Interview with Nathalie Rettenbacher

Monika: Vienna, the beautiful capital of Austria, is the venue of today’s meeting with Nathalie Rettenbacher, an inspirational Austrian woman, comedian, and performer. Nathalie is a member of "Politically Correct Comedy Club" (PCCC*), Vienna's first queer comedy club, where she addresses her experiences as a trans woman in Austria. Hello Nathalie!

Nathalie: Hi Monika, what an honour to be part of your project and your blog. I think it is vitally important to gather and share positive stories about trans women. Thank you for doing that.

Monika: By the way, I love your orange hair. Is it your favourite colour?

Nathalie: Thank you so much! Orange has been my favourite colour for a long time I guess. I started dyeing my hair in that colour a few years ago and never looked back.

Interview with Ísabel Pirsic

With gentle strength and quiet brilliance, Ísabel Pirsic stands at the intersection of science and activism, weaving together logic, compassion, and lived experience into a remarkable tapestry of advocacy. A mathematician by profession and an activist by heart, Ísabel began her public transition nearly four years ago, bringing with her not only decades of introspection but also a fierce commitment to creating safer, more inclusive spaces for others. She is a core member of TransX, an Austrian organization dedicated to supporting transgender individuals and advancing political change, whether through their lively bi-monthly gatherings or tireless advocacy on issues like naming laws and the rights of trans prisoners.

 

Ísabel’s voice is both thoughtful and measured, her insights shaped by years of personal growth and a deep awareness of the complexities surrounding identity, visibility, and acceptance. She approaches each challenge with a balance of intellect and empathy, never losing sight of the individual humanity at the center of every political or cultural debate. Her reflections are rooted in both realism and hope, acknowledging the obstacles while still envisioning a future filled with possibility. Whether speaking about the quiet courage required for self-acceptance, the evolving media landscape in Austria, or the deeper meanings of love and resilience, Ísabel offers a kind of wisdom that lingers in the heart. This interview is not just a portrait of a woman navigating the many layers of her identity, it is an invitation to rethink how we define beauty, strength, and authenticity in a world that too often asks us to choose between them.

Interview with Monika Donner

Monika Donner, born on July 11, 1971, in Linz, Austria, has led a life marked by transformation, courage, and an unyielding pursuit of personal and professional excellence. Her journey weaves through the ranks of the Austrian military, the intricacies of legal expertise, the literary world, and the profound realms of self-discovery and advocacy. From an early age, Monika displayed both intellectual brilliance and a deep-seated resilience. She graduated from the esteemed Kollegium Aloisianum in 1989, after which she committed herself to a year of voluntary service in the Austrian Armed Forces. This initial foray into military life set the foundation for what would become a remarkable career, one that spanned the rigid hierarchies of the Bundesheer while also making space for her personal evolution. She continued her service in the militia, embodying both discipline and determination.

Interview with Johanna E.

Johanna E. is a vibrant and multi-talented Austrian woman whose journey has captivated audiences across German-speaking Europe. Known for her appearance on the acclaimed reality TV show Transgender – Mein Weg in den richtigen Körper, Johanna brought authenticity, wit, and depth to the screen, using her platform to raise awareness about transgender experiences. Beyond television, she wears many hats: stewardess, yoga instructor, storyteller, and spiritual guide. Born with a strong sense of instinct and ambition, Johanna made the bold decision to share her transition story on national television, turning what could have been a private journey into a powerful statement of visibility. Though the reality TV spotlight came with its challenges, Johanna remains deeply grateful for the opportunity to inspire others and connect with the trans community.

 

Professionally, Johanna splits her time between the skies, working part-time as a flight attendant, and the yoga mat, where she teaches with a unique blend of healing energy and shamanistic insight. She also runs the platform healingYOGAvienna.com, and is currently working on her first book, GleichMut, a cleverly titled work that explores both equality (Gleich) and courage (Mut), and delves into the emotional and spiritual lessons of her life. With her unapologetically honest voice, Johanna challenges stereotypical narratives often imposed on transgender individuals. She advocates for self-love, conscious living, and finding empowerment in one’s own story. Whether she’s flying at 35,000 feet, teaching a sun salutation in Vienna, or writing heartwarming children's stories, Johanna continues to be a beacon of strength, resilience, and joyful rebellion.