Ilano’s Journey in the Big Brother Mzansi House and Making History As the First Transgender Contestant
Born Langelihle Gumede, make-up artist and hairstylist Ilano walked into the Big Brother Mzansi house with history already carpeting her way into the contest as the first transgender contestant to grace the show. Falling agonisingly short of reaching the Top 10, the Inanda native dazzled during her time in the house, establishing her name while representing the Queer community with poise and class.
Gumede talked about what spurred her to join the sixth season of one of South Africa’s biggest television shows.
“When Big Brother Mzansi came calling, it was time to take growth seriously and we all know how uncomfortable it is to grow. I’ve been doing make-up and working on this business for quite some time, and I was locked in and waking up at 4AM to make it work. It was about time I gave myself a chance. That’s why I had to take the chance and risk just to see what South Africa has in store for me… or rather, what I have in store for them,” she said.
Ilano | SUPPLIED
The 23-year-old shared that she wasn’t familiar with the idea of formulating strategies before competing as well as having games to play while locked in with the housemates.
“To be honest with you, I didn’t come into the house with any sort of game because I hadn’t watched the show before coming in. So, I had no idea and everything everyone saw while I was inside was me just being me. When people talked about screentime game, I was so lost because the only thing I had in mind for the season was to be who I am. The only logic I was using was that if people loved me, they would keep me in the house, and that’s what I went by,” she said.
From spats in the house to good times shared in the spirit of oneness, Ilano talked about the relationships she formed with the house and what being crammed in one space with many strong personalities did to her.
“We had challenges as housemates but being forced to co-exist made us grow as individuals and collectively. Despite everything we were still able to stick together while pushing to win as a unit. Winning Wagers four times—four times!—was such a motivating thing because it was like a picture that reminded me of the country itself. If we want something, we can win as a nation. But it’s also about you as a person; peace starts with you before it spills over and spreads to the environment,” she said.
Ilano | SUPPLIED
Ilano reflected on the things she would miss, particularly the escapist activities of challenges and Wager Tasks, which helped her to fight her not-so-game-oriented self while learning how to let loose and just have fun.
“I will miss the Tasks and Challenges the most now that I’m out the house. Remember that as people we are so focused on securing the bag. So sometimes it’s so good to take a moment and paint a portrait. Or design a mask or write letters to people. Doing all those things does something to the mind compared to the loop of waking up and securing the bag, coming back home and sleeping and then waking up again to go and secure the bag. It’s so good to take a deep breath, internalise whatever you’re feeling and work on your mind. To do some introspection. I’m not really a game person but somehow when it was time to play, I found myself switching on to participate and forgetting about my life. I never had a childhood experience where I got to experience those things, I’ve been hustling since I was young,” she said.
Gumede touched on letting people be and understanding when to push and when to let go when it comes to making people get in line to do the right thing.
“You can take a horse to the river, but you can’t force it to drink up—that pretty much goes back to people. You can tell people the right thing but ultimately they choose whether or not they want to do the right thing. It’s a choice. So honestly, some things in the house just left me feeling like… I don’t know,” she said.
She briefly discussed where her head space was now that she was finally out in the real world once again.
“For Ilano, it’s back to hustling now that I’m outside again after representing myself well. People have seen my skills, from acting and presenting to cooking and beauty. It’s time I give it my all and put myself out there more. I’ve been doing it, yes, but now I’ve got a platform with people behind me,” she said.
Watch the compilation of Ilano’s journey:
Ilano opened up about being conscious enough to consistently choose peace.
“It’s possible to switch on as a person and focus even though it’s so hard. As much there are obstacles in life, you can overcome them. So it’s worth it at times to save your peace by making a decision. For example, if you want peace, then you choose it. If you want drama, then choose it. Those little problem-solving skills go a long way and once you get that, it becomes easier,” she said.
Ilano expressed immense gratitude to the people of SA, while giving a special shoutout to the LGBTQI+ community, for the support and the love that kept her in the running for weeks and weeks on end.
“I’m so thankful to each and every single person out there in Mzansi. Special thanks to the LGBTQI+ community as a transwoman who has been on the show. Everyone did the best they could to keep me inside, but the journey has to end either way,” she said.