WATCH: Explore Tshiamo Modisane's journey of self-acceptance as a transgender woman in her debut memoir
After 30 years of hard work and dedication, South African author Tshiamo Modisane has finally stepped into the literary realm with the unveiling of her debut book, “I Am Tshiamo”.
This beautiful work is not just a memoir; it is a product woven from years of struggle, resilience and, ultimately, self-acceptance.
Modisane, who is also a beauty influencer and fashion stylist, took to Instagram to express her heartfelt emotions: “What has taken me over 30 years, 35,040 hours to manifest has finally come to fruition.
“In 2021, I set out on a journey of healing and happiness, not knowing that it would lead me to one of my childhood dreams of one day writing a book.”
With honesty and bravery, she recounts her journey of transitioning from a male identity assigned at birth to embracing her true self as a woman.
The memoir, which intertwines her challenges and faith, is a testament to her belief in the grace of God as she navigated societal norms and expectations.
“I have witnessed God hold my hand and often enough carry me through so much,” she recalls. “This book is not only about my life but about the grace of God in and over it. I hope you go out and get a copy and get inspired to go for your dreams.”
The book delves into the turmoil of her childhood, where she lay awake at night yearning for an identity that felt true to her being.
“As a child, I would often lie awake at night, praying that through some miracle I would be woken up by people who had come to take me back to my rightful family,” she writes, revealing the internal struggle she faced growing up in a conservative black culture in KwaThema and Daveyton.
From a young age, Modisane made courageous choices in the face of adversity, with her transition journey culminating in gender-affirmation surgery in her thirties.
Despite enduring hardship, including censure and abuse from various facets of her life, she emerged with unwavering confidence and a passionate drive to not only live authentically but to thrive.
Her ties to the entertainment world set a foundation for her successful career as an actress and the first gender-non-conforming brand ambassador for Lux.
More than just a memoir, “I Am Tshiamo” opens a vital conversation about acceptance and the freedom to be oneself. It challenges readers to reflect on their narratives and inspires them to pursue their dreams unapologetically.
Modisane’s touching recounting of past hurts and present truths resonates with anyone familiar with the fight for acceptance, making her story both relatable and empowering.