Interview with Alexandra Billings

Meet Alexandra Billings, an enchanting soul whose journey through life and art has been nothing short of luminous. Born in 1962 in Schaumburg, Illinois, Alexandra was raised in a rich tapestry of musicality and academia: her father, the musical director for the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera, and her mother part of a line of devoted educators. From the tender age of five, she stepped onto stage, driven by the spellbinding world of theater that would come to define her. In the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene of early 1980s Chicago, Alexandra blossomed as “Shanté,” captivating audiences at the iconic Baton Show Lounge and under glittering stage lights. She claimed titles in beauty pageants, Miss Wisconsin, Miss Chicago, and more, while refining her craft in drag performance. Yet her artistic legacy was deeper: she wove her truth into the solo, autobiographical piece Before I Disappear, sharing her experiences with resilience, addiction recovery, and love in a powerful one-woman show that charmed audiences from Chicago to Boston, Los Angeles, and New York. 

 

On screen, Alexandra etched history in 2005 by portraying Donna in Romy and Michelle: In the Beginning, becoming one of the first transgender actresses to play an openly trans character on television. Her career soared with guest roles on ER, Grey’s Anatomy, Eli Stone, and Karen Sisco, all before her beloved portrayal of Davina in the groundbreaking 2014 Amazon series Transparent. But Alexandra is far more than a performer. A devoted activist and teacher, she has been living with HIV since 1985 and has dedicated decades to AIDS advocacy, LGBTQ youth outreach, and the power of storytelling as healing. Inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2005, she has shared her voice and her message across classrooms and communities, inspiring many with courage and grace. Alexandra earned an MFA from California State University, Long Beach, where she later began teaching, and begun her academic journey at USC’s School of Dramatic Arts. Throughout her life and work, she’s been a beacon of authenticity and transformation, turning vulnerability into art and brightness into breakthrough. This preface barely scratches the surface of Alexandra’s essence: she is radiant, resilient, and resolutely feminine, a living testament to the beauty of embracing one's full, dazzling truth.

Interview with Marlo Bernier

Marlo Bernier is a multi-talented American actress, writer, producer, and filmmaker. She is also a US Air Force veteran and the creative force behind Myrna, an original drama television series. Born in Nashua, New Hampshire, Marlo’s journey has been anything but ordinary. After serving in the United States Air Force, she spent time in Germany, performing in various bands before returning to the U.S. and immersing herself in the world of acting. She built an impressive career in Baltimore's theatre scene, starring in acclaimed productions such as Angels in America, Love! Valor! Compassion!, and God’s Country. Later, she made her mark in film and television, with roles in Cold Case, Alias, Las Vegas, and Homicide: Life on the Street, among others. Marlo’s transition in 2007 marked a pivotal turning point, both personally and professionally. As she navigated Hollywood’s evolving landscape, she turned her creative energy toward writing and producing, culminating in Myrna, a deeply personal series exploring the life of a transgender actress rebuilding her career. I am honored to talk to such an inspiring artist who has boldly embraced her truth while leaving an undeniable impact on the entertainment industry.

Interview with Aleshia Brevard: Part 1

Monika: Today, I have the immense honor of speaking with Aleshia Brevard, a true trailblazer in the transgender community. Aleshia is a woman of many talents: an actress, writer, and performer who lived her truth fearlessly in an era when visibility for transgender women was nearly nonexistent. Born in Tennessee, she made her way to California, where she became a performer at the famous Finocchio’s nightclub in San Francisco. From there, she transitioned into film, television, and theater, carving out a space for herself in Hollywood while navigating the complexities of being a transgender woman in show business. She chronicled her incredible journey in two memoirs, sharing her struggles, triumphs, and the lessons she learned along the way. A true pioneer, Aleshia’s story continues to inspire generations of transgender individuals seeking to live authentically. Hello, Aleshia! I'm so glad you agreed to be part of this conversation.
Aleshia: Thank you for asking that I participate, Monika. I blush a bit at being labeled an “Icon”, but hopefully by my age, one has learned to embrace any and all positive comments that come along, while summarily dismissing the negative.