'I get misgendered a lot and I need to correct it' — Thishiwe slams people disrespecting his trans journey

01 June 2023 - 11:39
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Thishiwe Ziqubu calls out tweeps misgendering him.
Thishiwe Ziqubu calls out tweeps misgendering him.
Image: Via Instagram

Actor Thishiwe Ziqubu says he gets “misgendered a lot” and needs to correct it. 

He took to his Twitter timeline to clarify the pronouns to use for him are “he/him/they/them”.

“Please don’t call me Tish. That is not my name. My name is Thishiwe. Please don’t call me a girl or an actress. I’m trans and I’m an actor. Thanks,” he wrote. 

“I get misgendered a lot and I need to correct it.” 

Thishiwe said at home, people had adjusted to his transition and described him appropriately and he wanted everyone else to follow suit instead of bashing him for his choice.

“I can’t believe I was shamed for asking people to call me by my name. And I’m told I’m rude because people refuse to call me by my name.”

“Cha mina ekhaya bangibiza Mfowetthu or Mkhulu, when people aren’t homophobic it’s easy to understand.”

As pride month kicks off activists and transactivists are set to amplify their voices to help shed light on the LGBTQI+ community.

Media personality and fashion entrepreneur Yaya Mavundla, an audible voice for the community, has used her platform to change the lives of other trans people so they can be afforded the same opportunities.

Fusing her passion for fashion with her activism, Yaya launched her first clothing line, Queer Comfort, 50% of the profits of which will assist black transwomen with access to hormones and education. 

“I know why trans people should have access to hormones, having come from that space. There are a lot of young trans people that look up to me ... I find that it's so sad that they are not prioritised. Because I believe any medication should be distributed equally,” she told TshisaLIVE.

Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.



subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.