Interview with Claire Russell

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Claire Russell, a transgender activist from San Diego, California, creator of the online San Diego Trans Resource Center, and co-organizer of the first annual Trans*Pride and March. Hello Claire!

Claire: Hey! Thanks for having me!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Claire: I’m a 25-year-old trans woman from Southern California. I live with my supportive family and work two jobs. I love archery, sailing, video games, nature, etiquette, technology, NPR, children, dogs, and piña coladas. I was Ms. Trans San Diego 2013 and 2014. I mostly volunteer around trans youth specifically.

Interview with Emily Iannielli

Monika: Today’s interview will be with Emily Iannielli, an American blogger that documents her transition on YouTube. Hello Emily!

Emily: Hi, Monika, It’s my pleasure to be a part of your interview. Thank you for your kind consideration. It is greatly appreciated!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Emily: First I wish to thank you Monika for inviting me to share my story. I identify as a male-to-female transgender woman. I felt I should have been a girl since age 3. I fought my transgender feelings all throughout my life hoping desperately I would rise above it. I am very lucky to have a son I love. He is 16 years old and is my pride and joy.

Interview with Ashley Ackley

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Ashley Ackley, a transgender activist from the USA, and Iraq War veteran. Hello Ashley!

Ashley: Hello Monika!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Ashley: Howdy! As of this writing, I am 26. I have been transitioning for over 3 years now. I work in the tech industry and am a run-of-the-mill geek.
Monika: Your story made headlines in 2012 when you asked the army to be re-enlisted after your transition, and they refused to do so …
Ashley: True. The mindset of the army is that there is no place for people with needs. I have met people who were rejected for having been on A.D.D medication. The logistics of just the social protections are so troublesome that the gay/lesbian population is still barely tolerated.

Interview with Vennessa St John

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Vennessa St John, an American vlogger, actress, model, the author of "Third Sex Life, Venomous, and After Effects" (2014). Hello Vennessa!

Vennessa: Hi Monika!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Vennessa: Every time I am asked that I never know what to say!

Monika: Why did you decide to write your autobiography Third Sex Life (2014)?

Vennessa: It’s not really an autobiography. It doesn’t go into explicit detail about every aspect of my whole life and who I am. It concentrates on personal observations and personal experiences I have had growing up, living and working as myself.

I would say it’s more of a study or maybe a thesis although much of it is autobiographical. I wrote it because lately there has been a lot of press about TG rights and the struggle for equality and it seems (to me at least) that many people on both sides are limiting the scope of the issues in a very dangerous way.

Interview with Honey Andrews

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Honey Andrews, aka Honey Daniels, an American entertainer and beauty pageant queen from Corpus Christi, Texas, Former Miss TX Continental, and Miss Gay Harris County USofA 2013. Hello Honey!

Honey: Hello Monika!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Honey: I'm Honey Andrews, 29, originally born in Monterrey, Mexico. I am currently living in Corpus Christi, Texas. I am a hairstylist by day and showgirl by night. I have been doing it for about 10 years.
Monika: Recently you have been subject to the transphobic act when after the last three years’ performance at the tribute to Selena, the late music icon, the tribute organizers did not allow you to perform because you are transgender…
Honey: Yes, unfortunately, last year I came across this incident where I was discriminated against because I was Transgender but fortunately I was able to perform at the other Selena tribute, which was the original one, and had the love and support from many people.

Interview with Tommie Ross

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Tommie Ross, an American entertainer and beauty pageant queen. Hello Tommie!

Tommie: Hello Monika! I'm great, blessed, and highly favored.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Tommie: I am a GOD-fearing entertainer who enjoys life.
Monika: When did you decide that you would like to be a stage artist?
Tommie: After I saw my first show back in 1978, I knew instantly I wanted to do it. 
Monika: Could you name some of the venues and shows in which you participated? 
Tommie: I worked in different venues across the United States, Canada, the Bahamas, and Mexico.