Interview with Dina Jacobs

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Dina Jacobs, a Hawaii entertainer, a star at the famed Chicago drag club, The Baton Show Lounge, proud holder of 70 beauty contest titles, and Houston’s Grande Dame of Drag. Her biography "Forever Her Mother's Son: The Dina Jacobs Story" (2020) was published a couple of months ago.

Dina, You look fantastic! What is the secret of your beauty?

Dina: Actually, I'm very fortunate. My Mom and Dad had great DNA. This year in February I turned 73 years old. I've been doing shows since 1964. I started my career in Honolulu, Hawaii, and I worked as a female Impersonator for 56 years!

Interview with Therese Wonnacott

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Therese Wonnacott, aka Aunty Anita, a Hawaiian Pioneer and former beauty pageant promoter, and transgender activist for Transwomen of Color. Hello Therese. I am so happy to interview such an icon!

Therese: Thank you, it is a pleasure, Monika!

Monika: You look fantastic, Therese. What is the secret of your beauty?
Therese: Well, I am lucky to get my beauty from the ethnic background of being a Hawaiian Asian mixture. All women in my family have beautiful skin. They also taught me not to try going in the sun, and if I do, only with sunblock or wearing a big hat to protect my skin. 
I drink lots of water. I eat a healthy meal, plus I apply a natural skin cream or virgin coconut oil on my face before going to bed each night. Being 63 I am lucky I do not look my age.

Interview with Gia Versace

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Gia Versace, an American entertainer and beauty pageant queen. Hello Gia!

Gia: Aloha Monika!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Gia: Sure, I was born and raised on the windward side of Oahu in a city called Kaneohe, Hawaii.

Monika: When did you decide that you would like to be a stage artist?

Gia: My fascination with the stage began when I took a drama class in high school and it became really clear that I wanted to be a showgirl when I saw my first drag show in a night club called Venus.

Monika: Could you name some of the venues and shows in which you participated?

Gia: I have done shows and many fundraisers and night clubs such as Venus, which is now called Bar 7, and I am currently a showgirl at Fusions Waikiki (home of the two longest-running female impersonation shows in Hawaii).

Interview with Jerrine Jeffries

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Jerrine Ka’iulani Madayag Calantoc aka Jerrine Jeffries, Former Empress 26/29 of The Imperial Court Of Hawaii, Former Golden Goddess 97 and Queen Of Queens 2000 of The Hawaii Boa Arts Ball Pageant, 2nd Runner up to the Universal Showqueen Pageant Hawaii 2006 & 2007, 4th Runner up to the Continental Elite Beauty Pageant in Chicago 2006 and the presently reigning Miss Fusion Waikiki Honolulu, Also a former cast member of The Paperdoll Revue and The Glades Revue. An American entertainer and beauty pageant queen. Hello Jerrine!

Jerrine: Aloha Monika!

Monika: You look fantastic, Jerrine. What is the secret of your beauty?

Jerrine: My Asian bloodline and my doctors.

Interview with Danielle Bergan

Monika: Today I am going to take you to the Hawaiian islands where my guest lives and works. Danielle Bergan is an author, transgender advocate, and speaker. In 2012 she published her book “It's Always Okay To Be Me: A Journey to Recovering Lost Hope”, which became the catalyst for her passionate transgender advocate's platform. Hello Danielle!
Danielle: Aloha Monika! I hope you are well.

Monika: What are you doing for a living these days?
Danielle: Well, as a writer, we do whatever we can, you know, “the starving artist.” I am still writing and trying my hand at working for New York Life. They have helped so many people over the past few centuries I was attracted to their ethics. I’m also working in a small restaurant as a cashier. Both jobs involve helping people; which is exactly why I wrote my book.
Monika: Why did you decide to write an autobiographical book?
Danielle: I wanted to share my story with the world for a few reasons, but mainly to help others. My story is not just for the transsexual who still suffers but for anyone who is living a life addicted to drugs or alcohol.