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| Human rights defender and stylist Letoya Johnstone |
Human rights defender and stylist Letoya Johnstone recently discussed the realities of being transgender, highlighting distinctions often misunderstood.
Letoya, a transgender woman, is a model, catwalk coach, and active contributor to TransAlliance Kenya, an organization focused on reducing stigma, combating discrimination, and improving healthcare access for transgender people.
In an interview with YouTuber Jagero, Letoya explained her identity as a woman born in a man’s body, clarifying that her gender identity isn’t about “feeling” female but rather “being” a woman.
“I am a woman born in a man’s body because my womanhood is not something that is manifesting in my body,” she said.
Letoya described different forms of transitioning, starting with social transitioning, where appearance cues help express gender identity
“Social transitioning lets you show yourself in a way that others may see as feminine. For instance, painting your nails, braiding your hair, or dressing in a certain way to reflect your gender. In one area, people may know you as male, but somewhere new, you may introduce yourself with a name that aligns with your identity.”
She also discussed medical transitioning, which may involve hormone therapy or surgeries to help individuals align their bodies with their gender identity.
In Kenya, where legal gender recognition is not yet available, medical transitioning is typically accessible only to adults who can give informed consent after thorough counseling. “Medical transitioning lets that woman within you be visibly manifested,” Letoya explained.
by DERICK OMOLO