D. Smith Announces He's Detransitioning After 12 Years: "Those Years Weren't a Mistake"

D. Smith is starting a new chapter. The Love & Hip Hop Atlanta star, 51, announced on Instagram that he is detransitioning after 12 years living publicly as a transgender woman. He will now live and present as a man, using he/him pronouns.

In his own words

"For most of my life, I've followed my heart, even when the path wasn't easy to understand."

"Over the last twelve years, I lived my life publicly as a transgender woman."

"Those years weren't a mistake. They were real."

"This isn't about erasing my past. Living my life as a woman for 12 years showed me the man that I wanted to become."

"My respect and love for the transgender community remain unchanged."

Smith added that he chose "purpose over fear," and promised to share more of the journey in full when the time is right.

A decorated career

Smith is a Grammy-nominated musician who has worked with Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, Katy Perry, and Ciara — and was the first transgender person to appear on Love & Hip Hop Atlanta, joining the cast for Season 5 in 2016.

Support pours in

The announcement drew an outpouring of support in the comments — including a heartfelt "love letter" from Pose actress Indya Moore.

SNUBBZ TAKE

Twelve years in the public eye, and he's choosing purpose over fear. "Living my life as a woman for 12 years showed me the man that I wanted to become" — that's growth, not erasure. Wishing D. Smith peace on the new chapter.

Source: Page Six — 'Love & Hip Hop Atlanta' star detransitioning after living as a woman for 12 years