The people you see in this issue illustrate trans life in their corner of the world, and help show us the true meaning of beauty, international or otherwise. Our two part interviews cover both the cultural heritage and personal beliefs of these brave individuals, and inspire greater understanding of transgender experiences around the world.
Judith Wilde, Spain/USA
WEBSITE: http://lasvegaschicas.com/TS_Judith_Wilde.php
TWITTER: @JudithWilde7X
PHOTO CREDIT: Las Vegas Chicas
Part one of this interview can be found in Transformation 96: The International Issue
Do you have any fantasies? I have many fantasies, but there is one in particular that I would like to come true. This is being seen while having sex … a sexual encounter on a stage crowded, either with one or more girls or boys.
Transition is physical, emotional and social, which present different types of challenges. Tell us about your experience of them if you could. After Caitlyn Jenner’s glamorous debut as a woman on the cover of Vanity Fair, the transgender community stressed that the transition from Jenner was not typical, but has the respect of the community. Many transgender people do not have the resources or the support of Jenner enjoyed. Although the transition of each person is unique, most transgender people suffer from lack of support or understanding from their families. Moreover, they can take years to make the full transition, if they succeed. You should not judge trans people (and by extension, should offer acceptance and rights) based on their ability to ‘make an impression’. We must stop forcing transgender people to feel they need to undergo a lot of quite distressing medical procedures that may not wish or are beyond their reach. I revealed that he was transgender when he was 27, but medical transition began two years ago. My self-esteem grew significantly thing I attribute to the comfort felt by openly express what they knew for years: I am a woman. I’m trying to raise $34,000 for facial feminization surgery, which involves a series of reconstructive procedures that will add more femininity to my features. Although the lack of resources for surgeries, and lack of support when I revealed my situation have been great obstacles, I feel it was worth. My favorite part of the process is just beginning really, I’m just getting to the point where the person I see in the mirror is more woman than man and that’s super exciting! There is a feeling of fullness and connection with my body that is slowly but surely comes over me. It’s unlike anything I’ve experienced before. People did not know what to think or how to deal with me. Many people do not understand how a person who had so many male interests; motorcycles, cars, soccer … and so on could be transgender. However, I am and I am very happy with the changes you have made so far and am excited about what the future holds for me.
What is the best advice you’ve received? “Struggle to achieve your goals.”
Best gift? My best gift is life.
Who or what do you most admire? My parents for their fighting character. I also admire my partner because their values and their way of life has brought me a lot of my life. It’s a really wonderful person. Beauty is something beautiful to admire. The beauty I can find when I look into the eyes of a child, or looking mountains or enjoying a sunset. The beauty is in the big things, like the others are doomed to die, or in that small, unpretentious can be infinite. Beauty gives me pleasure and I can not help but admire and be grateful for what I see.
Are there any memorable characters who had an impact on your life? Leonardo Da Vinci. He was ahead of his time, almost alien. He ventured into such diverse fields as aerodynamics, hydraulics, anatomy, botany, painting, sculpture and architecture, among others. His scientific investigations were, largely forgotten and undervalued by his contemporaries; his output, however, was immediately recognized as a master able to realize the ideal of beauty in works of disturbing suggestion and delicate poetry. It makes me laugh at Dan Brown, because I am convinced that he has not understood Leonardo. No not really. If you want to know how Brown is wrong about Leonardo da Vinci, you only need to think of something as simple as the name of the artist. Starting with the title and following the novel, Brown and all his scholars characters refer to the artist simply as Da Vinci, like its name. Well, you know what? That’s not his name. No historical literature or reference book named him that. His name was Leonardo. Illegitimate son of one Piero da Vinci, born in the city of Vinci, near Florence. So obviously it means Da Vinci comes from the town of Vinci. Someone who claims to be an art expert and continually refers to it as Da Vinci is as credible as an expert course in religion to call Jesus of Nazareth as continuously. Search a history book and will read things about Leonardo Da Vinci not. Go to the library and ask for a biography of the artist. You will not find D or V. You find Leonardo L, because that’s his name. Perhaps we agree on this: an author who can not even give the name of the central historical figure of his book, would not deserve us to trust his knowledge of history. It can certainly entertain us otherwise, but, please, do not pretend that The Da Vinci Code we report on history, religion or art.
Health is very important to you. What is some of your best advice? A good diet based on the Mediterranean food, drinking water, restful sleep and daily exercise.
Part one of this interview can be found in Transformation 96: The International Issue
