Tshiamo Kgositsile Modisane (born 24 January 1990) is a South African author, activist, television personality and actress. She is the founder of Linzy-Lindsay Foundation and received the Sowetan SMag Woman of the Year in Fashion and Beauty award in 2022.

Tshiamo Modisane
Born
Tshiamo Kgositsile Modisane

(1990-01-24) 24 January 1990 (age 36)
East Rand, Gauteng, South Africa
EducationUniversity of Johannesburg
Occupations
  • Author
  • activist
  • actress
Years active2018–present

Career

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Modisane began her media career in 2018 when she was named the Lux’s first gender non-conforming brand ambassador.[1] In 2019, she expanded into entertainment media, when she worked as a wardrobe stylist intern and later for magazines like True Love, Move! and Drum, and also wrote a lifestyle and entertainment category for The Citizen.[2][3]

In 2021, Modisane launched her podcast "The Transcript with Tshiamo". The same year, she landed her first major acting role as Thabang Sithole, a non-binary character in SABC 1 drama African Dreams.[4][5] Her acting profile grew in January 2022 when she played as Nina on e.tv telenovela House of Zwide. Later in 2022, she was named the Sowetan SMag Woman of the Year in Fashion and Beauty, recognizing both her styling work and public advocacy.[6]

In 2023, Modisane won Hot Chick of the Year at the Feather Awards for Socialite of the Year, which raised her visibility in fashion and LGBTQ.[7] In February 2025, Penguin Random House SA published her book titled I AM TSHIAMO - My Self Acceptance and Womanhood.[8][9]

Personal life

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Modisane is an openly transgender woman and uses she/her pronouns.[10][11]

Advocacy

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Modisane founded the Linzy-Lindsay Foundation in 2021 after surviving sexual assault.[12] The organization’s stated purpose is to create a safe space for people, especially within the LGBTQ+ and trans community to develop skills and make a greater contribution to society. It operates as her main advocacy platform. It focuses on skills development and public education around gender identity.[13]

Filmography

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Year Film Role Notes
2021 African Drums Thabang Sithole Supporting role
2022 House of Zwide Nina Recurring role, season 2

Works

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  • I Am Tshiamo. Johannesburg: Penguin Random House South Africa. 2025. ISBN 1776390695.

References

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  1. "From Kgosi to Tshiamo: a tale of resilience, faith, and authenticity in South Africa". Daily Maverick. 2025-03-17. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
  2. "Growing up with a secret". IOL. 2025-02-12. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
  3. "Fashion stylist Tshiamo Modisane thrives in beauty industry". Sowetan. 2021-09-10. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
  4. Wee, Naledi de (2021-10-18). "On screen beauty: Tshiamo Modisane to make her acting debut". The South African. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
  5. "Beauty influencer Tshiamo Modisane makes her acting debut". Sowetan. 2021-10-15. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
  6. "S Mag Women of the Year issue | Tshiamo Modisane - The new face of beauty". Sowetan. 2022-08-05. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
  7. Archary, Natasha (2023-11-10). "Full list of the Feather Awards 2023 winners". KAYA 959. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
  8. Modisane, Tshiamo (2025-02-17). "'Promises to my future self': Tshiamo Modisane reveals the story behind her transition". News24. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
  9. Radebe, Bongiwe (2025-03-09). "Tshiamo Modisane launches memoir 'I Am Tshiamo', a powerful story of identity and triumph". News24. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
  10. Pasiya, Lutho (2025-02-10). "Explore Tshiamo Modisane's journey of self-acceptance as a transgender woman in her debut memoir". Sunday Tribune. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
  11. Radebe, Bongiwe (2015-03-09). "Tshiamo Modisane launches memoir 'I Am Tshiamo', a powerful story of identity and triumph". News24. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
  12. "From Kgosi to Tshiamo: a tale of resilience, faith, and authenticity in South Africa". Daily Maverick. 2025-03-17. Retrieved 2026-05-16.
  13. Pasiya, Lutho (2025-02-10). "Explore Tshiamo Modisane's journey of self-acceptance as a transgender woman in her debut memoir". Sunday Tribune. Retrieved 2026-05-16.