Australian social media star has AJ Clementine has been been on quite the journey from coming out as trans, to starting her modelling career and now heading to live in the UK. She has shared every step of the way with her 1.8m followers on Tik Tok. Next up is the release of her first book entitled, Girl, Transcending: Becoming the woman I was born to be. AJ tells Loverboy about the writing process and why she relates to Wanda Maximoff….
Hi AJ, Congratulations on Girl, Transcending. How was the writing process?
The writing process was intense but therapeutic in a way, I found myself gaining closure towards a lot of the events that happened in my life. It felt freeing to put them down into words and express it all within the pages of my book.
What was your goal when approaching the book?
My goal was to highlight the journey we all face in life, the transitional moments we have, and how it is different for everybody. To build compassion and hope, that’s what I cared about the most.
Being a social media creator, launching your own makeup palette, writing a book – what other areas will we be seeing you move into next?
I really enjoy acting and would love to pursue that further.
How does being Trans differ in Australia to other countries?
I guess it’ll always be a work in progress but at the beginning of my transition I felt so alone, I didn’t know anybody who was trans and the medical aspect was so lengthy. I feel like it’s much better now and of course, there are still other countries that need a lot of work so there is a part of me who is grateful for getting to transition here.
Do you see your future in Australia?
No, I’m actually in the process of moving to the UK this year.
As LGBT people the majority of us still have to go through some kind of ‘coming out’ process. It feels like in many ways this process is easier in 2022 than say in 1992. Do you think the process is easier now? There are parts that will be easier but to me, the process of coming out to yourself will be the hardest part of understanding your identity no matter what year or environment you are in. There’s a lot to unpack with what has changed but collectively we are working towards a better future.
From the first moment you realised you identified as trans to 2022, what has surprised you most about the process?
Becoming a model, my pre-transition self was so insecure and had no confidence. I would have never thought that being a model would ever be on the table as a career path.
Who are your Trans heroes?
My bestie Bambi fairy, Kim Petras, Ve’ondre and Zion Moreno
I know you are a Marvel fan. Which is your favourite superhero and why?
The Scarlet Witch aka Wanda Maximoff because she shares the same personality type as me and gives me so much strength to be myself in a world that makes you feel like you’re the villain.
Lastly we are named after the biggest selling single of 2001 so we always ask, what is your favourite Mariah Carey song?
All I want for Christmas is you because I love a Christmas tune and it gives me so much life.
AJ Clementine’s book, Girl, Transcending: Becoming the woman I was born to be (Murdoch Books, £16.99) is available to buy now.
