the contrary, have daily routines that I diligently follow. For instance, I exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet, live vice-free, and nurture my spirituality. When people learn about my way of living, they often feel inspired and motivated to make similar changes in their own lives.
2. Has anyone ever given you really good advice on dealing with negativity?
A wise man once told me, “Happiness lies within your soul.” You can live a blissful life if you truly desire it. In other words, real joy comes from within. As Vickie L. Milazzo once said, “Wicked Success Is Inside Every Woman.” Today, I use negativity as fuel to propel myself forward. Negativity only holds you back. When someone tries to drag me down with cynicism, I simply shrug it off. I strive to stay positive at all times because I believe in the mantra that “positivity begets positivity.”
3. What have you found to be the most positive aspect of living an alternative lifestyle?
Being an inspiration to others. Many people have transformed their lives because of what they’ve seen in me. I compose my own quotes, which guide me in my daily life. I prefer to be level-headed and rational, choosing realism over mere niceness. More often than not, this bridges the gap between understanding oneself and understanding others. However, I acknowledge that drifting into cynicism or becoming too introspective is sometimes inevitable. Perhaps engaging with others should happen at specific stages of self-discovery to provide a meaningful frame of reference—that’s unavoidable, after all.
4. At what point in your life did you know you wanted to be a woman?
Every little girl has a dream. Mine was to be a beautiful, sultry, and devilish Maggie Q in Naked Weapon—clad in black leather and wielding a magic weapon. I also longed to be Angelina Jolie—pouting sexily at the camera with effortless confidence.
But the reality was different—I was born male. I knew I was different ever since I started feeling a disconnect with other boys in my class. While they played basketball, I sat on the sidelines, desperate to go home and play with Barbie dolls alongside my sister. This imperfection once worried and disturbed me, but despite it all, I remained kind to my family and friends, worked hard, and gained many valuable relationships. Eventually, I accepted that my physical imperfection was insignificant compared to the strength of my identity.
I won’t deny that I had an advantage over other transgender individuals because of my physical attractiveness, but that wasn’t enough. I still felt the need to change—to find what I truly yearned for: true happiness. What I didn’t realize was that every change comes with a cost.
5. You became a model—was that your dream?
Absolutely, definitely, and without a doubt! Being a supermodel was always my dream. Today, I value excellence and carry myself with dignity. I bring energy and passion to everything I do, and I’m outspoken about my views on society and sexuality. If I could have a dream role, it would be in a Bollywood version of Naked Weapon, playing the character Maggie Q portrayed.
6. What is a common misconception about transgender people that you think others should know the truth about?
It has not been easy. I firmly believe that if you are scrupulously honest, stand your ground, and carry yourself with dignity, people will respect you. If someone despises you for your identity and you allow their words to hurt you, then you are giving them the power to cripple and torment you. Their misinterpretations, lies, and gossip should not define you.
7. Were you afraid of transitioning?
No doubt—it was never easy! Physically, if you want to be beautiful, you must endure pain. But after those few hours of discomfort, you emerge as your true self.
The need to change became so overwhelming that I grew impatient. I eventually left my job to embark on a completely new path. I had heard of a journey—something called The Central Path—a path through the City of Life, filled with mystery, danger, and great opportunities. I plan to complete this journey within the next six years.
8. What did you have to go through before your doctor approved hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery?
I first made appointments with a reputable celebrity surgeon and conducted extensive research, including reading real-life testimonies. After that, I began oral hormone replacement therapy and underwent deep derma penetration treatments. I also had cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeries.
I still have procedures on my checklist, including facial bone reconstruction (facial feminization), vocal cord surgery, and Gore-Tex rhinoplasty.
9. How did your family and friends react when you came out?
Although they were shocked, they showed support and encouragement. They never saw me as less of a person.
On a positive note: “Let go of ego and insecurity. Acknowledging them and articulating them stops them in their tracks.” It’s a daily battle for everyone.
. Do you want to have a family someday?
(Giggling) Yes! Starting with a baby cat. Adoption is always better than buying. I named her Candice and pampered her with Bvlgari and L’Occitane today!
. What is the hardest part of dating someone who is not transgender?
The expectations are different. Misunderstandings arise easily because we have different perspectives on so many levels.
. Are you % sure of your sexuality?
Proudly and confidently, I am a transgender woman—the best of both worlds. I know exactly what I want in love: a man. And he must be open-minded because for me, serious relationships must include both humor and deep emotional and physical connection.
People often confuse transgender identity with homosexuality. They are different. Homosexuality can be overt, covert, situational, exploratory, or bisexual. However, being transgender involves transition, legal identity changes, and the belief that one is a woman trapped in a male body.
This doesn’t mean I dislike women—I adore them because I am one. Interestingly, my deep appreciation for women makes them more drawn to me, but they don’t always understand why I can’t be romantically involved with them. It all comes down to personal identity and branding.
. Do you prefer men or women?
Men, of course! Do I even need to think about it? I completely eschew the idea of being with a woman—even if someone offered me a billion-dollar prize!
. What improvements would you like to see for the LGBT community in the future?
My words are active, alive, and powerful. My soul belongs to India.
Take, for example, the annual Koovagam Festival in Tamil Nadu. The stories of transgender people being harassed and assaulted outside the temple are truly sickening—they shatter my heart into pieces.
I fully support MARD (Men Against Rape and Discrimination) and stand with the global LGBT community in any way possible. There is no law that dictates whom someone should love or marry. Everyone deserves respect for their preferences and identity, as long as they do no harm to others.
