Veso Golden Oke, born in Nigeria to a Nigerian father and a Ghanaian mother, is a prominent transgender model, actress, activist, and entrepreneur. Raised in an Anglican household, Oke exhibited feminine traits from a young age and identified as a woman, never considering herself a gay man. At eight, she prayed to wake up in a girl's body, and by fourteen, she discovered the concept of being transgender online, helping her come to terms with her identity. Initially met with resistance, her family eventually became supportive. In 2014, Oke relocated to Ghana, where she pursued a career in modeling and mentored aspiring models in Accra.
Her groundbreaking moment came in August 2019 when she became the first openly transgender woman to compete in a beauty pageant in Africa, participating in Miss Europe Continental Ghana. Although she didn't win, her participation marked a significant milestone for transgender visibility on the continent. Beyond modeling, Oke is a professional make-up artist and hairstylist. She has been an outspoken advocate for transgender rights, sharing her experiences and challenges to raise awareness. By 2018, she had begun hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as part of her transition journey. Oke's story has been featured in various media outlets, including an interview where she discussed her struggles and aspirations. She continues to inspire many by breaking barriers and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community in Africa.
Monika: Today, I have the pleasure and honor of interviewing Veso Golden Oke, a trailblazing Nigerian-born beauty queen, model, and professional make-up artist. She proudly represented Ghana at Miss Trans Star International 2019 and made history that same year as the first transgender woman to compete in Miss Europe Continental Ghana, a beauty pageant traditionally for cisgender women. Welcome, Veso!
Veso: Hello Monika, thank you for this opportunity.
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| Miss Trans Star International 2019 (YouTube) |
Monika: Growing up in Nigeria as a transgender person must have been incredibly challenging. Could you share some of your experiences from your teenage years and how they shaped your journey?
Veso: Yes, I was born in Nigeria and lived in Nigeria for 20 years of my life. It was hell every day because as a young Christian child, I was made to believe that my lifestyle was demonic and I needed deliverance. Society had no pity on me, I felt hate and isolation every single day. I was once arrested and put in jail with criminals just because I identified as a woman. I was lucky once when I almost got stoned in the streets after protesting against the 24-year imprisonment for LGBT people. I would have died if I had not found a way to escape.
That was when I realized I had to move out, and Ghana was the only country I could afford with the money I had. Ghana is not safe because there’s no law protecting us, and society still doesn’t accept us, but the LGBT organization in Ghana found a little way to protect us, so I felt a bit safer there. Despite everything, I never lost hope that one day I would live in a place where I could be myself without fear.
Monika: Do you remember your first beauty pageant experience? How did you first learn about competitions specifically for transgender women?
Monika: Do you remember your first beauty pageant experience? How did you first learn about competitions specifically for transgender women?
Veso: After coming out as transgender, I gained a bit of support and empathy after people heard my story. I started advocating for transgender visibility on national TV stations, and my friend online told me about Miss Trans Star International. For me, it was an opportunity to be a voice all over the world as a beauty queen. So I decided to join. It was a life-changing moment that gave me the confidence to embrace my identity even more.
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| Photo credit: Eemmax Experience. |
Veso: I didn’t get any sponsorship because I was in a country where I had no legal value. I did everything on my own, I sold almost everything. I had to pay for my flight ticket and get my costumes. It was a tough journey, but my determination to represent my community kept me going and made every sacrifice worth it.
Monika: How would you describe the atmosphere among the contestants? Did you feel a sense of camaraderie, or was the competition particularly intense?
Veso: The competition was very tough, as most of the girls had support from their country and family. So being alone sometimes got me depressed. Despite that, I tried to stay focused and remind myself why I was there in the first place.
Monika: You also competed in Miss Europe Continental Ghana. What was it like to stand on that stage, competing against cisgender women? Did it feel like a milestone for you?
Veso: Competing in Miss Europe Continental Ghana was a big breakthrough for African trans women living in Africa. I encouraged them to come out and embrace themselves because they mostly live in fear and only want to come out at night.
Veso: The competition was very tough, as most of the girls had support from their country and family. So being alone sometimes got me depressed. Despite that, I tried to stay focused and remind myself why I was there in the first place.
Monika: You also competed in Miss Europe Continental Ghana. What was it like to stand on that stage, competing against cisgender women? Did it feel like a milestone for you?
Veso: Competing in Miss Europe Continental Ghana was a big breakthrough for African trans women living in Africa. I encouraged them to come out and embrace themselves because they mostly live in fear and only want to come out at night.
