National Coming Out Day: KZN man proudly comes out to his aunt live on air
National Coming Out Day is an annual LGBT awareness day which is observed on October 11th. On Friday, we heard coming out stories from KZN and spoke to a man who is currently in the process of transitioning.
Listen to Nhlanhla coming out to his aunt, and then read below:
Many in the LGBTQ community have had to hide in fear for their livelihood and their lives.
The constant fear of being rejected by friends and loved ones, as well as the community of which they are a part of, has led to many of them remaining in the proverbial 'closet'. This means living a half-life at best, and hiding who they are from those who should be nearest and dearest to them.
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National Coming Out Day challenges this ancient standard and encourages LGBTQ people everywhere to stand proud and claim who they are, and thus reclaim their lives and sense of pride.
On Friday, we got a chance to hear some coming out stories from listeners, and we had an opportunity to hear from one very brave man.
Nhlanhla Mthembu is a 31-year-old trans man from Ulundi who is currently in the process of transitioning. He has five siblings, as well as a twin brother.
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At the tender age of 13, he realised he was not the same. He lived as a lesbian until 2016 and then went onto research and go on hormone treatment to fully transition into a man.
In the chat with Stacey, Nhlanhla told us about his upbringing, about hiding in the shadows, and the transition process. He bravely opted to come out to his aunt live on air as well.
Hear the full interview in the podcast.