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.
