South African media personality and transgender rights advocate Yaya Mavundla has spoken out following a discussion about transgender people on the Read the Room podcast.
Also see: GALLERY: A look at what stars wore to Feather Awards
Yaya addressed the conversation directly, urging those involved to reconsider continuing a discussion that she believes could contribute to increased hostility towards the transgender community.
‘Maybe you guys let it go?’
Responding to the conversation, Yaya wrote:
“Maybe you guys should let it go? As my friend, we’ve had this conversation before, and I don’t appreciate your take on it. You know how I feel about it. If you feel it’s not your conversation, leave it.”
She went on to raise concerns about the potential impact of continuing the conversation.
“I wonder if you guys realise the amount of hate you are inviting towards us with this,” she penned.
Maybe you guys let it go? As my friend, we have had this conversation before & I don’t appreciate your take on it, you know how I feel about it. If you feel it’s not your conversation LEAVE it.
I wonder if you guys know the amount of hate you are inviting towards us with this. https://t.co/Q0R1eTZFKJ
— Yaya Mavundla (@YayaRSA) September 30, 2026
Also see: ‘Read the Room’ podcast hosts clash over gender identity and attraction
Yaya Mavundla raises concerns over hate
Her comments come amid an ongoing public conversation around transgender people, identity and representation.
Yaya has previously used her public platform to speak about issues affecting the transgender community. In this instance, she appeared particularly concerned about the possibility that discussions around transgender issues could fuel further negative reactions towards transgender people.
By asking those involved to “leave” the conversation if they feel it is not theirs to have, Yaya made her position clear that she does not appreciate the particular take being presented.
Her response has since added another perspective to the conversation, highlighting concerns about how public discussions about transgender people can affect those directly impacted by them.
The exchange has also sparked further discussion online, with audiences weighing in on the comments made during the podcast and Yaya’s response.
Also see: Shamiso Mosaka distances herself from ‘Podcast and Chill’s’ distasteful remarks
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!
