For Bree Shalomn (32), beginning her journey as a transgender woman was not a sudden decision, but the culmination of a lifetime of feelings she had finally decided to stop suppressing.

The Vredenburg resident began her transition in 2024 describing it as a deeply personal journey of bringing her outward life into alignment with who she has always known herself to be.

Starting with simple outfits and make-up was one of the first steps in her journey. The next major step was making contact with a transgender clinic.

However, as Shalomn explains, transitioning is not as straightforward as many people may think. It involves being placed on a waiting list, undergoing various medical tests, speaking to doctors and navigating a process that takes time. “As time went along I started seeing the changes with the medication I had been taking.

Becoming more feminine

“I started to become more feminine, my face features got softer and I was excited about what I witnessed in the mirror.”

However, a difficult obstacle on her journey materialised when the clinic closed its doors.

For Shalomn the closure was a major disappointment. She was left without access to the medication she needed for a year, with no immediate alternative available.

It was harsh on her body as well; she started seeing her feminine features fade away, which also had an impact on her emotions.

Despite the setback Shalomn continued on her journey, determined not to return to the suppressed person she had spent years trying to be.

Getting back on track was her mission. She will now undergo gender-affirming genital surgery, a particularly exciting part of the journey for her.

Having the support of her family from day 1 also meant the world to her.

“They never rejected me; they were always there for me.”

A journey that doesn’t have to be lonely

Her message to the LGBTQI+ community is that they are not alone; their feelings are valid and their existence a beautiful part of being human. “I was raised to believe that God is love and that we are all ‘fearfully and wonderfully made.’ If I am living my life authentically and with love in my heart. How can that be an abomination?”

She believes faith should not be used to hurt others. “If God didn’t accept me for who I am, why am I still being blessed? He knows exactly who I am. I ask you to look past what you think you know and see the human being in front of you, someone who is simply trying to live a life of peace and purpose, like you. Love is the greatest commandment. Let’s try to start there.”