Simona Galinova, a Bulgarian transgender model and celebrity, made a notable appearance on the popular Bulgarian talk show На Kафе, in one of the segments called A Different Playmate (Една различна плеймейт), aired on the TV channel Nova on 21 September 2020. На Kафе is the leading morning show for women, where the panelists bring viewers the perfect blend of positive energy, engaging topics, fascinating guests, and everything that resonates with the modern woman. Simona Galinova's participation in the show, along with her story of transitioning and competing in the Miss Playmate contest, sparked significant attention and debate.
Simona Galinova was born in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, around 1995 or 1997, though her exact birth year remains somewhat ambiguous. From a very young age, Simona felt a deep sense of gender dysphoria. At just 16 years old, she realized that she wanted to be a woman. This realization marked the beginning of her transition, a process that eventually led her to undergo gender confirmation surgery in Brazil. In interviews, Simona has shared that she did not face significant opposition from her family during her transition. On the contrary, they were supportive, which helped her in her journey to self-acceptance. However, she remains private about some details of her past, particularly her birth name, stating firmly, "I am only Simona Galinova, and nothing else anymore." This statement reflects her desire to be recognized for who she is now, rather than who she was before her transition.
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Simona's most publicized moment came in 2020 when she participated in the Miss Playmate contest, organized by Playboy Bulgaria. The contest, which is part of the international Playmate franchise, has a long history of celebrating glamorous women, and Simona's entry as the first transgender contestant in Bulgaria was groundbreaking. Her participation in the competition stirred considerable debate. Many questioned her authenticity as a "real" woman, with some even accusing her of not having undergone full gender confirmation surgery, which she later addressed publicly. Despite the criticism, Simona received strong support from Playboy Bulgaria's editor-in-chief, Lyuben Dilov Jr., who argued that the contest’s rules were inclusive, stating that it was open to anyone who felt like a “playful girl,” regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, or occupation. Simona’s role in the contest was significant not only because of her gender identity but also because she was the second transgender woman to ever compete in a Playmate contest. The first transgender contestant, Ines Rau from France, had been personally approved by Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. Simona’s participation was a milestone in the ongoing recognition of transgender women in mainstream beauty and fashion competitions.
In her appearance on На кафе, Simona shared intimate details about her life and her transition. The host of the show asked her about the unique aspects of her journey, including her early childhood and her experiences as a transgender woman. Simona explained that from an early age, she was drawn to typically feminine activities such as playing with Barbie dolls. She humorously noted that her love for these dolls was a clear indication of her inner identity, saying, "I’ve been playing since I was a kid. And in the end, I turned into a big doll." Simona described the physical changes that marked her transition: starting with hormone therapy, followed by the use of fillers, and eventually undergoing breast augmentation. When asked if the transformation was painful, she responded that the desire to transition was greater than any discomfort she might have experienced.
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Her confidence and commitment to her new identity were clear during the interview. "I can say that you are absolutely a real woman," the host remarked, to which Simona affirmed, "Yes." Throughout the conversation, Simona made it clear that she saw herself as a woman, not only in appearance but also in spirit. She stated, "The girl you see defines herself as a much more woman than everyone else," emphasizing her personal connection to her identity. When questioned about her past, Simona firmly rejected any notion of nostalgia or longing for her life before transitioning. She explained that she had no intention of revisiting her past or showing photos of herself before the transformation. "What did you look like before? A boy. A child," she stated, adding that the past held no importance to her now. For Simona, the present and future were all that mattered. Simona also discussed her upbringing and family. She shared that her father worked as a builder and her mother in a hotel. When asked about the first time she expressed her desire to become a woman to her father, she admitted that she never explicitly told him; instead, it simply "happened." One pivotal moment in her transition occurred during a Halloween party with a friend when she first dressed up as a woman, marking the beginning of her journey into the public sphere as Simona Galinova.
On the show, Simona also revealed personal insights about her life and relationships. She spoke candidly about her experiences with dating, explaining that many of the men she encountered were accepting of her transition, finding her "special" and "different" in a positive way. She also addressed questions about her financial situation, explaining that while she does not currently have a profession, she receives financial support from a friend who helps her with her shopping expenses. This admission led to playful discussions about whether this friend could be considered a "sugar daddy," though Simona was quick to clarify that the relationship was not mercantile. As for her aspirations, Simona expressed a desire for fame, but not just for its own sake. She hoped that winning the Miss Playmate contest would allow her to prove that transgender women can be just as beautiful, if not more so, than cisgender women. She emphasized the hard work and effort she had put into her appearance, saying, "I’ve put a lot of effort to look like that." When asked who she believed would vote for her, Simona confidently stated that it would be people who support "the different ones."
Simona's decision to compete in Miss Playmate generated mixed reactions from the public. While many people admired her confidence and beauty, others questioned whether a transgender woman should be allowed to compete in a contest that traditionally celebrates cisgender women. This debate reflected larger societal conversations about gender, beauty standards, and the representation of transgender people in media and popular culture. Simona’s participation, therefore, was not just about personal achievement; it also served as a moment of cultural significance, pushing boundaries and challenging traditional norms.
Simona Galinova’s participation in На кафе and the Miss Playmate contest has cemented her place as a trailblazer for transgender representation in Bulgarian media. Through her candid interviews, she has provided insight into the emotional and physical aspects of transitioning while demonstrating the courage to publicly embrace her identity. Despite the controversies surrounding her participation in the Miss Playmate contest, Simona has proven herself to be a powerful advocate for transgender visibility, inspiring others to accept themselves and embrace their true identities. Her journey is not just about beauty or fame, but about breaking down barriers, challenging societal expectations, and paving the way for future generations of transgender individuals in Bulgaria and beyond. Simona’s story is one of resilience, self-empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of happiness, no matter the obstacles in her path.
Image credits: YouTube
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