Monika: Are there other figures, both past and present, who have inspired you through their work or advocacy?
Reena: For their dedication to the trans cause, I would include Paris Lees for being so blunt and honest, and local Birmingham hero Megan Key for coming out from the shadows and showing us all how it’s done. I also admire my good friend Kate Hutchinson from Wales, along with all the other unsung heroes who work in the background unnoticed. Additionally, I have much admiration and respect for those who came before us, such as April Ashley, Caroline Cossey, Julia Grant, and many others who paved the way for a better future for the entire trans community.
Monika: Looking back, what was the most difficult part of coming out as transgender for you?
Reena: Family! I have so much to lose this time around. I guess I tried so hard to hide my trans past that I did it all too well. Now I have to consider my wife and kids and do my best to keep them safe from all of the challenges and complications that I feel I’ve created for them.
Monika: Within the broader LGBT community, do you think the transgender community is able to advocate for its own issues and be heard?
Reena: What can I say here without upsetting people? I personally hate the word “transgender.” Call me old-fashioned if you like, but I just hate it. When I first came out all those years ago, I never wanted to be viewed by society as a fake. We had RuPaul and all the other drag queens, but I genuinely knew that I didn’t fit into that category. From a societal point of view back then, if you dressed in women’s clothes and makeup, you were considered a crossdresser or a transvestite, and as a trans person, it really hurt me to think I would be placed in the same pigeonhole that society wanted us to fit into.
Monika: How do you feel about the relationship between the LGB community and the transgender community today?
Reena: Getting back on point, I see nothing wrong with being the last letter in the abbreviation, but I do feel that sometimes there are a lot of issues between the LGB and the T that should never exist in the first place. There is already too much infighting, and we should all come together for the common cause, which is acceptance for everyone.
Monika: How do you feel about the way transgender people and stories are represented in films, newspapers, and books?
Reena: My biggest hang-up is when the media still get it wrong, but even more so when trans people themselves get it wrong too. All too often I see the term “Gender Reassignment Surgery” floating around in the trans community. Even while writing this, I received an email about a blog post from another trans person regarding the financing of “Gender Reassignment Surgery.” Well, if you ever find a surgeon who can carry out such a surgery, let me know, I’ll be the first in the queue. I could save myself thousands in the financing of voice and facial feminization surgery.
Monika: Do you see any positive changes in media representation of transgender people?
Reena: On the upside, there have been a lot of positive things in the media quite recently. Media companies are slowly getting things right and have started to be more inclusive when it comes to trans actors playing trans roles in TV and film. The tabloids, on the other hand, I feel are mostly in it to sell more newspapers.
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| Milestone Road Band via milestoneroad.co.uk (offline). |
Monika: Are you involved in any lobbying or advocacy work, and do you believe transgender women can influence politics?
Reena: Not at this point, no, although I am always more than happy to stand up and be counted for the trans cause or any other minority group. I try not to get too involved in politics. I have always preferred being in the center stage rather than aligning myself with the left or right.
Monika: How would you describe your personal style and your approach to fashion?
Reena: Fashion is still a pretty new thing for me right now, so I’m still learning. I have my stage wear for the band, which is usually black, such as boots, jeans, and a blouse or something similar. I love skirts and dresses too, but I also wear jeans and T-shirts a lot, especially when I’m at home just trying to relax.
Monika: Do you make any special choices when going out or attending events?
Reena: I like to make a special effort whenever I get the rare chance to go out and socialize with friends. I’m not sure if I’m a fashion freak or even into designer clothes. If it’s affordable, looks good, and feels good, then I’m happy to wear it rather than pay over the odds for something that I might only wear a few times.
Monika: How important is love in your life, and what role does it play for you?
Reena: Love is very important. It holds all the threads and keeps us together.
Monika: Are you currently involved in any creative projects outside of your music?
Reena: I’m still working on things with my band, but I’m also trying to dedicate some time to a series of books which are short stories inspired by the songs we perform as a band, so it should be quite an interesting read.
Monika: Are you working on any sequels or follow-ups to your previous writings?
Reena: I’ve also started work on the second part of my first book, Becoming Reena. It’s going to take another three years or so to complete, so please don’t expect anything soon. My new job, which I feel very lucky to have, is very enjoyable but also exhausting, so I’m trying to fit everything in wherever I can.
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender girls and boys who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Reena: Always be true to yourself and never give up! You are not alone in your fight. We all have the right to exist, and you should never forget that. But also, never let people get you down. Most importantly, you will need some sort of support system when it comes to transition, and I can’t stress this enough. The NHS will often expect you to jump through impossible hoops to get the care that we all require as a basic need. Never let the lack of competence in some parts of the NHS get you down or drive you insane.
Monika: Reena, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me.
Reena: No, thank you, it’s been a pleasure!
END OF PART 2
All photos: courtesy of Reena Gibson.
© 2015 - Monika Kowalska
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