Dear Helen Zille: Don’t Confuse Misinformation With Facts

Democratic Alliance Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille has sparked outrage with social media posts in which she supported a recent UK court ruling that excludes transgender women from an equality law definition of women. She also described transgender rights as a “contagion” worse than Covid.

In a follow-up Facebook post, Zille set out her problematic position in more detail, further asserting that transgender rights are a danger to society, children, and women’s rights and that trans identities are “trendy” and equivalent to eating disorders.

South African trans advocate Brent Janse van Vuuren has responded to Zille in an open letter, in which he delivers a heartfelt response to her Facebook post with facts, clarity, and lived truth.

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Dear Helen Zille,

When a political leader dehumanises a vulnerable group, it’s a violation of the Constitution and an attack on the human rights so many South Africans have fought and died for.

You’ve shared a lot of views about trans people and I know many reading your post might be confused, or just unsure what to believe. As a transgender man living in South Africa, I want to help clarify some of the points you raised, not to debate, but to offer facts over fear.

So here’s a point-by-point response to your post, grounded in what we know to be true.

1. Being trans is real, and it’s not rare

Yes, gender dysphoria exists and yes, it’s recognised by medical professionals. But you don’t need to be “diagnosed” to be trans. Trans people have always existed across cultures and time periods. People are coming out now more because it’s safer to do so, not because it’s a trend.

2. Sex and gender aren’t the same thing

Biological sex is about bodies. Gender is about identity. And neither are simple. Even sex isn’t strictly male or female, some people are intersex. Being trans means your gender identity doesn’t match what was assigned at birth. That’s it.

3 & 4. Supporting trans rights doesn’t harm women

This isn’t a battle between women and trans people. Trans women are not a threat to women. There’s room to support everyone. We all want dignity, safety, and fairness.

What people are afraid of is not transgender women, it’s toxic cisgender men abusing their power and pretending to be something they’re not. That’s not a trans issue. That’s a patriarchy issue.

If someone behaves inappropriately in a public space (bathroom, prison, or anywhere), that’s already illegal. South African law protects us from sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. What we don’t need is fear-based policies that punish people for existing.

5. Being trans isn’t trendy

People aren’t becoming trans for attention. They’re finally being seen. Just like gay and lesbian people were once told they were going through a phase, trans people are hearing the same now. It’s not new, it’s just more visible.

6 & 7. Teens aren’t “catching” being trans

This idea of a “social contagion” has no scientific backing. Teens go through many changes, yes, but being trans isn’t something you catch. When kids feel safe, supported and heard, they talk about who they really are. It’s also important to remember that all trans adults were once trans kids.

8. More kids being out is a sign of progress

If more learners are identifying as trans, that doesn’t mean it’s a fad. It means the environment is becoming a little safer for honesty. That’s something to celebrate, not fear.

9. The book you quoted is not science

Irreversible Damage has been widely criticised for spreading fear and misinformation. It’s NOT based on credible research or reviewed by experts in the field.

10. Gender-affirming care saves lives

Doctors who work with trans people follow strict medical guidelines. Transitioning isn’t rushed. It involves counselling, assessment, and ongoing support. Evidence shows that this care reduces depression, anxiety, and suicide in trans youth. The regret rate after transition is less than 2%, one of the lowest in all of medicine.

11 & 12. Drag is not the same as being trans

Wearing drag is a performance. Being trans is about who you are. Confusing the two leads to misunderstandings. One is art, the other is identity.

13. Representation matters

When brands include trans people, they’re showing that we exist. If you don’t like an advert, you can criticise the brand. But attacking someone’s identity isn’t fair.

14. This isn’t about who deserves more rights

Trans people aren’t asking for special rights. We’re asking for equal rights. The same ones you enjoy. It’s not either-or. We can protect everyone.

15. Bathrooms are about safety, not politics

Trans people use bathrooms to pee, not to make statements. Gender-neutral options are okay, but forcing people into separate spaces often puts them in danger.

16. The future is more inclusive, not less

You say this is a phase. But history shows that expanding human rights makes societies stronger. We won’t go backwards. And we won’t disappear.

17. Trans youth need support, not fear

Young people who identify as trans need care, not panic. Denying their identity can lead to harm. Supporting them leads to health, confidence, and survival.

18. Respectful disagreement doesn’t include denying people’s existence

We can disagree on policy. But not on whether people like me deserve to live safely and openly. That’s not a debate, it’s a basic human right.

To anyone reading this who’s unsure: You don’t have to know everything to stand on the side of kindness, dignity, and truth. If you’re confused, that’s okay. Just don’t confuse misinformation with facts.

 

Brent Janse van Vuuren is a South African transgender man and trans rights advocate. He uses his voice to challenge harmful narratives while advocating for dignity, inclusion, and human rights.