Nigerian crossdresser James Brown has spoken out after getting into a heated confrontation with a man who allegedly insulted him over his identity.
In a video shared on Instagram, Brown was seen confronting the man while people around him stepped in to calm the situation.
Explaining what happened, he said he was trying to resolve an issue involving members of his team when the man abandoned the matter and began attacking him personally.
He said: “They see a feminine person and immediately think, ‘Easy target.’ That’s where they get it wrong. The biggest mistake you can make is confusing femininity with weakness.”
He continued: “Looking soft doesn’t mean I break easily. Smiling doesn’t mean I’m scared. Being graceful doesn’t mean I won’t defend my dignity.”
James stressed that people are free to dislike or misunderstand him, but they should never mistake that for an excuse to disrespect him.
ALSO READ: Joke Silva Celebrates Olu Jacobs 84th Birthday With Emotional Tribute
He said years of criticism have only made him stronger, adding that every insult has motivated him to keep pushing forward.
He added: “You don’t have to like me. You don’t have to understand me. But you will respect me. I’ve been called every name in the book, yet I’m still here. Every insult became fuel. Every attempt to break me became another reason I refused to disappear.”
However, he concluded by reminding people that respect should be given regardless of differences, while asking why some people still associate femininity with weakness.