There's no show quite like it. It promises to give viewers a glimpse into the reality of gender transformation in South Africa.
The new Mzansi Magic reality show, Becoming, will be a first person account of the journey that transgender South Africans go through when changing their gender.
It follows Gina Sokoyi (who passed away during the shooting of the show), Ramazan Ngobese, Yaya Mavundla and Gugu Kumalo who give viewers an in-depth look into their transitions. It takes a closer look at the psychological impact and gender dysmorphia and hormonal changes and the emotional impact each individual goes through while transitioning.
Award-winning transgender activist Yaya Mavundla hopes it brings awareness and teaches people to respect transgender people.
“Transgender people deserve respect,” she says.
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The transition process not only affects the person changing their gender, it also affects their family and friends as well.
For Yaya, this is the most challenging part, as the reality show not only focuses on her transition but that of her family too, as they learn to accept and support her on this journey.
Speaking to Drum about the new reality show, Yaya says she is both nervous and excited about it.
“This show is the first of it’s kind in Africa and these conversations are important. The stories from us and told by us, this is us, but we know how being transgender is still largely not accepted in the continent.”
Transgender people often face a lot of hate and backlash, but Yaya says she is not afraid.
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“Trans visibility is something I have been doing for years, it is not my first time being open about it on TV, I have exposed my life but this is in more depth, and people can feel how they want to feel, that is okay.
“It’s important that people react so we can respond, it’s good to know how they feel so we can address it. We cannot shy away from these conversations,” she adds.
Yaya says she is not looking for acceptance, but for people to understand and respect transgender people.
The reality show will also look into the challenges faced by transgender people in government institutions such as Home Affairs, the health sector and the police. These institutions need to be progressive, Yaya says.
“The most compelling aspect about our content offering is that we give viewers content that is relevant to their lived experiences. Our reality shows have grown in popularity over the past few years and this compelling series will not only entertain, it will inform and educate. It will hopefully help viewers understand how trans South Africans navigate through prejudice in their respective communities,” says Nomsa Philiso, the Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net.
Becoming will premier on Mzansi Magic on 7 April at 8pm.