I believe I gave them the strength to come out feeling proud. I’m grateful for all their support during the pageant. When the news came that the chief judge said I should not be crowned because I was a transgender woman, I was surprised that after the show my fellow contestants fought for me, and that alone was my winning moment. I won in the heart of everyone. That experience proved to me that change is possible, even in the most unexpected places.
Monika: How did your journey into modeling begin? Were there any specific challenges you faced as an aspiring model in Africa?
Veso: I started modeling when I was seventeen years old, but it has always been difficult because in Africa you need connections to get to the top. Despite the challenges, I never gave up and kept pushing forward, hoping to create opportunities for myself.
Monika: In your opinion, what changes are needed in Africa to create more opportunities for transgender women in the fashion industry?
Veso: The fashion industry needs to start accepting transgender models, and designers should be open-minded to work with trans models because I believe we are as capable as any other person in the industry. Representation matters, and having more trans women in fashion would inspire others to embrace their dreams without fear.
Monika: How did your journey into modeling begin? Were there any specific challenges you faced as an aspiring model in Africa?
Veso: I started modeling when I was seventeen years old, but it has always been difficult because in Africa you need connections to get to the top. Despite the challenges, I never gave up and kept pushing forward, hoping to create opportunities for myself.
Monika: In your opinion, what changes are needed in Africa to create more opportunities for transgender women in the fashion industry?
Veso: The fashion industry needs to start accepting transgender models, and designers should be open-minded to work with trans models because I believe we are as capable as any other person in the industry. Representation matters, and having more trans women in fashion would inspire others to embrace their dreams without fear.
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| Veso Golden Oke on TV3 New Day (YouTube) |
Monika: How would you describe your personal style? Do you have any favorite fashion designs, colors, or trends that you gravitate toward?
Veso: I don’t have special outfits or colors, I just go with what looks good on me. I like to feel comfortable, confident, attractive, and responsible. For me, fashion is all about expressing my personality while staying true to myself.
Monika: You are very active in advocating for LGBTQ rights and have fearlessly spoken out against discrimination. You even had the courage to criticize the well-known model Olajumoke Orisaguna for her homophobic comments and threats. What drives you to take such a strong stand?
Veso: It’s time we start breaking those boundaries and stand up for ourselves, and that’s what I am doing. The more we keep quiet, people start thinking we have no voice or are scared to speak out against injustice. I won’t sit back and watch anyone humiliate any young member of my community. Every time I speak up, I hope it inspires someone else to find their voice too.
Monika: Many of us face immense challenges in the pursuit of living as our true selves. Unfortunately, many transgender women lose their families, friends, jobs, and social standing in the process. Did you have to pay such a high price for your transition? What was the hardest part of your coming out?
Veso: Yes, for sure, I lost my job and became distant from my family, but the worst experience was not being able to attend my father’s funeral because I would be sent to jail the moment I stepped into Nigeria, and my uncles and aunties were not ready to set their eyes on me. As my dad’s favorite child, I really wished I was there to say goodbye to him. I am in tears typing this; it still hurts a lot. The pain of not being able to honor his memory is something that will stay with me forever.
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| Photo credit: Eemmax Experience. |
Monika: During your transition, did you have any transgender role models who inspired you? How did you first learn about other transgender women?
Veso: I have a transgender mother. I call her my mum because she was the only transgender woman who reached out to me even though she didn’t know me at that time. She guided me through my transitioning journey because, in my country, we lack healthcare professionals who know anything about how to treat a transgender patient. She became my mentor, and her support made all the difference in helping me navigate this path.
Monika: How did you first connect with your transgender mother? Was there a specific moment or conversation that sparked your relationship?
Veso: I spoke to her on Facebook after watching one of her live videos, and she immediately replied and was very welcoming and ready to listen to all I had to say. Her kindness and willingness to help me made me feel like I wasn’t alone in my journey.
Monika: Are there any transgender women in Africa who you admire and look up to for their contributions or personal qualities?
Veso: Yes, I admire Miss Sahhara because she’s very bold and advocates for the rights of transgender women. I love how she uses every opportunity to stand as a voice. I see the woman in her that I want to become myself. I also admire Noni Salma; she’s humble, welcoming, and very caring to me unconditionally. Their strength and dedication continue to inspire me every day.
I also admire Noni Salma, she’s humble welcoming, and very caring to me unconditionally.
Monika: Miss Sahhara is indeed an inspiration. I had the pleasure of interviewing her a couple of years ago, and she has made a name for herself in the United Kingdom. Have you ever considered following a similar path, perhaps moving to Europe to start a career in modeling or acting?
Veso: I am now in the Netherlands. I plan to establish myself here in Europe, but it’s a gradual process. I would also love to become a motivational speaker. My goal is to use my story to inspire others to never give up on their dreams.
