Transgender Women of South Africa

Despite a constitution considered one of the most liberal in the world in terms of LGBTI rights, South Africa poses severe challenges for those whose gender identity does not comply to the norm. Especially townships and rural communities are strongly shaped by traditional beliefs that consider nonconforming gender and gender expression unAfrican. Hate crimes and institutionalized homophobia are common consequences and often force individuals to perform their gender according to societys standards. This project gives a glimpse into the realities, feelings and aspirations of transgender women in South Africa. The individuals portraits convey the ambiguity and fluidity of gender, inspiring a shift towards an openminded view on what African gender identity can be as opposed to what society demands it to be.