Interview with Andréa Colliaux - Part 2

Monika: It has been almost seven years since I interviewed Andréa Colliaux, a French stewardess, transgender activist, the author of the autobiographical book titled "Carnet de bord d'un steward devenu hôtesse de l'air", one of the most inspirational women that I had the pleasure of talking to. Therefore I am extremely delighted that Andréa has decided to chat with me again. Bonjour Andréa!

Andréa: Hello Monika, long time, no see but I always have a look at your page on Facebook and I am always delighted to read the stories of all these extraordinary women who have chosen to transition from one gender to another and to live their life as a woman.

Monika: Andréa, you look so lovely! It seems that beautiful women never get old!

Andréa: Yes, I'm 55 years old now... and I feel like I am still 25 in my head! Still in the '80s. Listening to ABBA, and I think that growing old is not so bad especially when you feel so young in your mind. And I assume the fact is that I have had plastic surgery and injections recently. 

Growing old is not a problem to me, but in good health, physically and mentally. And then I sometimes wonder if the air conditioning in the plane does not preserve me like an old mummy!!!

Interview with Johanna E.

Johanna E. is a vibrant and multi-talented Austrian woman whose journey has captivated audiences across German-speaking Europe. Known for her appearance on the acclaimed reality TV show Transgender – Mein Weg in den richtigen Körper, Johanna brought authenticity, wit, and depth to the screen, using her platform to raise awareness about transgender experiences. Beyond television, she wears many hats: stewardess, yoga instructor, storyteller, and spiritual guide. Born with a strong sense of instinct and ambition, Johanna made the bold decision to share her transition story on national television, turning what could have been a private journey into a powerful statement of visibility. Though the reality TV spotlight came with its challenges, Johanna remains deeply grateful for the opportunity to inspire others and connect with the trans community.

 

Professionally, Johanna splits her time between the skies, working part-time as a flight attendant, and the yoga mat, where she teaches with a unique blend of healing energy and shamanistic insight. She also runs the platform healingYOGAvienna.com, and is currently working on her first book, GleichMut, a cleverly titled work that explores both equality (Gleich) and courage (Mut), and delves into the emotional and spiritual lessons of her life. With her unapologetically honest voice, Johanna challenges stereotypical narratives often imposed on transgender individuals. She advocates for self-love, conscious living, and finding empowerment in one’s own story. Whether she’s flying at 35,000 feet, teaching a sun salutation in Vienna, or writing heartwarming children's stories, Johanna continues to be a beacon of strength, resilience, and joyful rebellion.

Interview with Andréa Colliaux

Monika: Today, I am honored to introduce Andréa Colliaux, a French stewardess and author of the autobiographical book Carnet de bord d'un steward devenu hôtesse de l'air (2001) - Memories of a Steward Who Became a Stewardess. Andréa is a pioneer in many ways, as she was featured in several documentaries, including La méthode Cauet (2008) and Nous n'irons plus au bois (2008). Her journey is one of courage and resilience, as she has become a trailblazer for transgender women, particularly in the aviation industry. Hello, Andréa! 
Andréa: Dzień dobry, Monika! 

Monika: What are you doing these days?

Andréa: I’ve been flying a lot, and this has been quite difficult due to the snow we have in France. I was supposed to go to Austria yesterday, and it took me 18 hours! I came back home after a very hard day!