Interview with Jasmina von Leeds

Jasmina von Leeds is a German beauty stylist, YouTuber, singer, and actress, born and raised in Hannover, Germany. She is best known for her appearances in popular German TV series and shows such as Köln 50667, Barbara Salesch, Niedrig und Kuhnt, and Berlin Tag und Nacht. While she has made a name for herself in acting, Jasmina currently focuses on her passion for singing, dedicating herself to refining her vocal skills and performing electro music covers in clubs. She also runs a successful YouTube channel, Jasmina von Leeds, where she shares beauty tips, life insights, and personal experiences with her audience. Jasmina's journey as a transgender woman began at a young age, and she transitioned at 17 with the full support of her loving family. She reflects on her childhood as a time of growing realization that she was different, and she faced significant challenges, especially during high school, where she struggled with feelings of isolation and self-doubt. 

 

However, her faith and the support of her family and community have helped her overcome these difficulties, and she credits her spiritual beliefs with providing the strength to forgive those who had treated her poorly in the past. A passionate advocate for transgender women, Jasmina has openly shared her transition and personal story, recognizing the unique struggles faced by transgender individuals. She admires and respects those who face difficulties in passing as women, acknowledging her own privilege in having transitioned at a young age with access to good medical care. She is also open about her struggles with the criticisms she sometimes receives from both the cisgender and transgender communities but remains committed to living authentically and being true to herself.

Interview with Jessica McGuinness

Monika: Today I would like to introduce to you Jessica McGuinness, an American transgender activist and community leader, and an Emergency Medical Service professional. Her story was presented in Greg Miraglia's book "American Heroes Coming Out From Behind The Badge" (2010) that features examples of how police officers, firefighters, and EMS professionals have been able to come out and be successful on the job. Hello Jessica!

Jessica: Hello Monika! Thank you for having me. I’m really excited about this!

Monika: What are you doing these days?

Jessica: I worked in EMS for 12 years but had to resign due to worsening arthritis from hemophilia. After about a year of being on disability, I got hired at the University of Pittsburgh as a clinical specialist for the Pitt Men’s Study. The Pitt Men’s Study is a 30-year-old study for HIV. It’s been really incredible and I couldn’t be happier.
I was born in 1975 with hemophilia and grew up in the ’80s during the HIV outbreak. Remember Ryan White? I’m one of the lucky few that made it out of that time HIV-negative. Most of those kids I remember at the hemophilia center are all gone. It’s nice because I feel like I can give a little back to the community.

Interview with Christine Beatty

Christine Beatty is an American writer, senior software engineer, musician, and transgender activist. Born in San Mateo, California, she has made significant contributions to transgender visibility and advocacy. In 2000, she was honored as Transwoman of the Year by the Los Angeles Transgender Task Force, recognizing her impact on the community. Christine played a crucial role in organizing the 2003 Transgender Day of Remembrance in Los Angeles, an event dedicated to honoring the lives lost to anti-trans violence. The following year, she participated in an all-transgender production of The Vagina Monologues, directed by Calpernia Addams and Andrea James.

 

An accomplished writer, Christine has contributed articles to Spectator Magazine, Transgender Tapestry, TransSisters, and other LGBTQ publications. She is also the founder of Glamazon Press, a publishing company focused on the TS/TG community. Her literary works include Misery Loves Company (1993), a semi-autobiographical collection of short stories and poetry, and Not Your Average American Girl (2011), a memoir detailing her life and transition. In addition to her literary achievements, Christine is the founder and lead singer of the rock band Glamazon, an all-transsexual hard rock group that emerged in the 1990s. Despite facing challenges in the music industry, her work as a musician has been pioneering for transgender representation in rock music.

Interview with Véronique Renard

Born in Jutphaas, the Netherlands, on May 26, 1965, Véronique Françoise Caroline Renard is a woman of many layers, each as colorful and compelling as her art and words. A celebrated Dutch author and visual artist, Véronique is also known by the name Pantau (or Phentok), meaning "to be helpful" or "beneficial," a spiritual gift she received during a transformative audience with the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India, in 2000. As serendipitous as a Taoist peach, pantao, the legendary fruit of immortality, her chosen name reflects the deep compassion and mystical flavor that runs through her work and life. Véronique’s journey as a woman began with remarkable courage and clarity. In 1982, at the age of 17, she transitioned with the support of her family, friends, and hometown community. Inspired by the story of British model Caroline Cossey, she found the words to describe her own experience and sought guidance.

 

Diagnosed with Klinefelter’s syndrome (XXY), she began hormone therapy soon after, and completed her transition 18 months later in 1984, making her one of the first 150 people to undergo gender reassignment surgery in the Netherlands. Her mother lovingly chose her name, and Véronique added Françoise and Caroline to honor her best friend and the trans woman who helped spark her self-discovery. An explorer of the soul and a seeker of meaning, Véronique’s creative path has taken her across continents and cultures. Her life blends artistry with activism, spirituality with storytelling. Whether through a brushstroke, a memoir, or a moment of stillness, she offers a rare and radiant perspective, born from transformation, resilience, and deep inner truth.

Interview with Abbie Pope

Monika: Today I would like to invite you for my chat with Abbie Kathryn Pope, a transgender lady and the author of the blog titled “Threads of Gender”. She currently lives in Portland, Oregon where she works in the high-tech industry as a computer engineer. Hello Abbie!

Abbie: Hello to you too!

Monika: What are you doing these days?
Abbie: Well, a lot! I’m moving to Portland, OR from LA in a few weeks. I started a new blog at somebeautifullife.com which is less trans-oriented and more geared towards personal and spiritual growth. And you know, just keeping the wheels turning to survive as a trans woman in America.

Monika: You are a computer engineer. Could you tell me why there are so few ladies that are successful in the IT business?

Abbie: It’s really quite unfortunate. I think there is a ton of cultural bias against genetic women pursuing careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) fields. One of the few silver linings of growing up trans is that there were never barriers to pursuing these fields.

Interview with Suzie St James

Monika: Today we are going to Australia to meet Suzie St James, an Australian business consultant and web designer, transgender icon, and showgirl. Suzie has been a drag cabaret entertainer for over 30 years, impersonating Marilyn Monroe and Jessica Rabbit. She toured all over Australia, and she is known for such shows as “The Midday Show” with Kerri Anne and “Simone and Moniques” Playgirl Review. Hello Suzie!

Suzie: Hi Monika!

Monika: What are you doing these days?

Suzie: Working in hospitality and care.

Monika: How did you start your career as a showgirl?

Suzie: At a young age I saw a showgirl and was captivated and knew it was what I wanted to be.

Monika: What was your career like in the 80s? What was the Australian drag show business at that time in general?

Suzie: I was very young in the ’80s and new to the scene, I was slowly establishing my sexuality and identity. The eighties were a buzz of activity for showgirls in Sydney, Australia. Every venue had so many showgirls and shows you could work seven nights a week and most of us did.