Made in Greece: Jenny Hiloudaki (1994)

Show: Made in Greece hosted by Semina Digenis
Release Year: 1994

In 1994, Jenny Hiloudaki, a famous transgender model and celebrity in Greece, sat down with Semina Digenis for a candid interview on the ANT1 program Made in Greece. The conversation offered an intimate look into Jenny Hiloudaki’s life, from her challenging childhood in Crete to her rise as a cultural icon and her aspirations for the future. Throughout the dialogue, Hiloudaki reflected on her personal struggles, societal challenges, and the inner strength that propelled her forward.

 

Born in 1968 in the town of Sitia on the island of Crete, Hiloudaki entered the world as Yiannis, named after her late father, a sailor who tragically drowned in an act of heroism. In her formative years, Hiloudaki grappled with a profound sense of incongruity between her outward appearance and her inner identity. She described her realization during adolescence: “Around the age of 15, I consciously realized that I had to change. I started my first hormones, hanging out with girls my age, and exploring the world at night, which until then had been unknown to me.” Hiloudaki recounted her gradual transformation with a mix of vulnerability and pride. She began dyeing her hair, wearing women’s clothing, and embracing her true self. For her, the act of outwardly transitioning marked the beginning of inner liberation: “I felt so terrible inside, in the cocoon of men's clothes and behavior. I hated it. Then, I dyed everything and I was free. I was a woman now. I felt it.” 

 

Hiloudaki did not shy away from addressing the difficulties she faced during her transition. Her early teenage years were marked by economic hardship, which led her to take to the streets at a young age. She spoke frankly about her time on Singrou Street in Athens: “For two years, I’ve been on the sidewalk since I was 14 years old. After my gender was reassigned, I started to work, since I was given a female identity.” Despite the stigma and exploitation she endured, Hiloudaki displayed remarkable resilience. She emphasized how these experiences shaped her resolve and motivated her to pursue a better life. One of the most poignant parts of the interview was Hiloudaki’s account of her relationship with her family. She acknowledged the difficulty her mother faced in accepting her reality but praised her unwavering support: “It was the only thing my family accepted. I didn’t know which mother would accept her child, either a boy or a girl, to have sex. But I chose it. I had to make some money. My mother stays with me.” Her relationship with her sister Eugenia was also a cornerstone of support, as reflected in her choice of the name “Jenny” to honor her sibling’s encouragement during their move to Athens. 

 

Hiloudaki’s journey from the margins to the spotlight was nothing short of extraordinary. Following her gender confirmation surgery in London, she launched a career in modeling, becoming a household name in Greece. She recounted her experience working alongside renowned names in the fashion world and her encounter with Italian actress Sophia Loren, a highlight of her career. “At the show with Sophia Loren, I was in front of her. It was me, next to Loren, who was photographed. And all the magazines put me next to Loren.” While her modeling career brought her fame, Hiloudaki admitted the industry’s grueling demands took their toll: “Excessive diets, daily gymnastics, early sleep, healthy food - all these tired me. I am still very young, and in the end, I managed to do so many things in such a short time.” The interview took a somber turn when Hiloudaki shared a harrowing memory of surviving sexual violence. Her candidness in recounting this trauma underscored her strength and willingness to confront painful chapters of her past: “I felt humiliated. At that moment, I wanted to die. It wasn’t my fault. It was my job. But this was rape. It was humiliating.” Despite these experiences, Hiloudaki maintained her belief in love and spoke fondly of the men in her life. She described herself as someone who was “constantly in love,” emphasizing that genuine connection, not financial transactions, was what she valued most. 

 

As the conversation shifted to the future, Hiloudaki expressed her dreams of travel, health, and stability. Her love for exotic destinations, including the Maldives and Fiji, reflected her yearning for a life of beauty and exploration. She also revealed her dedication to her family and pets, particularly her beloved cat, Leo. When asked about a moment she would relive, Hiloudaki’s answer was both poignant and symbolic: “On the tenth morning in London, I woke up from the narcosis. I was in pain, but it was so beautiful. The juice they brought me was so tasty. The sun was shining. I was happy. It was the happiest moment of my life.” Hiloudaki’s interview with Semina Digenis showcased a woman unafraid to speak her truth, no matter how controversial or challenging it might seem. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of authenticity. Through her journey, Hiloudaki became more than a model or media personality; she emerged as a symbol of self-determination and courage, inspiring others to embrace their true selves despite societal judgment. As she reflected on her past and looked toward the future, Jenny Hiloudaki’s words carried a message of hope and perseverance - a reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can find freedom, success, and self-love.

 

via: youtube

Image credits: YouTube