Interview with Estelle Roedrer

 

Estelle Roedrer is a French cabaret artist, singer, dancer, and beauty pageant queen whose life and career have been marked by movement, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to being herself. Over the years, she has performed in cabarets across Germany, Spain, Egypt, and France, building a reputation for her versatility, charm, and the passion she brings to every stage. Whether performing as a classic cabaret artist, a bold impersonator, or in more provocative roles, Estelle has always approached her craft with authenticity, creating shows that reflect both her talent and her individuality. Beyond her work in cabaret, Estelle has also taken part in international transgender beauty pageants, including the Miss International Queen contest in Thailand.

 

While she admits she is far from a pageant enthusiast, these experiences allowed her to meet remarkable people from around the world and gain a broader perspective on life, beauty, and self-expression. True to her nature, she has never followed anyone else’s path or relied on role models, preferring instead to carve out her own journey, guided by honesty, self-awareness, and a desire to live fully in the present. Estelle’s story is one of courage, independence, and the simple joy of embracing life as it comes. She speaks candidly about her transition, her encounters with love, and the realities faced by transgender women, all while maintaining a grounded, unpretentious outlook. In this interview, she shares not only her artistic journey and achievements but also her reflections on authenticity, freedom, and the art of living unapologetically as oneself, showing that for her, the stage is not just a career, it is a place where she is fully, unmistakably alive.

Interview with Vanessa Lopez

 

Vanessa Lopez is a Chilean-born Swedish model, television personality, beauty queen, and the groundbreaking author of Jag har ångrat mig (2014), which translates to I Changed My Mind. Known for being one of the youngest transgender women to transition in Sweden, Vanessa began her journey of gender affirmation at 16 and underwent surgery by age 20. Her life story and public presence have made her one of Sweden’s most visible and outspoken transgender figures. In 2011, Vanessa rose to national fame by participating in the Swedish edition of Big Brother, where her presence sparked widespread discussion on gender diversity. That same year, she represented Sweden at Miss International Queen in Thailand, one of the world’s most prestigious beauty pageants for transgender women. Through this experience, she deepened her connection with cultures that embrace gender variance and found solidarity among international transgender sisters. Vanessa's autobiography challenges conventional ideas about transgender identity, hormone therapy, and surgery. Drawing inspiration from the indigenous Mapuche heritage and the Native American concept of the Two-Spirit, she advocates for broader acceptance of gender diversity and self-expression beyond binary norms.

 

She openly reflects on her own transition, questioning whether invasive medical procedures are always necessary, and calling instead for a society that honors natural gender variance. As an activist, Vanessa has written opinion pieces, delivered public lectures, and continues to speak out against transphobia, including the marginalization of trans people within the LGBTQI community itself. She’s especially vocal about the lack of transgender visibility in Swedish media and the need for stronger representation and solidarity. A vegan and conscious fashion lover, Vanessa champions cruelty-free living and no longer wears materials derived from animals, though she still admires the aesthetics of high fashion. Her advocacy is not limited to identity politics; it extends to environmental and ethical concerns as well. Though she is not formally engaged in political lobbying, Vanessa contributes to societal change in her own way, through public discourse, media presence, and by simply being unapologetically herself. She continues to inspire others with her intelligence, charm, and a fierce dedication to redefining womanhood on her own terms.

Interview with Miss saHHara

Miss saHHara is a British-Nigerian beauty queen, model, singer, and pioneering human rights advocate. In 2014, she made history as the first black transgender woman to be crowned winner of Super Sireyna Worldwide in the Philippines. She had previously become the first Nigerian trans woman to come out publicly through her participation in Miss International Queen 2011 in Thailand, where she earned the title of first runner-up. These achievements marked a turning point for transgender visibility, especially for African LGBTQ+ individuals. Born and raised in a conservative village in northern Nigeria, Miss saHHara endured severe bullying, abuse, and imprisonment simply for expressing her identity.

 

After surviving two suicide attempts, she fled to the UK in 2004, determined to live freely and authentically. In London, she found community, began her gender-affirming journey, and flourished in her education, earning a Master’s degree in Digital Media from London Metropolitan University in 2011. Beyond pageantry, Miss saHHara has walked the runway at London Fashion Week, graced the covers of magazines, and held a long-standing music residency in London. Through her visibility and activism, Miss saHHara has challenged transphobia, especially in Nigeria, where anti-LGBTQ+ laws threaten lives. She remains a powerful voice for human rights and a symbol of resilience, beauty, and self-determination.