Interview with Eirin Grinde Tunheim

Born in Thailand and raised in Norway, Eirin Grinde Tunheim is a trailblazing transgender beauty queen, multilingual scholar, and determined role model for young LGBTQ+ people everywhere. When she arrived in Norway in 2006 at the age of 13, she brought with her more than just a suitcase, she carried a dream. That dream took her from catwalks in front of her bedroom mirror to the national stage of Miss Universe Norway 2019, where she made history as the first transgender contestant in the pageant’s Norwegian edition. She later represented Norway in the globally celebrated Miss International Queen 2020 in Thailand, placing among the Top 12 finalists. 

 

Eirin holds university degrees in both dentistry and economics, proving she’s as smart as she is stunning. Fluent in five languages, she navigates the world with poise and passion, whether she’s advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, sewing her own dresses, or cheering her way to championship medals. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and the power of authenticity, even in high heels. Today, we travel (virtually) to Tromsø, above the Arctic Circle, to meet this remarkable woman and learn more about her journey, from the Thai countryside to Norway’s icy fjords and international beauty pageants. I’m delighted to share my conversation with the one and only Eirin Grinde Tunheim.

Interview with Bishesh Huirem

She walks with grace, dreams with courage, and speaks with the quiet strength of someone who has fought to live her truth. Bishesh Huirem is not just a beauty queen, a celebrated model, and an accomplished actress, she is a symbol of resilience and elegance for India’s transgender community. Hailing from the culturally rich region of Manipur, Bishesh was drawn to the world of pageantry and performance from a young age, embracing the glamour of the stage while holding fast to her roots and humility. In 2016, she made history as the first Indian transgender woman to represent the country at the Miss International Queen pageant in Thailand, dazzling audiences not only with her beauty, but with her warmth, poise, and unwavering spirit.

 

Her path, however, was not without challenges. Behind the glittering gowns and spotlight was a young woman navigating the deep complexities of identity, tradition, and acceptance, both in her family and in Indian society. Through it all, Bishesh has remained grounded in her belief that being transgender is not a limitation, but a divine difference, a "true gender," as she puts it. Whether she’s walking a runway, gracing the silver screen, or simply wearing her favorite white tee and denim shorts, Bishesh radiates authenticity. Her voice carries a message of hope to countless transgender girls: embrace who you are, fight for your dreams, and never let anyone dim your inner light. It is with admiration and heartfelt joy that I introduce my interview with this remarkable Meitei Nupi, a complete Manipuri woman and a luminous soul.

Interview with Yuni Carey

Yuni Carey is an American model, dancer, and beauty pageant queen of Cuban descent, known not only for her striking beauty and magnetic stage presence but also for her resilience and spirit. Born in 1981 in Santa Clara, Cuba, Yuni moved to the United States as a child, where she was lovingly raised by her grandparents, whom she calls her parents. America became the place where she could fully realize her identity and pursue the life she had always dreamed of. With a deep passion for fashion, beauty, and performance, Yuni began her modeling career in Los Angeles in 2004. Her charisma quickly caught attention, and she soon found herself immersed in the pageant world, where she truly flourished. In 2006, she won the coveted Queen of the Universe title, marking her as a rising star among transgender beauty queens.

 

Her pageant career includes multiple accolades, most notably two appearances at the prestigious Miss International Queen pageant in Thailand. In 2011, she placed in the Top 10 and was crowned Miss Photogenic, while in 2014 she returned to earn the titles of 2nd Runner-Up Best Talent and Miss Congeniality, charming judges and audiences alike. Yuni is celebrated not only for her elegance but also for her sincerity, humor, and warmth. She brings fierce glamour to the runway but remains grounded in her values: self-love, compassion, and authenticity. Outside the pageant world, she dedicates herself to mentoring young transgender girls preparing for competitions, sharing her knowledge and uplifting the next generation of queens. As a proud trans woman, Yuni has built her life on strength and perseverance. Without a roadmap or role model to follow, she created her own path guided by faith, determination, and the power of a Mariah Carey ballad. Today, she uses her story to inspire others, reminding us that dreams are real and that beauty begins with the courage to be yourself.

