Former Big Brother Mzansi contestant Ilano Sky has finally received an identity document reflecting her correct gender marker after waiting five years for the process to be completed.
Sky took to social media to share the milestone, reflecting on the long and difficult journey that began when she applied to change her gender marker in 2019.
Speaking to MambaOnline, Sky described the years without a valid ID as “a roller coaster” that affected almost every aspect of her life.
“I couldn’t go anywhere, I couldn’t travel,” she said. “I remember at some point I couldn’t even have a funeral cover. My business was not registered. A lot of things were just a mess.”
After losing her ID while her gender marker application was still pending, Sky found herself unable to apply for a replacement document. She was forced to rely on affidavits from the police station to explain her situation whenever she needed documentation.
The lack of an ID also prevented her from pursuing opportunities, including plans to study overseas.
“Some things I’m limited to doing because I remember I wanted to study overseas but I couldn’t. I’m not identified; I don’t have a document,” she said.
Sky credits legal support from Access Chapter 2, a South African organisation working to advance the rights of LGBTQIA+ people, with helping to speed up the process.
“Access Chapter 2 helped because they sped up the process. Basically, it was going to take much longer if I had no legal team on my side,” she said.
Now that she finally has her document, Sky is looking ahead. She plans to formally register her hair and makeup business, travel and pursue her education.
“I want to be an educated powerhouse,” she said. “This is the time now to tackle everything that I said I wanted for myself.”
While receiving an ID that reflects who she is has been deeply meaningful, Sky says the experience also highlights how difficult the process remains for many trans South Africans.
“I feel very wonderful. I feel like a blessing. But it shouldn’t feel like this, though. I should feel normal,” she said.
She remains concerned about other trans people who are still navigating the system, particularly at Home Affairs.
“Most of the majority of these Home Affairs people are not educated. They are not skilled with people like us,” Sky said, describing instances where trans people are given incorrect information about the requirements for changing their gender markers.
For Sky, her new document represents more than an administrative milestone. It opens the door to opportunities she says were placed on hold for years.
“To see my document in my hand, it’s quite exciting, as it should not be,” she said. “I can’t be grateful because I know there are a lot of people that are still going through this.”
For her, the fight is therefore bigger than one ID. It is about ensuring that trans people can access accurate documentation without having to wait years or fight simply to have their identities recognised.
