Interview with Stacy James

Monika: Today I am talking to Stacy James, an American musician and guitar virtuoso from Los Angeles, the founder of two bands: Dante's View and Death Valley Daisies. You can follow her guitar masterpieces on her YouTube vlog "Stacy James Guitar". Hello Stacy! 

Stacy: Hi Monika! Thank you for having me and thank you for your support of our community!

Monika: Jimi Page used to say that every guitar player inherently has something unique about their playing. They just have to identify what makes them different and develop it. Have you done it yourself?

Stacy: I feel like I have. I've been playing guitar for over 30 years, and in guitar they say "it's all in the hands" which yes, takes time to develop. It took me time to develop a guitar technique that is like one's thumbprint or DNA on your music, like a vibrato. It can be just how you touch the guitar. I feel if you can combine developed skill and technique, you're almost there. Last would be note choice or how you choose to express your techniques through notes themselves. It's all about finding your own personal expression through the instrument.

Interview with Rachel Doese

Monika: Today I have the pleasure and honor of interviewing Rachel Doese, an American sports athlete and gym nut, happy parent, and transgender woman that documents her life on social media. Hello Rachel!

Rachel: Hey Monika! Thank you so much for reaching out! Very pleased to talk to you!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Rachel: Yes, of course! So I’m 31. Like you said, I’m a gym and fitness nut and I am a parent to a gorgeous kiddo. I started my transition nearly 3 years ago and it’s been a crazy experience, to say the least. I work full time in a sales-related career. My main passions are fitness, football, basketball, fashion, and family.

Interview with Lenka Králová

Monika: Today I have invited Lenka Králová, one of the most inspirational transgender activists from the Czech Republic. Her vlog “V Tranzu” provides information about transgender-related topics and includes interviews with Czech transgender women and friends of the Czech transgender community. Hello Lenka!

Lenka: Hello! Thank you very much for the introduction and let me greet all readers!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Lenka: I am 40 years old, I live in Prague. It took me a long time to realize my identity, so at the age of 38, I started taking hormones. My marriage broke up after 15 years because of that, but we have a friendly relationship with a nine-year-old son who makes me very happy.

Interview with Alison Tegan

Monika: Today I am talking to Alison Tegan, a South African beauty and health blogger from London, the United Kingdom, and transgender woman that documents her transition on social media. Hello Alison!

Alison: Good Afternoon, Monika. Thank you for the opportunity to talk to you. As mentioned, I aim to become and beauty and health blogger.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Alison: My name is Alison. I live in the UK, originally from South Africa. I am 50 years and came out trans on 5 April 2017. I dreamt of being a girl since the age of seven. I had no idea what was wrong with me and did not even know transgender people existed.

Interview with Penelope Alizarin Conley

Monika: Today I have the pleasure and honor of interviewing Penelope Alizarin Conley, an American singer, musician, model, and transgender woman that shares her transition story on social media. Hello Penelope!

Penelope: Hello Monika! Thanks for having me.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Penelope: I’m a transgender woman from Massachusetts, USA. I’m a musician, model, bicycle mechanic, and parent of two wonderful children. I’m so honored to do this interview.

Monika: Are you a professional musician? How would you define your music?

Penelope: Yes. I guess I’m a professional musician although I’ve never had lessons. I’ve been writing songs, and/or been in bands for most of my life without lessons. I’ve received some media and airplay over the years so I guess that’s kind of “professional”.

Interview with Lexi Schmidt

Monika: Today I have the pleasure and honor of interviewing Lexi Schmidt, an American transgender activist that shares her transition story on social media. Hello Lexi!

Lexi: Hi Monika! It's really nice to be here, and thank you again for reaching out!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Lexi: Ha! I'm a bit of a talker, so I can say more than a few words about myself, but I'll try to keep this part brief. I'm a 40-year-old transwoman currently living in Minneapolis. I started my transition in 2017. Like many of us, life has been a bit of a rollercoaster since then. I'm the Director of Community Engagement for TransChance Health, and have done advocacy work for the community from major health insurers to Ivy League schools.