LISTEN | Inno Matijane opens up about transitioning and spirituality ahead of return to reality TV

In a candid interview, reality TV star Innocent "Inno" Matijane has shared his journey of self-discovery and spirituality.

The star, who has been open about his transition, revealed he took a break from social media to detox and find himself outside the industry.

"I feel like I needed to regroup, stop giving so much of myself to social media, take a bit of time to detox and find out who I really am outside of the industry," he said.

Inno emphasised he does not feel the need to share every aspect of his life with the public: "I value privacy so much in my life. It's really not necessary for people to know everything that's happening in my life."

His return to the public eye was met with controversy, particularly from the LGBTQI+ community.

"I don't want to hurt people, but I need to tell my truth," he said, acknowledging the backlash.

Inno has been focusing on spirituality and posting content that reflects his current state of mind. "I'm still very much in a confusion phase. I was in a phase of finding myself, learning about myself, which hasn't been easy because with that came spirituality, even before transitioning."

His transition journey has been challenging, with suicidal moments and feelings of desperation. "I couldn't take it any more — the pretence of feeling like I'm not living my life."

He also expressed concerns about the LGBTQI+ community, particularly the number of young people transitioning. "Kids need to be kids. I struggled with that."

After stopping his hormone treatment, Inno felt unfulfilled and considered gender reassignment surgery. However, he eventually turned to his faith for comfort and guidance.

"I feel like now, where I'm at, God has always been convicting me that I am too focused on the flesh."

Inno acknowledged he is not straight and his journey is ongoing.

"Are we really being inclusive if not all stories are being told?" he asked.

Inno is set to make a return to the small screen. After initially joining as a trans woman, he has since identified as a man again after giving his life to the Lord.