D. Smith, Star of 'Love & Hip Hop Atlanta,' Announces Detransition
The Grammy-nominated producer, who lived as a transgender woman for 12 years, shared the news on Instagram, stating he has no regrets and is embracing a new chapter as a man.
D. Smith, a Grammy-nominated producer and star of VH1's 'Love & Hip Hop Atlanta,' has announced he is detransitioning after living as a transgender woman for 12 years. The 51-year-old shared the news in an Instagram post, emphasizing that his past experiences were meaningful and that he has no regrets.
"For most of my life, I've followed my heart, even when the path wasn't easy to understand," Smith wrote. "Over the last twelve years, I lived my life publicly as a transgender woman. Those years weren't a mistake. They were real. They introduced me to extraordinary people, profound experiences, and lessons that I will always carry with me forever."
Smith, who publicly came out as transgender in 2014, explained that he has recently begun a new chapter presenting as a man. "Over the past several months, I've begun a new chapter in my life. Going forward, I'll be living and presenting as a man and using he/him pronouns," he stated. "This isn't about erasing my past. Living my life as a woman for 12 years showed me the man that I wanted to become."
He affirmed his continued respect and love for the transgender community, asserting that everyone deserves to live with dignity, safety, and compassion, and to have the freedom to become themselves. Smith expressed gratitude for his support network throughout his life's various seasons and hinted that he will share more about his journey when the time is right.
"Life is constantly pushing me to grow. Even when I feel tired, discouraged, or alone, life has given me strength because I chose purpose over fear," Smith added. "I'm deeply grateful to everyone who supported me throughout every season of my life. There is much more to this journey [that] can't fit into this statement. When the time is right, I'll share that story in full. Until then, thank you for allowing me space to continue growing."
Smith, a multi-platinum producer and singer-songwriter, has collaborated with artists such as Katy Perry, Lil Wayne, and CeeLo Green. His transition in 2014 led to industry backlash, with some planned releases being shelved and friendships strained, as he previously recounted in a 2023 interview with The Guardian.
He joined the cast of 'Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta' in its fifth season in 2016, becoming the first openly transgender cast member on an unscripted series. In 2023, Smith's documentary film 'Kokomo City,' which explores the lives of Black transgender sex workers, received the NEXT Innovator and Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.