Interview with Meghna Lama

Meghna Lama is a prominent transgender model, businesswoman, and activist from Nepal, known for her significant contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community and her efforts to promote inclusivity within Nepali society. From a young age, Meghna recognized her unique identity, feeling different from other children as early as seven. It wasn't until grade 10 that she fully understood her gender identity, a realization that led her to join the Blue Diamond Society's Jhapa chapter, an organization dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in Nepal. In 2010, Meghna participated in the Miss Pink pageant, a competition for transgender individuals in Nepal, where she was crowned Miss Pink Nepal. This achievement propelled her modeling career, leading her to represent Nepal in the Miss International Queen pageant in Thailand.

 

Recognizing the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in Nepal, Meghna transitioned into entrepreneurship to create inclusive spaces. She established Pink Tiffany, the first LGBTI-friendly bar and restaurant in Kathmandu. Adorned with rainbow colors symbolizing pride, Pink Tiffany stands as a beacon of courage and inspiration, offering employment opportunities to transgender individuals and fostering a sense of community. Meghna's journey from a young individual grappling with her identity to a celebrated model and entrepreneur exemplifies resilience and determination. Her efforts have not only paved the way for greater acceptance of transgender individuals in Nepal but have also inspired many to embrace their true selves and pursue their passions.

Interview with Kelly Star

Kelly Star, a transgender model and aspiring adult entertainer from Perth, is known for her striking figure and her role as a transgender icon in Australia. Born Michael Tanham in a loving Christian family, she grew up in Western Australia, where she was a state champion swimmer and a popular altar boy. Despite her success in sports and social circles, Michael felt a profound disconnect with his identity, knowing deep down that he was never meant to be a boy. At the age of 16, driven by a desire to fulfill her dream of becoming a woman, Kelly began secretly taking female hormones, initially stealing them from her boss at a hairdressing salon. Over time, she grew more feminine in appearance, eventually gaining the confidence to seek medical assistance and formally begin her transition.

 

Kelly’s journey to self-acceptance and transformation was not without its challenges. When she came out to her family, she faced shock and initial resistance, but they eventually came around to support her. Inspired by supermodels like Elle MacPherson and Gisele Bündchen, Kelly envisioned herself with a curvaceous, hourglass figure, a look she has meticulously crafted through numerous surgical procedures. She has made headlines for claiming to have the largest breast implants in Australia, a self-confessed "breast obsession" that has led to significant enhancements over the years. Today, Kelly uses her platform to advocate for body autonomy and the right of transgender women to shape their own destinies. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can empower young trans people to embrace their dreams without apology.

Interview with Imanni da Silva

Imanni da Silva is one of Angola’s most compelling and multifaceted cultural voices, a model, painter, and beauty queen whose presence radiates elegance, strength, and artistic vision. Splitting her life between London and Luanda, she has built a career that reflects both her cosmopolitan spirit and her deep connection to her roots. Her journey through the fashion world has been anything but conventional: once considered “too androgynous” for the industry, she later emerged as a celebrated figure, eventually being recognized as the first transgender model currently working in Africa. Her success is not only a personal triumph but also a symbol of shifting attitudes within fashion and society at large.

 

Beyond the runway, Imanni is an accomplished contemporary artist whose exhibitions in Angola and England have earned enthusiastic praise. She brings the same sensitivity and boldness to her canvases that she brings to her public life, using art as another way to express her identity, her heritage, and her vision of beauty. She has also stepped into media work, from radio presenting to television appearances, always embracing new challenges with the determination that defines her. Imanni’s story is one of resilience, self-belief, and a refusal to be limited by others’ expectations. She is a spokesperson for human rights, a cultural ambassador for Angola, and an inspiration to many who see in her a reminder that authenticity and courage can open doors once thought closed. Today, she joins me to reflect on her path, her passions, and the dreams that continue to guide her forward.