Daniela Requena (València, 1991) is a journalist studying in Madrid and working on Cuore and Sálvame. Seeing certain that she was developing as a trans woman, she lived in New York and returned to Valencia rejuvenated. She is currently an influencer on Tik Tok and became the new provincial secretary of LGTBI and PSPV-PSOE diversity in February 2022. In his first book, “Mom, I’m a woman. Diary of a trans girl”Requena describes the transition process with humor and optimism.
How did the book come about?
It wasn’t in my plans. I am a journalist, but I never thought of writing a book. What happened, despite all the great reactions I got on social networks, an offer came to me and “why not?” I said. There are trains that should not be allowed to pass.
What was the writing process like?
It’s exciting because I had to remember some things I thought I had forgotten, and that was nice. I remembered them not with drama, but with tenderness.
What would you say was your favorite moment?
The moment I lived in New York and returned to Spain because I remember what it meant to live there. I have very good memories of the city. But on the other hand, the first chapters are undoubtedly the ones that cost me the most because I had to remember something that I really don’t remember. Maybe I was like four years old. Not because it cost me emotionally, but because I had to search for relatives so they could help me remember.
You talk about “cispassing” in the book, have you ever been afraid of having an androgynous appearance in your transition?
No, the truth is I was never afraid. But I have had periods of transphobia and I continue to experience them to this day. For example, one thing I can suffer from right now is that even though I am an assigned and operated woman, when a boy finds out, he rejects me just because I am trans. It could be transphobia. We don’t have to focus solely on verbal or physical aggression.
How do you deal with being labeled as a trans woman even though you dislike the labels?
Although I dislike them, I believe we are in a social moment where it is necessary if we want to make certain groups visible. In this case, if we want to do it with the trans collective, tags are required.
On the other hand, how did the lack of reference affect you?
Quite a lot because if I had clearer references I would probably have started my transition earlier. I felt that I lacked the urge to say, “Yes, I have to see my reflection in the mirror to jump into the pool”. I felt so scared because I didn’t like the little I knew and I wasn’t defined. And it cost me dearly until I matured and discovered that my transition didn’t have to be the same as others. To this day, I still don’t have any references and if I had to choose one, it would be myself, frankly.
And how does it feel to be you too?
Something I didn’t intend. I never intended to be an influencer or reference. These are things that are coming and that I am taking with a very positive attitude. On the one hand, sometimes “Oh my God, how ridiculous is it to be a reference to some people!” I think. But on the other hand, it means that what I’m doing is good and I like it. I am proud and above all grateful that what I say and my content is used for the purpose of informing and helping people.
What would you say to trans people who don’t have the same luck?
I would tell them not to get upset. I know it’s a duty for your family and social circle to not support you, but they don’t get discouraged for anything in the world. That they continue to seek their happiness, and that today there are many tools and alternatives: associations, people on social networks… They keep searching but don’t stray from that path for anything.
Source: Informacion
