles across both countries?
Yuni: We have come a long way... but we still have a long way to go! In America, we are still subjected to discrimination and hate crimes against our community. People are not educated enough to understand who we are. Everything is about labels, and no matter what, to society we are still seen as men, and that breaks my heart. We need more education, even within our own community. We are not united, and we don't support each other the way we should. Everything becomes a competition, and we just don't seem to get along. It's time to come together, set aside all the nonsense, and fight for our rights and dreams.
At the end of the day, we are all human beings with purpose and dreams. We deserve respect and the right to live the lives we want to live. I can't speak much about the situation in Cuba because I haven’t been there in a few years. I only hope things are improving for the sisters I left behind, and that they, too, are finding the strength to live boldly and authentically. We all deserve that chance, no matter where we come from.
Monika: Do you see yourself engaging in activism or advocacy work rather than traditional politics? How do you feel about the role transgender women can play in shaping public discourse and societal change?
Yuni: Politics is an ugly thing!!! I don't like having to prove to people who I am, or having to convince anyone why we are transgender women! I think society needs to wake up and educate itself, stop the hate, and just let us live! We breathe and bleed the same! Yes, we are different, but we are human like everyone else! So the world needs to stop acting like it knows everything and truly educate themselves and their children. All it takes is respect, love, and the understanding that we are not all the same, but we all want to live, dream, and be someone in this world.
At the end of everything, when we are all gone, we all go the same way!! We just need to educate, respect, and begin to love one another as one human race, and stop separating people with labels!!! We are each born with our own journey and purpose, and that uniqueness should be celebrated, not judged. I believe trans women can make a difference, not just in politics, but in every space we enter, simply by showing up and being unapologetically ourselves.
|
| Courtesy of Yuni Carey. |
Monika: How has love shaped your journey, both personally and professionally? What does love mean to you on a deeper, more spiritual level?
Yuni: Love is everything! Without love, I would not be living! My parents give me love and taught me to love. Love is very important because it is a feeling greater than us, a feeling that takes us to places further than life itself. Love is what the universe needs to survive. It’s the energy that connects us all, no matter who we are or where we come from. When you give love freely, you create space for healing, hope, and transformation.
Monika: You always look absolutely radiant and in great shape! What's your secret to maintaining such a fabulous figure while still enjoying your favorite foods?
Yuni: Eat all kinds of junk food! Lol lol lol. Just kidding, I enjoy food! My favorite, of course, is my homeland Cuban food! But I do enjoy every culture's food. I love tasting and trying it all! I'm a big eater! But when I need to get fit or watch my weight, I simply watch what I eat… eat small portions… lots of fiber!!! It's very important!!! And I stay active by staying busy, and of course, my favorite, dancing! I dance a lot and I use my shows as a workout. You only live once, so you’ve got to enjoy it all, but just watch the portions and you’ll be fine. I also believe that confidence plays a big part in looking good, when you feel good on the inside, it shows on the outside. And nothing beats the glow you get from doing what you love and loving who you are.
Monika: Your journey has been so inspiring, have you ever considered writing your life story or perhaps a memoir to share those powerful experiences with a wider audience?
Yuni: I have been asked to write a book, even a novel, because when I talk to people about my life and the experiences I have gone through, or my challenges, people just can't believe that I am still standing! And to see me today as a strong warrior that just never gives up! Life is full of ups and downs, and lessons! We, at times, want to give up or feel like we are just not getting anywhere, but in reality, we are growing and becoming everything the universe wanted us to be. We are here to learn and be the best we can be, become the best human beings we can be! And just take life as a lesson, an experience full of memories that will live with you for eternity. Writing a book would be my way of giving hope to someone out there who may feel lost right now. I believe that our stories have power, and mine could be a light for someone walking through darkness.
|
| Courtesy of Yuni Carey. |
Monika: What are your goals right now, and how do you envision your life unfolding over the next five to seven years?
Yuni: I see myself winning Miss Continental in Chicago. Married with a happy home! Hopefully in Cuba, since that's where I would want to spend the last days of my life, not rich, but with no worries or stress! I would want to be a role model to the next generation of transgender people, to show them that no matter where you come from or what you go through in life, we make it and we survive! We just have to be strong and believe in a better tomorrow.
The key is staying true to who you are. Believe always, no matter how hard life gets! And follow your heart and let it take you to that destination you are meant to find. I also dream of opening a safe space for trans youth where they can feel loved, supported, and guided. Giving back to my community would be the greatest achievement of all.
Monika: What advice would you give to young transgender girls who dream of pursuing a career like yours? What mindset should they adopt to stay true to themselves while chasing success?
Yuni: You have to really love what you want to do in life. Whatever you choose to be, a showgirl, model, actress, lawyer, teacher, doctor, mentor, advocate, or athlete (and the list goes on), you have to really love it! Enjoy it! And never regret it, because this life is only once, and time flies! Suddenly your time is up. So enjoy everything and anything, live every day to the fullest, and just enjoy the air you breathe and the nature the world gives us. Be yourself no matter what!
And remember: love, learn, grow, respect, and educate so that tomorrow is a better day for all of us. Be a hero to someone and a friend to the world! We need more love! The world is dying and we are letting it die. We humans are losing the most important thing in life, caring for one another and respecting each other! To everyone who reads this: you are here for a reason. Find that reason and be the best you can be! Enjoy the little things life has to offer, and imagine that what you did today could be the key to a better tomorrow. I love you all, Yuni Carey.
Monika: Yuni, thank you for the interview!
All the photos: Courtesy of Yuni Carey.
© 2015 - Monika Kowalska
Ms. Yuni Carey has passed on to the other side. May she now find the same happiness and boundless love she so generously gave to others throughout her life. Her radiant spirit, kindness, and grace touched countless hearts and inspired many to live their truth with courage and pride. We are deeply grateful for all that she accomplished and the beauty she brought into this world. Rest in peace, our beloved and beautiful Queen, you will forever remain in our hearts and memories.
24 Nov 2020
No comments:
Post a Comment