Interview with Namitha Marimuthu

Monika: Today I have invited an inspirational woman from India. Namitha Marimuthu is a top model, artist, beauty pageant queen, actress, and transgender activist. She was born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. She is Miss Trans Queen India 2018, Miss Trans Star International 2019, and Pageant Director of Miss Trans Star India 2021. Namitha is also known for her role of Priya in Naadodigal 2 by Samuthirakani (2020). Hello Namitha!

Namitha: Monika, you have given me an amazing introduction. Lots of love to you, Sister. 

Monika: How are you doing these crazy pandemic times?

Namitha: I’m really scared for India right now. We are in the top two of all countries in the world with the Covid-19 crisis today. We have been experiencing many deaths and such a loss for families and friends. We will still survive and I request each of you to get tested before vaccination. And please get vaccinated along with your family and friends. Stay home, stay safe India. 

Monika: It is always fascinating for me to talk to sisters from different continents, especially so talented as yourself. How did you start modeling?

Namitha: Initially I was really a lost person with no real meaning in life, especially after getting a legal separation from my parents when I was 19. Furthermore, when I reached adulthood, my weight was 120 kg. I started working out really hard to make a real transformation. After 2 years of hard work I lost more than 60kg!

Interview with Veso Golden Oke

Veso Golden Oke, born in Nigeria to a Nigerian father and a Ghanaian mother, is a prominent transgender model, actress, activist, and entrepreneur. Raised in an Anglican household, Oke exhibited feminine traits from a young age and identified as a woman, never considering herself a gay man. At eight, she prayed to wake up in a girl's body, and by fourteen, she discovered the concept of being transgender online, helping her come to terms with her identity. Initially met with resistance, her family eventually became supportive. In 2014, Oke relocated to Ghana, where she pursued a career in modeling and mentored aspiring models in Accra.

 

Her groundbreaking moment came in August 2019 when she became the first openly transgender woman to compete in a beauty pageant in Africa, participating in Miss Europe Continental Ghana. Although she didn't win, her participation marked a significant milestone for transgender visibility on the continent. Beyond modeling, Oke is a professional make-up artist and hairstylist. She has been an outspoken advocate for transgender rights, sharing her experiences and challenges to raise awareness. By 2018, she had begun hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as part of her transition journey. Oke's story has been featured in various media outlets, including an interview where she discussed her struggles and aspirations. She continues to inspire many by breaking barriers and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community in Africa.

Interview with Solange Dekker

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Solange Dekker, a fashion model from the Netherlands, hairstylist, beauty pageant queen, Miss Netherlands at Trans Star International 2019, Miss Evolution 2019, and Finalist Miss Beauty of Noord-Holland 2020. Hello Solange!

Solange: Hi Monika! Thank you for taking the time to interview me.

Monika: You have already taken part in three beauty pageants! What is so special about being a beauty queen? :)
Solange: Thank you for your question. I have actually taken part in 2 beauty pageants! Miss Evolution is a title I won during my participation in 2019 Miss Trans Star International held in Barcelona, where I was the first-ever Miss Netherlands. The title goes to one woman who has shown the absolute most interest in the pageant and who has been the most 'evolving' girl in the pageant. Things such as being on time every time, taking extra catwalk lessons, trying to learn Spanish to talk to the girls, etc. Since this was my first ever pageant and I showed so much determination, I earned the title of Miss Evolution 2019.

Interview with Michelle Relayze

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honour to interview Michelle Relayze, a fashion model from Spain, beauty pageant queen, transgender activist, Miss Spain at Miss Trans Star International 2019. Hello Michelle!

Michelle: Hello Monika! It is a pleasure, to be able to share with you a bit of my history. I am honored that you want to know about me and be able to reach many more people.

Monika: Michelle, you look like a million dollars! Could you say a few words about yourself?

Michelle: Thanks Monika! Of course, I will tell you about myself. I have the honor of being the current queen of Miss Trans Spain and being able to represent this beautiful country in two international competitions: the Miss Trans Star International held in Barcelona in 2019 and in future in Miss World International in Italy.

Interview with Danielly Drugge

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Danielly Drugge, an inspirational fashion model from Sweden, beauty pageant queen, Miss Trans Star International Sweden, cosmetician, and happy wife. Hello Danielly!

Danielly: Hi Monika, first of all, I want to thank you for the opportunity to be here on your blog, giving all of us visibility and voice.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Danielly: Well, I am a girl who was born in Brazil, with a strong temperament. I am a dreamer, who never gives up on dreams, even though there are many difficulties imposed by society for being a trans woman.