Visibility, Identity, and Belonging: A Conversation with Melody Sahiri from Gender Dynamics

In a world that still struggles to fully embrace gender diversity, conversations like these are not just important — they are necessary. I recently had the privilege of speaking with Melody Sahiri, the Community Engagement Manager at Gender Dynamics, South Africa’s pioneering organisation dedicated solely to supporting transgender and gender-diverse communities.

As the first Africa-based registered public benefit organisation focusing exclusively on trans and gender-diverse people, Gender Dynamics has grown from a grassroots vision into a cornerstone of the trans movement across Southern Africa. Their work spans advocacy, policy accountability, community support, and human rights documentation — ensuring that constitutional promises don’t remain just words on paper.

A Personal Journey of Identity

During our conversation, Melody shared her deeply personal journey — one that many transgender people can relate to. She recalls knowing, from as early as six or seven-years-old, that the body she was born into did not align with who she truly was.

At that time, there was no language to describe being transgender. Gender identity and sexual orientation were often conflated, and anyone who did not conform to societal norms was simply labelled as “gay.” Melody explained how this lack of understanding forced her — and many others — to adopt terminology that never fully fit.

This confusion highlights a reality many LGBTQIA+ individuals face: knowing something feels “off” long before having the words, safety, or permission to explore that truth.

PICTURE: Melody Saherrie with host, Jasnine Roberts

Gender Identity vs Sexual Orientation: Clearing the Confusion

One of the most critical parts of our discussion focused on education. Melody broke down concepts that are still widely misunderstood:

·         Sexual orientation refers to who you are attracted to.

·         Gender identity is about who you are.

·         Gender expression is how you present yourself to the world.

·         Sex characteristics relate to intersex variations.

Being transgender does not mean someone is gay. Melody herself is a heterosexual transgender woman. Likewise, being transgender does not mean someone is “in drag.” Dressing in alignment with one’s gender identity is not performance — it is affirmation.

These misconceptions, especially among older generations, continue to fuel stigma, discomfort, and rejection.

How Gender Dynamics Is Making a Difference

Gender Dynamics plays a crucial role in bridging these gaps. One of their key initiatives, the Altemba Project, operates across five provinces and focuses on:

·         Documenting human rights violations

·         Providing emergency response and referrals

·         Supporting individuals facing violence, rejection, or discrimination

·         Facilitating community dialogues and education

They also offer sensitisation training for schools, organisations, and institutions, helping to create safer, more inclusive environments for everyone.

Through their social media platforms — including YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok — Gender Dynamics shares accessible, educational content that explains gender diversity in simple, relatable terms, making it easier for parents, elders, and communities to understand.

A Call to Compassion and Courage

If there is one message to take away from this conversation, it is this: visibility matters, education matters, and empathy saves lives.

Being transgender or LGBTQIA+ is not a threat to society. What is harmful is silence, ignorance, and the refusal to listen.

As a nation that proudly calls itself the Rainbow Nation, we must do more than celebrate diversity in theory. We must practice it — in our homes, our schools, our churches, our healthcare systems, and our everyday interactions.

 

Done by: Jasnine Roberts