Earlier this month the popular Afrikaans *soapie 7de Laan made history by featuring their very first gay kiss on local television screens.
It’s definitely a major milestone for the LGBQT community.
Especially in South Africa because conventional soapies like 7de Laan follow conventional narratives and stick to the status quo.
Not only has 7de Laan featured a gay couple; but they have also introduced their very first trans actress – the beautiful, Deonay Balie.
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Balie takes on character, Geneviève and will have a half month stint on the soapie.
It is said that Balie does not have any formal drama training but the producers of the show really wanted a real transgender person to take on the role, for it to be truly authentic.
Viewers will see highly emotional moments as Geneviève confronts her sexuality.
“I’m able to use the personal disappointments and hurt I’ve experienced to portray Geneviève,” Balie told YOU magazine. “I believe you should use moments of conflict to educate people.”
“I’d much rather listen to why they don’t like having a transgender woman in the series and then talk about it. I’m a tough cookie.”
This is a positive step in the right direction towards people becoming more accepting and embracing their sexual identities.
Let’s hope various other popular series (not just in SA but around the world) follow suit and shed light on issues that affect the LQBQT community in order for audiences to gain a further understanding.
*Soapie is a South African slang word that means a drama series that plays on TV