Becoming Him: A Trans Memoir of Triumph by Landa Mabenge is a powerful and courageous memoir that chronicles the author’s journey of self-discovery and resilience. Born in 1981 and assigned female at birth, Landa grew up acutely aware that his identity did not align with his body. In this deeply personal narrative, he shares his painful childhood experiences, including the devastating physical, emotional, and psychological abuse he endured after being sent to live with abusive guardians in Port Elizabeth.
Despite years of suffering, Landa’s unwavering determination to live authentically propelled him forward. After escaping his traumatic environment to study at the University of Cape Town, he continued to grapple with his identity. His eventual decision to transition marked the beginning of an arduous yet liberating four-year journey. In a groundbreaking achievement, Landa became the first transgender man in South Africa to successfully convince a medical aid scheme to cover his gender-affirming surgeries through the Groote Schuur Transgender Clinic.
Both heartbreaking and inspiring, Becoming Him: A Trans Memoir of Triumph is a testament to resilience and self-empowerment. Landa Mabenge’s story is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of gender identity, the impact of societal prejudice, and the strength it takes to claim one’s truth.
