Interview with Michelle Austin

Michelle Austin is a trailblazing transgender actress, producer, director, and video editor whose impact on the adult entertainment industry extends far beyond the screen. A fierce advocate for representation and visibility, she has played a pivotal role in breaking barriers for transgender individuals in media. Her exceptional talent and dedication earned her the prestigious 2013 Tranny Award for Voluptuous Model, a testament to her influence and presence in the industry. More than just a performer, Michelle is a dynamic businesswoman who has carved out her own space as a producer and director, shaping narratives and redefining standards within her field. Her entrepreneurial spirit and creative vision have established her as a force to be reckoned with. Beyond entertainment, she leverages her platform to champion transgender rights, fostering empowerment and inclusion within the community. Bold, ambitious, and unapologetically herself, Michelle Austin continues to leave an indelible mark on the industry and beyond.

Interview with Jessie Jacobson

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Jessie Jacobson, an inspirational woman from New York and Los Angeles, now living in London, United Kingdom, a specialist in psychotherapy and private counseling with a focus on transsexual, transgender, intersex, and other gender-variant individuals; in addition to lesbian, gay, bisexual and heterosexual clients. Jessie also lectures on trans issues and therapy and has taught graduate psychology courses in Human Sexuality. Hello Jessie!

Jessie: Hello Monika. I’ve seen your site and have found the interviews both educational and enjoyable. I really appreciate what you’re doing and am honored to participate. 

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Jessie: I identify as a woman or a transwoman. I’m not too bothered about specific terminologies although there are certain names and terms I would prefer not to have applied to me. I believe all of us should be free to choose the terminology for ourselves that we believe is most suitable and that none of us should attempt to assign terminology to others. I transitioned somewhat late in life despite knowing since as far back as I can remember that I identified as female rather than male.

Interview with Sally Goldner

Sally Goldner is a trailblazing Australian advocate, performer, and changemaker whose vibrant career spans community leadership, radio broadcasting, and the performing arts. With decades of activism under her belt, she served as Executive Director of TransGender Victoria and held key roles in Bisexual Alliance Victoria and the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby. In 2011, The Age named her one of Melbourne’s Top 100 Creative and Influential People, a recognition that reflects both her tireless advocacy and creative spirit. Sally’s voice has resonated through the airwaves for years as the host of Out of the Pan on 3CR 855 AM, where she explores pansexual issues with empathy, insight, and curiosity. 

 

She’s also known for her unique presence as a drummer, singer, and stand-up comic, weaving humor and truth into her performances. Her personal journey has been documented in the film Sally’s Story, and her influence continues to shape conversations around gender diversity, inclusion, and equality in Australia. What sets Sally apart is her ability to bridge the personal and political with a rare blend of authenticity and compassion. Whether she’s mentoring the next generation of trans advocates, challenging outdated norms, or simply listening with her whole heart, she leads by example. Her work reminds us that advocacy is not just about laws and policies, but also about human connection, healing, and hope. I had the pleasure of speaking with Sally about her life, her art, and the state of transgender rights in Australia. Our conversation, rich with warmth, wit, and wisdom, begins here.

Interview with Andie Davidson

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Andie Davidson, a publisher, writer, blogger, musician, and author of "Realisations" (2012). Hello Honey!

Andie: Hi Monika, it’s great to join you here, and in such a company.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Andie: No! I talk far too much! But I can try. I live on the south coast of the UK and work as a technical writer in an engineering company. I was married for over 30 years and have two grown-up children. I’m recently divorced, but happy to have found my true self after 55 years of ignorance and another couple of years sorting it out.

Interview with Riah Roe

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Riah Roe, an inspirational American girl, transgender activist, and advocate, known for her transgender activism at Concordia College, a private college in Moorhead, Minnesota. Hello Riah!

Riah: Hi Monika, thank you so much for that kind introduction.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Riah: Well, as you mentioned, my name is Riah (Rye-uh) Roe. I currently call Minneapolis Minnesota my home. I moved here during the summer of 2013 shortly after I graduated from Concordia College in western Minnesota.

Throughout my studies there I focused primarily on critical issues within the field of gender and sexuality. Now, being a more conservative private college there really was not a program for that so I ended up with a double major in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Women's Studies.

Interview with Robyn Alice McCutcheon

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Robyn Ann Jane Alice McCutcheon, an inspirational American woman, diplomat (Foreign Service Officer -- FSO) who has served at U.S. embassies in Uzbekistan, Russia, Romania, author of a number of publications on Russian and Soviet history, a former engineer on NASA projects including Hubble Space Telescope, author of a web journal titled Transgender in State. This year she is working at the U.S. State Department in Washington, DC, where she also serves as president of GLIFAA, the LGBT+ pride association for U.S. foreign affairs' agencies. Hello Robyn!

Robyn: Hi, Monika! I've enjoyed your profiles of transgender heroines, many of whom are my personal heroines. It's quite an honor that you would want to include me in that number!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Robyn: Well, I'm 59 going on 29, divorced, and happier and more excited about the world than I've ever been. I come from a Scotch-Irish family but fell in love with the Russian language and "things Russian" when I was in the university.
I grew up in the 60s in the early days of the space program. That's how it is that I ended up with two careers: 25 years of working on NASA projects and now 10 years of working for the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Service Officer.