By Kat Grey
It has always been my dream to be a model, but in chasing this dream I quickly discovered that finding a talent agency as a transgender woman was near impossible because of the stereotypes and prejudiced beliefs about us. Trans women in South Africa are not considered, seen nor treated as real women. We are judged because our identity documents indicate that we are male, even though we identify as women. We have been ostracised by society, and that makes it difficult to find a job in any field.
In my case, I had applied to multiple agencies with no success – so, I decided to focus on creating content to promote my brand with the hope that I would one day be recognised. However, five years of content creation later I was still not close to reaching my dream of being a transgender model or becoming a national icon for the trans community.
One day, as I was browsing through my feeds on Facebook, I stumbled upon an advert by an agency called 33 & Me Talent Agency. I decided to click on the ad and that decision changed my life because this is the agency that has given me an opportunity to chase my dreams and become the star that I was always destined to be.
After seeing the advert, I sent in an application and on 20th July 2022, my hopes for a modeling career were reignited when someone within 33 & Me Talent Agency saw something in me that could be grown and nurtured to be a great one day. His name was Raydon Borchards and he was one of the top booking agents at the agency.
He invited me to a representation interview on 22nd July 2022, where the agency would determine if they would be willing to represent me and my brand. The research that I had done indicated that it was one of the best talent agencies in South Africa, so I knew that I had to make a good first impression! With my hair and make-up on fleek, I walked in, head up, chest out, carrying my confidence on my shoulders. To my surprise, Borchards was a queer man who was excited to see a fellow member of the rainbow community walk through the agency doors in pursuit of their dreams.
I knew the interview was a success when I received positive feedback from Borchards. He said, “with the energy you brought when you walked in this building, and the glow and excitement I see in your eyes when you speak about your goals, dreams and passions, I certainly believe you’ve got what it takes to make your brand very successful, with our help of course.”
He also explained how the agency would help my brand push boundaries and change norms and perspectives on how society perceived transwomen. He handed me the contract, I studied it. I was happy, and I signed it immediately, to officially confirm the beginning of my journey towards fulfilling my dreams.
After giving me a tour of the agency, he concluded our meeting by telling me that in order for me to officially join the agency and for them to offer me full representation for the duration of my contract, I had to pay R4260.00 within seven days. Only after that, would I be able to attend the agency’s beginner’s orientation and shoot my talent portfolio. In that moment my stomach dropped, and reality hit me! How on earth was I going to raise that money in a week?
I spent days and nights stressed, not being able to sleep, worried about my future, trying to figure out how I’d be able to raise the money. I sought contributions from friends, relatives, and past business associates – but I was still only able to raise R1,700. Seeing that the money wasn’t enough, I began to feel as if no-one believed in my dreams enough to invest in me. A kind of darkness took over me and I felt abandoned.
On the final day of the seven-day deadline, I had lost all hope. I’d been drifting slowly into a dark pit of loneliness, stress and depression. I was with a close friend on the day and as we sat un-braiding my hair, we prayed fervently to God for a miracle. Moments later I received a WhatsApp from Zanele Muholi, a prominent queer public figure and friend.
Two days before the deadline I had reached out to Zanele and asked if she would please donate R500,00 towards my agency fees. She was travelling at the time on an international art education tour but had promised that she would help me. Fast forward just two days later and here she was texting me to ask if she should send the donation directly to the agency. But I wasn’t sure how her sending a donation of R500 directly to the agency, was going to help considering that even with her contribution, and the money I had already raised, I would still need and additional R2060. Amid the confusion, I received a bank notification stating that I just received R5000 from Muholi. I couldn’t believe my eyes. My prayers had literally been answered!
I jumped and screamed in absolute joy, happiness and complete gratitude for God answering my prayers through the most influential believer and supporter of my dreams. I have only known Zanele for six years, but her trust and belief in me surpassed every single person I’ve known in my whole entire life. From that moment I believed that God’s light will always shine brightly at the end of the tunnel, despite all the odds been stacked against you. That moment reassured me that when it’s your time to shine, no matter what, the devil shall not prosper.
Without hesitation, I sent through the full amount to the agency before the deadline. I finally found peace and restoration and couldn’t wait to embark on this new life journey that would lead to achieving my dreams.
All that was left for me to do now was to show up and show them what this superstar was truly made of! And I did.