Interview with Jamie Shiner

Monika: Today I am talking to Jamie Shiner, an American activist, and former politician from Wisconsin. Jamie was the first transgender delegate to the Democratic National Committee in the history of Wisconsin politics, and she was elected in a contested election to represent Congressional District 8 of Wisconsin. In addition, Jamie was the second vice chair of the Democratic Party of Brown County and she ran for the office of the second Vice Chair of the State Party and Democratic National Committee.

Jamie is a 50+ year member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324 of Michigan. She operated some of the biggest construction equipment that is used. Her specialty was operating large cranes. She was a CCO Licensed Crane Operator at one time. Yes, she tried really hard to be a tough guy for over 30 years and it never worked for her. SheI took early retirement when she went full time and went into nursing as a CNA. Hello Jamie!

Jamie: Hello Monika!

Monika: Could you introduce yourself to our readers?

Jamie: I am 69 years old, born in 1953 in a small town in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. At the age of 4, I realized I had a body that did not match my inner self. I hid it as my greatest secret for most of my life. I got married in 1978 and had one daughter in 1985. I stayed drunk quite often to bury who I know I really was. I never crossdressed during this time of heavy drinking.

Interview with Basilia Loren

Monika: The sunny state of California is our next destination today where I am meeting a lovely guest. Basilia Loren is an American transgender activist and the author of "Secret Tear - Beginning stage of life" (2020). Hello Basilia! Thank you for accepting my invitation!

Basilia: You are very welcome Monika! It surely is a pleasure, thank you for having me.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Basilia: I'm more than happy to say a few words about myself, Monika. My name is Basilia Loren aka Silia Loren. I consider myself a strong and proud Transwoman, a spiritual being who strongly believes in the power of prayers! I was born in Stockton, California on July 4th, 1957. That said, makes me 65 years of age.

As far as my journey as a transwoman, I officially transitioned on June 20, 1983, and became post-op in September 1993. In those days keeping stealth was keeping safe. So I kept stealth until 2003 when I was introduced to the transgender community by Angela Burgess, unfortunately, she crossed the rainbow a few years back. This is when I heard the word, “Transgender” and other terms within the LGBTQ+ community that I was completely unaware of its existence.

Interview with Allison Annalora - Part 2

It is always a rare pleasure to return to a conversation with someone whose story continues to inspire and evolve. My first interview with Allison Lenore Annalora took place in 2013, and at that time I was struck by her warmth, honesty, and courage in sharing the many layers of her journey. Today, several years later, I am delighted to meet her again at a very special moment in her life. Allison has just published her long-awaited autobiography, Late Blooming: My Gender Journey, a candid and heartfelt account of her path toward authenticity. Allison is a woman of many talents and passions. She is a gifted singer, admired for her vibrant performances in cabaret and her ability to capture the glamour and spirit of the greats, including her beloved Barbra Streisand. She is also a creative hairstylist and make-up artist who has helped countless people feel beautiful and confident. Beyond her artistry, Allison is a woman who has lived through challenges that shaped her resilience, including a difficult childhood with adoptive parents who struggled with alcoholism, years of navigating gender identity in times when acceptance was far less visible, and heartbreaking personal losses that tested her strength.

Interview with Georgia Lee McGowen

Georgia Lee McGowen is a writer, blogger, and the author of the autobiographical book Dear Mom and Dad: You Don't Know Me, But … published in 2012, a work that reflects both her courage and her devotion to sharing her personal journey with honesty and heart. At 71 years old, she continues to work full-time as a Kitchen and Bath Designer in Mesa, Arizona, approaching life with curiosity, energy, and a deep appreciation for every opportunity that comes her way. Georgia’s journey into living authentically as a woman began in her mid-sixties, making her transition a gradual and deeply personal process rather than a sudden revelation, and her story highlights the complexities and rewards of embracing one’s true self later in life. A devoted Christian and passionate historian of famous lives, she reflects on her experiences with honesty, compassion, and a wry sense of humor, offering insights that resonate not only within the transgender community but also with anyone navigating the challenges of identity, acceptance, and personal growth. Her memoir and public speaking explore the delicate balance of gender identity and spirituality, emphasizing acceptance, perseverance, and the pursuit of meaningful relationships.

Interview with Giselle

Giselle is a young and inspiring trans woman from Minnesota who courageously shares her journey of transition on YouTube. Giselle balances a full-time career as a Web Business Specialist in Minneapolis with a vibrant personal life that includes friends, family, fashion, photography, travel, and even the occasional relaxing glass of wine. Open-minded, easy-going, and curious about the world, she decided to document her transition online to support and guide others navigating the often complex and emotional path of gender transition. Having been on hormone replacement therapy for over a year and preparing for gender reassignment surgery, Giselle speaks candidly about the physical, mental, and social challenges she has faced, as well as the moments of triumph and self-discovery that have shaped her journey.

 

Giselle is deeply passionate about authenticity, visibility, and representation, emphasizing how important it is for trans people to tell their own stories. Her perspective spans a wide range of topics, from fashion and beauty to love, politics, and self-acceptance, offering both inspiration and practical wisdom for transgender women and the wider community. In today’s conversation, Giselle shares her experiences, her hopes for the future, and her thoughts on what it truly means to live boldly and authentically as a trans woman, reminding us all of the importance of courage, empathy, and staying true to oneself.

Interview with Amanda Watson

Before we dive into our lovely chat, let me introduce you to the fabulous Amanda Nicole Watson. She’s a 46-year-old transgender woman from California’s Central Valley who somehow manages to juggle a career in healthcare, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and a healthy sense of humor, all while still looking effortlessly cool (plain Jane, she says… we say understated chic). Amanda’s story is anything but boring. She served in the U.S. Navy, worked in mental health, and now dedicates her energy to making the healthcare world more inclusive for everyone, especially transgender folks who’ve spent too long being misunderstood or overlooked. She’s the kind of woman who speaks out, shows up, and stands tall, even if she’s just trying to get through another staff meeting. She started her transition in her thirties, but she knew from the age of five that she was a girl, only the world around her needed a few decades to catch up. 

 

With the help of a few guardian angels in the San Diego LGBTQ+ scene (and a wonderfully supportive family), she found her way toward living authentically, and hasn’t looked back since. Well, except for the occasional fashion misstep. But who hasn’t? Amanda has been a keynote speaker, an award-winner, and yes, she’s even done some political lobbying (imagine her in a suit, making change and probably making a few people sweat). She’s got her eye on completing her Bachelor’s degree, having gender-affirming surgery with the legendary Dr. Bowers, and, who knows, maybe falling in love with a man who can appreciate a strong woman with a soft heart and a sarcastic streak. She's the kind of woman you instantly want to have coffee with, or wine, let’s be honest, and I was so thrilled to sit down with her for this interview. So let’s dive in!