Letoya Johnstone, a prominent human rights advocate, stylist, and transgender woman, recently shared her deeply personal journey as a transgender individual in an insightful interview with YouTuber Jagero. In this candid conversation, Letoya offered a glimpse into her life as a transgender woman, shedding light on the challenges, misconceptions, and triumphs she has faced in navigating her gender identity.
As a member of TransAlliance Kenya, an organization committed to reducing stigma and fighting discrimination against the transgender community, Letoya’s experiences reflect both the personal and societal obstacles that transgender individuals often encounter. Her role within the organization is not just about advocacy but also about creating spaces that support the transgender community in accessing healthcare, legal recognition, and social acceptance.
Understanding Gender Identity: Beyond Feeling
During the interview, Letoya emphasized the need for society to understand the complexity of gender identity. She clarified that being transgender is not about “feeling” female or male but rather about the intrinsic understanding of who one truly is. “I am a woman born in a man’s body,” she shared, highlighting the fact that her womanhood is not defined by physical appearance but by an inherent truth about her gender. Letoya’s words challenge the common misconception that transgender individuals transition simply because they “feel” a certain way; instead, she explained that for her, it was a matter of recognizing and embracing her identity as a woman, regardless of how her body may have appeared initially.
Letoya’s expression of her gender identity is a powerful statement about the nature of self-realization and how gender is far more nuanced than societal norms often portray. For Letoya, being a woman is a core part of her identity that transcends physical traits.
The Process of Transitioning: Social and Medical Aspects
Letoya described the process of transitioning as multi-faceted, encompassing both social and medical elements. Social transitioning, she explained, involves presenting oneself in a way that aligns with one’s gender identity. This can include aspects such as changing one’s wardrobe, hairstyle, or even nail polish to reflect femininity. Social transition is about creating a public persona that aligns with one’s authentic self. Letoya mentioned that, in certain settings, she might still be perceived as male, but in others, she is able to introduce herself by a name that resonates with her true identity. This aspect of transitioning is often the first step toward living authentically and is crucial for transgender individuals in feeling validated in their gender.
In contrast, medical transitioning involves more profound changes that may include hormone therapy and, for some, surgeries. These medical interventions help to align the physical body with one’s gender identity. Letoya acknowledged that while medical transitioning is a significant step for many transgender individuals, it is often inaccessible in Kenya due to a lack of legal gender recognition and the limited availability of medical services for transgender people. In Kenya, medical transitioning is restricted to adults who can provide informed consent after comprehensive counseling, and even then, options like hormone therapy are not readily available for everyone.
Despite these challenges, Letoya explained that medical transitioning is a process that can make one’s gender identity more visible. For her, it’s not just about physical appearance but about becoming more comfortable in her own skin. “Medical transitioning allows the woman inside you to become visibly apparent,” she shared, emphasizing the transformative impact it has on both the individual and their community.
The Struggle for Legal Recognition and Healthcare Access
One of the most pressing issues that Letoya touched on was the lack of legal recognition for gender identity in Kenya. Without legal recognition, transgender individuals face significant hurdles in accessing healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Furthermore, the absence of legal frameworks for gender identity recognition creates a hostile environment where discrimination is rampant.
Letoya’s role in TransAlliance Kenya has allowed her to advocate for more inclusive policies and legal frameworks that protect the rights of transgender individuals. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire greater understanding and compassion, not only within the LGBTQ+ community but also among the wider public. She believes that advocacy is essential in creating systemic change and ensuring that transgender individuals receive the support they need.
A Call for Greater Acceptance
Letoya’s story is a reminder that the transgender experience is complex and multi-dimensional. From the personal struggles of social transitioning to the fight for medical and legal recognition, her journey reflects the broader struggles faced by transgender individuals globally. Through her advocacy work, Letoya is striving to create a world where transgender individuals can live authentically, with dignity and respect. By sharing her story, she hopes to foster greater acceptance and understanding of transgender people, ultimately working toward a more inclusive society.
