Interview with Jesse Patterson

Monika: Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Jesse Patterson, an American social media personality and proud transgender woman who fearlessly shares her transition journey online. You’ve mentioned that we could discuss anything, from politics to, well, panties! Let’s dive in and see where this conversation takes us. Hello, Jesse, and thank you for accepting my invitation!

Jesse: Howdy Monika! Nice to meet you. Happy to have this discussion with you today and yes, lol, I will talk about pretty much anything one can think of.

Monika: Could you share a bit about yourself? Who is Jesse Patterson beyond social media?

Jesse: I’m just a person flitting about trying to find happiness in this world like everyone else. I’m happily married to a wonderful woman, with children. I live in Texas, work in finance and have a couple of degrees in history and sociology. I read history, psychology, astronomy, and self-care books or work out when I can get the time. I also love photography.

Interview with Angela Scholl

Monika: Today I am talking to Angela Scholl, a young American transgender woman from Texas that documents her transition on social media. Hello Angela!

Angela: Hey Monika! 

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Angela: Of course! As you said, my name is Angela Scholl, and I'm a 23-year-old non-binary transwoman from Texas, USA. I started my transition just over two years ago on March 14th, 2019, and have been out publicly since June 30th, 2020, although I had been posting online long before that.

I've known that I was transgender since my adolescence, and had many instances of trying to come out in my teenage years, only to return to the closet due to factors such as family, friends, or personal beliefs.

I'm a big advocate for people feeling that it's okay to be themselves authentically. I'm also a recent graduate from Texas A&M University in College Station, where I studied Industrial Distribution, and I currently work in Sales!

Interview with Danielle Pellett

Danielle J. Pellett is not just a trailblazing political figure, she is a symbol of what it means to lead with both conviction and compassion. A proud Texan born in Brownsville to a mixed-race family, Danielle embodies the spirit of resilience inherited from her mother, a woman who never let adversity define her limits. From her earliest days as the founder of the first transgender student organization at a Texas university, to her passionate work with the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance and the Progressive Alliance, Danielle has stood at the intersection of courage and advocacy. In 2018, she made history by running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Texas’ 32nd district, bringing a bold and inclusive vision to the national stage.

 

Her political platform championed environmental justice, economic fairness, and the removal of corporate influence from democracy, all while unapologetically defending LGBTQ rights in the face of growing backlash. But behind the headlines and campaign photos is a woman of deep introspection and warmth. Danielle is a loving wife, a dedicated chemist, a self-proclaimed sci-fi fan with a penchant for pop culture tees, and a fierce believer in the power of community. Whether rallying for healthcare reform or quietly mentoring other trans women navigating gender dysphoria, Danielle radiates a belief that life’s truest purpose lies in the paths we carve for others. As we sit down for this interview, we meet not only a political visionary, but a woman of grace, humor, and hope, a woman who reminds us that the journey matters just as much as the destination.

Interview with Renee Norlander

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Renee Norlander, writer, blogger, the author of the biographical book titled “Life from Both Sides: Deciphering the Transgendered Mind” (2015). Hello Renee!

Renee: Hi, Monika!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Renee: In addition to being a mid-forties transwoman with grace and dignity, I am a published author, screenwriter, and co-owner of Risa Tortuga productions. I am recently divorced from a 15-year relationship that garnered two wonderful and beautiful children.

I suffered through the vast majority of my life thinking I was wrong for feeling the way I did. Having thoughts of changing my gender in such a way as to live as a woman, the woman I always felt I was meant to be.

Interview with Liliana

Liliana is a 23-year-old video blogger from Texas, known for her vibrant YouTube channel, Sincerely, Liliana. Through her platform, she shares her inspiring journey of self-discovery and transition, offering support and encouragement to those in the transgender community. As a freelance hairstylist and makeup artist, Liliana combines her love for beauty with her mission to provide a space for visibility and understanding in the world of transgender experiences. Her story began in her childhood, where she faced significant challenges due to her femininity, including bullying and feelings of isolation. Despite these struggles, Liliana found solace in fashion and makeup, which became her outlets for self-expression. Today, she channels those early experiences into advocacy, hoping to inspire others who may feel the same struggles she once did.

 

Having been on hormone therapy for five years, Liliana is comfortable with where she is in her transition, though she’s still contemplating future cosmetic procedures. Her journey is not just about physical changes, but emotional growth and self-acceptance, which she openly shares with her audience. Liliana’s visibility is part of her mission to break down stereotypes and challenge the misconceptions often associated with transgender women. Liliana’s strength comes from her deep sense of self-love and the support of those closest to her, including her boyfriend of three years and her beloved pets. She dreams of a future where she can inspire and help others, possibly by opening a salon and continuing her advocacy for the transgender community. Her journey is a testament to resilience, as she believes that embracing one’s true self is the key to happiness and fulfillment. Liliana is not just a beauty influencer; she is a beacon of hope, spreading positivity and visibility to show the world that transgender women can be unapologetically themselves.

Interview with Diamond Stylz

Diamond Stylz is a powerhouse of presence, purpose, and passion. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and now calling Houston, Texas home, Diamond is a trailblazer in the transgender community as a singer, activist, vlogger, and visionary leader. She serves as the Executive Director of Black Trans Women Inc, a national non-profit dedicated to social advocacy led by and for Black trans women. Diamond is also the creative force behind the popular Marsha’s Plate podcast, where vital conversations about gender, race, and justice unfold with authenticity and heart. A pioneer in digital activism, Diamond made history as the first African American transgender YouTube partner, using her platform to share the joys, struggles, and complexities of the trans experience. 

 

Whether she's offering advice, speaking on national stages, or making music that moves the soul, Diamond embodies resilience, style, and truth. When she’s not lighting up the screen or the stage, Diamond is shaping minds and communities through her workshops, panels, and public speaking engagements across the country. Her deep commitment to visibility and education has made her a sought-after voice in conversations around gender equity and Black trans liberation. Above all, she remains grounded in love, humor, and the sheer joy of living out loud.