interview by Andrada Sima

 

Daria Bulzan, known as Daria Jane, is one of the youngest women in Romania who underwent a sex change operation. At the age of 23, she graduated from the Faculty of Marketing in Bucharest, and currently she has a YouTube channel with approximately 141,000 subscribers, being also the only trans woman vlogger from our country. I discovered Daria about 2 years ago, when I accidentally came across a clip of hers, which impressed me. Later, I started looking for more information about who she is and what she does, and I discovered Daria as you know her: honest, charismatic, brave, not ashamed of who she really is, a person who seeks to dissolve certain stereotypes related to trans women. I chose to do this interview with her because, like the Her Time community, Daria addresses interdisciplinary and intersectional topics, aimed at expanding the vision of today's society through networking, and all her followers have a lot to learn from her, the most important of which is to have the courage to make their voices heard. I would like to mention that she also wrote a book called “SEX – The Change. Power. Identity" being the first book in Romania that describes the medical, social and legal transition of a transgender woman and which I recommend you to read. You can purchase the book by accessing the following link https://dariajane.ro/.

 

1. What do you think about the attitude of Romanian society towards the LGBTQ+ community and how do you think it could be changed?

It's a somewhat understandable attitude for a post-communist country that fears the unknown. Let's keep in mind that 20+ years ago it was barely becoming "legal" to be gay - meaning you were barely becoming legal as a citizen for loving. As things evolve, this is the only solution.

 

2. Considering the mentality of people in Romania, how did you manage to stay so strong and overcome prejudices?

I had dear people by my side who supported me unconditionally. Also, I was always ambitious and I didn't let the bullies convince me that I was "inferior". Self-love is very, very important.

 

3. How do you think the phenomenon of bullying could be faded?

It should be acted more harshly legally, but also through education from an early age. Children need to be taught that being different does not mean being wrong. Adults should learn this too, but that's another discussion.

 

4. Do you consider yourself a convinced feminist?

I'm a convinced feminist indeed, because I've been through all the phases - including pick me girl / misogynist. I have seen how important feminism is in a patriarchal society and I do not shy away from associating myself with this movement whenever I get the chance.

 

5. What prompted you to expose your experience both in the media and in the book you published?

My friend encouraged me the most because he always said I had something to show the world – a happy story in the flood of sad stories, stories that the media still exploits and often give the trans community a bad image. I just want to make a statement: trans people are cool, they're real, they're normal citizens and they deserve respect like anyone else.

 

6. How did you manage to mentally overcome this experience?

Again, having my family and friends with me meant a lot. I was privileged.

 

7. How important is your relationship with your mother to you?

My relationship with my mother is something that cannot be expressed in words. She is my best friend, sister, mother. I could not have asked for a more suitable and loving mother, and I will always be grateful for that.

 

8. If you could go back in time, would you change anything?

If I were to go back, I would most likely have started the transition from the age of 13 (although it was not possible in Romania). Otherwise, there is nothing that should be changed.

 

9. What do you think your life would have looked like if you hadn't made the gender change?

I don't think it would have shown. I don't think I could have lived without the hope that I could be myself, fulfilled and happy.

 

10. Would you have any advice for Daria before the transition? But for people who are going through a similar experience as you?

My advice is cliche: go for it! The people who laugh? Fuck them. The teachers who look on in disgust? Screw them. Scared online haters? Love them (because they will become the most engaged fans).

If you have other questions about Daria, I recommend you to visit her YouTube channel   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkOjsdXsfEIbROwpsFBq2Bw  but also on our instagram https://www.instagram.com/hertimeromania/  where we have a live with her.