10 South African Celebrities Who Are Lesbian: Breaking Barriers and Celebrating Authenticity
South Africa has long been a leader in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, becoming the first country in the world to constitutionally protect people from discrimination based on their sexual orientation.
Despite this progressive legal framework, societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals, especially women, often remain conservative.
However, in recent years, a number of South African celebrities have boldly come forward to embrace their sexuality, inspiring countless others.
Here are ten South African celebrities who identify as lesbian and have made significant strides in breaking down societal barriers, promoting inclusivity, and celebrating authenticity.
1. Thandiswa Mazwai
Thandiswa Mazwai is a well-known South African musician and former member of the iconic group Bongo Maffin. Known for her captivating voice and impactful music, Sowmaswai has quietly embraced her identity as a lesbian over the years.
Though she is a private person, her openness about her sexuality has been powerful. In a notable interaction, a fan confessed to having a crush on her and asked for a date.
Tandy responded by saying, “I stopped dating men about 14 years ago. Men are nice, but women are so much more.”
Her courage in publicly sharing her journey has made her a beacon of hope for others in the LGBTQ+ community.
2. Letoya Makhene
Letoya Makhene , best known for her role as Tadi Moroka on the popular South African soap opera Generations: The Legacy, shocked the public in 2020 when she revealed that she is a lesbian.
In a heartfelt announcement, she disclosed that she had found love with Johannesburg businesswoman Levo Qeso.
Despite being a mother of five, Victoria expressed her happiness and newfound fulfillment, noting that her relationship with Levo is an example of true love.
The two have openly shared their relationship on social media, where they often post romantic gestures and celebrations.
Victoria also revealed that her father fully supports her decision to come out as a lesbian, highlighting the importance of family acceptance in an often judgmental society.
3. Tina Redman
Tina Redman, another actress from Generations: The Legacy, has openly identified as a lesbian. Despite portraying a public figure in the series, Tina has always been unapologetic about her sexual orientation.
She has been in a long-term relationship for years, and her decision to live authentically has allowed her to become a role model for many in South Africa.
Her presence in the entertainment industry helps further normalize the representation of LGBTQ+ people on screen, a crucial aspect of fostering inclusivity and acceptance.
4. Brenda Fassie
Brenda Fassie, a legendary South African musician, singer, and activist, is considered one of the country’s most influential public figures.
Although she led a controversial life and passed away tragically at the age of 39 in 2004, her openness about her sexuality was groundbreaking for the time.
Brenda was one of the first South African superstars to openly identify as a lesbian, and in interviews, she shared that she had always been a tomboy and had relationships with women throughout her life.
Despite the public scrutiny she faced, Brenda was unbothered by the attention, saying it had no negative effect on her career.
Her brave decision to publicly acknowledge her sexual orientation paved the way for future LGBTQ+ South African celebrities to embrace their identities without fear.
5. Nomsa Buthelezi
Nomsa Buthelezi is a South African actress and TV presenter, widely recognized for her role in Our Perfect Wedding. She surprised many fans when she posted her partner on Instagram and publicly came out as a lesbian.
Though Nomsa had previously kept her sexuality private, she felt compelled to share her truth after years of suppressing it.
She confessed that from a young age, she was never attracted to men, and her relationship with her partner, Zandi Lyshezi, since September 2019, has been one of love and acceptance.
Nomsa’s journey emphasizes the importance of authenticity, showing that one can be both a successful public figure and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.
6. Sade Giliberti
Sade Giliberti was a prominent figure in South African children’s television, having worked as a presenter for a popular program on SABC One from 1996 to 2007.
Though Chad only began speaking publicly about her sexuality as an adult, she was never shy about expressing her true self.
She has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ equality and, now based in London, continues to champion the cause through her work as a videographer, editor, and activist.
Chad’s story is one of resilience, as she worked to break free from the limitations of traditional gender expectations in the entertainment industry and used her platform to promote acceptance.
7. Lebo Matosa
Lebo Matosa, a South African singer best known for being part of the popular group Boom Shaka, tragically passed away in a car crash in 2006 at the age of 29.
Though Levo never officially came out as a lesbian, it was widely known within the LGBTQ+ community that she had relationships with women.
One of the most notable incidents that revealed her sexuality was a public altercation in 2002 at the South African Music Awards, where she became involved in a confrontation over a woman who was allegedly her lover.
Levo’s legacy continues to inspire LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in the world of music and entertainment.
8. Toya Delajy
Toya Delajy is a globally recognized South African musician and actor known for his smash hits like Pump It and Wild.
While Troye is now an international star, his South African roots still play a significant role in his identity. Troye has used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has spoken openly about his experiences as a gay man.
In 2016, he won an international LGBT music award in New York for his track Forbidden Fruit, which features same-sex couples in the music video.
Troye’s efforts to normalize same-sex love through his art have had a lasting impact on the global LGBTQ+ community.
9. PJ Powers
PJ Powers, a South African musician with a career spanning from the late 1970s, was long rumored to be a lesbian, though she never openly confirmed it.
In 2014, she publicly admitted to her sexuality during an interview with Mamba Online, saying that while she had never explicitly defined herself by her sexuality, people had always known she was gay.
She also shared that her girlfriend had become an integral part of her life, and the two lived openly as a couple.
PJ’s honesty about her sexuality helped shed light on the struggles and triumphs faced by public figures in the LGBTQ+ community.
10. Caster Semenya
Caster Semenya, one of the world’s most celebrated athletes, made headlines in 2017 when she openly discussed her sexuality in an interview with BET.
Caster shared that she had always felt different and had always been attracted to women. Since 2015, she has been married to her long-term partner, Violet, and together they have a daughter.
Caster’s bravery in discussing her sexuality has helped change the conversation around athletes and LGBTQ+ representation in sports, showing that identity and athleticism are not mutually exclusive.
Conclusion
These 10 South African celebrities are just a few examples of the many individuals who have chosen to live openly and authentically, embracing their identities as lesbian women.
By sharing their stories and experiences, they have helped break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and foster a more inclusive society.
While South Africa has made significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights, the courage and visibility of these public figures remain essential in inspiring the next generation to live their truth without fear.
Their influence has not only changed the entertainment industry but also empowered countless individuals across South Africa and the world to be unapologetically themselves.
