Interview with Maria Minakowska

 

Maria Jadwiga Minakowska is a historian, genealogist, and philosopher known for her groundbreaking work in Polish genealogy. She earned a PhD in classical philosophy from Jagiellonian University. Her biggest achievement is the "Great Genealogy by Minakowski," a massive database tracing the connections of nearly a million people. Her passion for history and ancestry has helped countless individuals discover their roots, and in recognition of her work, she received the Decoration of Honor Meritorious for Polish Culture in 2016. In 2024, Maria publicly embraced her identity as a transgender woman. In this interview, we are going to touch upon her fascinating career, personal journey toward womanhood, and the importance of knowing where we come from. 

Interview with Antonia Monopoli

Monika: Antonia Monopoli is my special guest today. She is a transgender activist, writer, YouTube video creator, and Italian stage actress. For years, she has been in charge of the Trans Desk at the Ala Association, an Italian organization that focuses on health protection, social inclusion, anti-discrimination, and cooperation both nationally and internationally. She is the author of “La Forza di Antonia: Storia di una persona transgender.” Hi Antonia! Thank you for accepting my invitation.

Antonia: Thank you for choosing me for this interview. It's an honor and a pleasure to be interviewed by you.

Monika: Many of us, myself included, live the lives of wives, mothers, and daughters, trying to forget our past. You decided to be an advocate for transgender rights and express our positive image in society. Have you ever felt tempted to hide your past and be just a woman, rather than a transgender woman?

Antonia: I think I hid myself for too long, and at a certain point in my life, exactly in 2002, I decided not to hide anymore. I chose to live my life in the light, not in the shadows, facing whatever life threw at me and trying to be an example for other transgender people. I hope I succeeded.

Interview with Rachel Peacock

Monika: Hey everyone, welcome to today’s interview! I’m so excited to be joined by an amazing guest, Rachel Peacock. Rachel is a gamer, YouTuber, veteran, and anime enthusiast, and she’s also a fellow transgender woman who’s been on an incredible journey. Today, we’re having a laid-back chat where Rachel will be sharing her story, talking about her passions, her experiences, and what it’s been like navigating life as a trans woman. Rachel, I’m so glad you’re here with me today!

Rachel: Thank you for having me! I’m happy to speak with you.

Monika: So Rachel, let’s start by hearing a bit about your journey. You’ve got such a fascinating background with gaming, your military experience, and being involved in so many cool things. Gaming has such a huge following, and for many people, it’s a form of self-expression. How did you first get into gaming?

Rachel: That’s a fair observation, I can definitely see it as a form of self-expression for some! Personally I’ve always been into gaming for about as long as I can remember, starting with a dusty old NES when I was 3 or so. My family would sometimes play with me and I enjoyed the puzzles, music, and stories. It’s a safe hobby that keeps you out of trouble. Also with the invention of online gaming, all your closest friends are a button push away! I moved a lot through my life but was able to keep close. Some people look down on gaming like you have no social life, but I could argue the opposite.

Interview with Farah Rustom

Monika: Thank you, Dr. Farah Rustom, for joining me today. Your life is an incredible testament to resilience, artistry, and the power of self-expression. From your pioneering work in Western classical music to your remarkable journey as a transgender woman, you’ve touched many lives and made a lasting impact. I admire you greatly, not only for your professional achievements but also for your courage and trailblazing path in the transgender community. As a fellow transgender woman, I deeply respect how you’ve paved the way for others like me, and I’m honored to be able to speak with you today. You are also the author of Becoming Farah: A Life in Bombay, 1943 to 1986, a biographical book published in 2023, where you share deeply personal reflections on your journey, your childhood in Bombay, and your transition. It’s a moving and powerful portrayal of your life and experiences. Thank you so much for accepting my invitation!

Farah: Hello Monika! Thank you for having me.

Interview with Björk

Monika: Hello Björk! I’m so excited to be talking to you today. It's like catching up with an old friend over coffee, but we're making it official and letting everyone in on our conversation. For those who don't know you, Björk is not just a super-talented hairdresser from Iceland, she's also an amazing social media creator who’s always sharing her hairdressing art, her journey, and some seriously powerful moments with the world. From glam transformations to the real struggles, she’s always honest, always bold, and always herself. So let’s talk about you - the woman behind the Instagram posts and fabulous hairstyles.

Björk: Thank you, dear Monika, for inviting me to take part in this interview. Yes, I’m a hairdresser, and I’m fortunate to be able to do what I love, where my true talent lies. Hair has always been my passion, and I also really enjoy socializing with people. For that, I am truly grateful.

Interview with Erica Vogel

Monika: Today, I’m thrilled to be speaking with Erica Vogel, a courageous and insightful transgender woman who has navigated both personal and professional challenges with resilience and authenticity. Erica has over twenty years of experience in design and product management, spanning startups to Fortune 25 companies. She holds a master’s in Business Leadership and Management, as well as a DEI certification. Beyond her career, Erica is a queer wife, parent, and a strong advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. She has served on national leadership teams for corporate LGBTQIA employee resource groups and as a board member for a transgender-focused tech nonprofit. A passionate public speaker, Erica regularly addresses transgender issues in workplaces across the U.S. and she is the author of Advice from Your Trans Aunty (2024), a book that is full of heartfelt advice for those navigating the transgender and nonbinary experience. Hello Erica!

Erica: Hello! Thank you so much for inviting me to speak with you.