Monika: Many transgender women write memoirs to share their personal journeys. Have you ever considered writing a book, or perhaps you're planning to share your story in a different way?
Veso: I already shot a movie with a Spanish movie director. The story is all about my life and struggles. It will be out soon and shown at film festivals. I’m excited to see how it resonates with audiences and hopefully helps others who are going through similar challenges.
Veso: I have a transgender mother. I call her my mum because she was the only transgender woman who reached out to me even though she didn’t know me at that time. She guided me through my transitioning journey because, in my country, we lack healthcare professionals who know anything about how to treat a transgender patient. She became my mentor, and her support made all the difference in helping me navigate this path.
Monika: How did you first connect with your transgender mother? Was there a specific moment or conversation that sparked your relationship?
Veso: I spoke to her on Facebook after watching one of her live videos, and she immediately replied and was very welcoming and ready to listen to all I had to say. Her kindness and willingness to help me made me feel like I wasn’t alone in my journey.
Monika: Are there any transgender women in Africa who you admire and look up to for their contributions or personal qualities?
Veso: Yes, I admire Miss Sahhara because she’s very bold and advocates for the rights of transgender women. I love how she uses every opportunity to stand as a voice. I see the woman in her that I want to become myself. I also admire Noni Salma; she’s humble, welcoming, and very caring to me unconditionally. Their strength and dedication continue to inspire me every day.
I also admire Noni Salma, she’s humble welcoming, and very caring to me unconditionally.
Monika: Miss Sahhara is indeed an inspiration. I had the pleasure of interviewing her a couple of years ago, and she has made a name for herself in the United Kingdom. Have you ever considered following a similar path, perhaps moving to Europe to start a career in modeling or acting?
Veso: I am now in the Netherlands. I plan to establish myself here in Europe, but it’s a gradual process. I would also love to become a motivational speaker. My goal is to use my story to inspire others to never give up on their dreams.
Monika: Many transgender women write memoirs to share their personal journeys. Have you ever considered writing a book, or perhaps you're planning to share your story in a different way?
Veso: I already shot a movie with a Spanish movie director. The story is all about my life and struggles. It will be out soon and shown at film festivals. I’m excited to see how it resonates with audiences and hopefully helps others who are going through similar challenges.
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| Miss Trans Star International 2019 (YouTube) |
Monika: How did the film director approach you? Was the idea to make a movie about your life something you both discussed, or did he have the vision for it from the start?
Veso: The title of the film is A Throne For Miss Ghana. It’s about the struggle to become a model and walk on an international stage. It shows my breakthrough, what I had to go through, believing in myself, accepting myself, and fighting for what I want.
The movie director contacted me via Facebook, and I turned it down at first because I was transgender, but he told me that it was even better and convinced me. For some reason, I had confidence in me and I trusted whatever he said. It felt like an opportunity to share my story with the world, and I’m glad I took that leap.
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender women who are struggling with gender dysphoria? How can they overcome the challenges and find strength in themselves?
Veso: I believe as transgender women, we should start breaking boundaries and show the world that we are not just women but strong women who are determined to be leaders, doctors, businesswomen, and excel in all works of life. Embrace your journey, trust in your strength, and never let anyone define your worth.
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender women who are struggling with gender dysphoria? How can they overcome the challenges and find strength in themselves?
Veso: I believe as transgender women, we should start breaking boundaries and show the world that we are not just women but strong women who are determined to be leaders, doctors, businesswomen, and excel in all works of life. Embrace your journey, trust in your strength, and never let anyone define your worth.
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| Photo credit: Eemmax Experience. |
Monika: My pen friend Gina Grahame once wrote to me that we shouldn’t limit our potential based on how we were born or what other transgender people are doing. She said our dreams shouldn’t end on an operating table; that’s where they begin. Do you share this perspective?
Veso: I also once felt that what I needed most was to get surgeries done, but I have come to realize that what’s more important is self-discovery, acceptance, and living a comfortable life. Having your surgery doesn’t and won’t change how you see yourself. True transformation comes from within, and that’s where real growth begins.
Monika: Veso, thank you for this interview. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for your movie and model career.
Veso: I also once felt that what I needed most was to get surgeries done, but I have come to realize that what’s more important is self-discovery, acceptance, and living a comfortable life. Having your surgery doesn’t and won’t change how you see yourself. True transformation comes from within, and that’s where real growth begins.
Monika: Veso, thank you for this interview. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for your movie and model career.
All the photos: courtesy of Veso Golden Oke.
Main photo credits: Eemmax Experience.
Main photo credits: Eemmax Experience.
© 2020 - Monika Kowalska
