Interview with Anna Skinner

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Anna Skinner, a liberated transwoman from New Zealand, passionate cyclist, and happy parent of three. Hello Anna!

Anna: Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you. I love to share my journey so that people may gain a better understanding of what it is to be transgender and also to touch those folk who may be struggling with their gender identity.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Anna: I am a 55-year-old transwoman, born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. I have been living in Christchurch for the last 22 years which is a beautiful place located on the east coast of the South Island. When I was younger, I dreamt of living as my authentic self but for many reasons it never eventuated to a lot later in my life.

Interview with Rachel Reese

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Rachel Reese, who trained be a Solicitor, transgender activist, Vice-chair of the Law Society’s LGBT Lawyers Division Committee, former Avionics Software Engineer working within the defense sector at GEC Avionics Ltd (now British Aerospace), trustee of Give Out, a charity that funds LGBT+ causes worldwide, the founder of Global Butterflies, a consultancy that helps firms develop trans and non-binary inclusive work environments. She is a co-author of the 2019 Lloyds of London Trans & Non-binary Guide. In 2017 she was nominated for the European Diversity Award’s, Coca-Cola Hero of the Year Award.

Hello Rachel! In the introduction, I have listed only some of your positions. Do you have any time for yourself? :)

Rachel: Hi Monika, great to meet you. You know it’s got pretty crazy timewise but I love my life and the work I do. Time management is key but my motto (and my partner Emma) is “you have to have a little fun every day”, and we do. The people in all the organizations I volunteer for are amazing and fun, so it doesn’t feel like work at all.

Interview with Michelle Relayze

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honour to interview Michelle Relayze, a fashion model from Spain, beauty pageant queen, transgender activist, Miss Spain at Miss Trans Star International 2019. Hello Michelle!

Michelle: Hello Monika! It is a pleasure, to be able to share with you a bit of my history. I am honored that you want to know about me and be able to reach many more people.

Monika: Michelle, you look like a million dollars! Could you say a few words about yourself?

Michelle: Thanks Monika! Of course, I will tell you about myself. I have the honor of being the current queen of Miss Trans Spain and being able to represent this beautiful country in two international competitions: the Miss Trans Star International held in Barcelona in 2019 and in future in Miss World International in Italy.

Interview with Diane Keinanen

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Diane Keinanen, a Minnesota lady of many talents, RN Vascular Access Specialist. Hello Diane!

Diane: Hello Monika! Thanks for having me.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Diane: Old life dissolved, been left to the past. Now Diane has evolved, loving life at long last!

Monika: You are a nurse but you have an artistic hobby ...

Diane: Creation is my serenity. I love to create in stained glass. I also enjoy woodworking as well. I find great fulfillment in crafting things that will bring happiness to another.

Interview with Dina Jacobs

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Dina Jacobs, a Hawaii entertainer, a star at the famed Chicago drag club, The Baton Show Lounge, proud holder of 70 beauty contest titles, and Houston’s Grande Dame of Drag. Her biography "Forever Her Mother's Son: The Dina Jacobs Story" (2020) was published a couple of months ago.

Dina, You look fantastic! What is the secret of your beauty?

Dina: Actually, I'm very fortunate. My Mom and Dad had great DNA. This year in February I turned 73 years old. I've been doing shows since 1964. I started my career in Honolulu, Hawaii, and I worked as a female Impersonator for 56 years!

Interview with Danielly Drugge

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Danielly Drugge, an inspirational fashion model from Sweden, beauty pageant queen, Miss Trans Star International Sweden, cosmetician, and happy wife. Hello Danielly!

Danielly: Hi Monika, first of all, I want to thank you for the opportunity to be here on your blog, giving all of us visibility and voice.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Danielly: Well, I am a girl who was born in Brazil, with a strong temperament. I am a dreamer, who never gives up on dreams, even though there are many difficulties imposed by society for being a trans woman.