D. Smith is publicly sharing a major change in his gender journey, announcing that he is detransitioning after 12 years of living publicly as a transgender woman.
The Grammy-nominated producer announced the decision on Instagram Thursday, saying the change has been developing over the past several months. He said he will now present as a man and use he/him pronouns.
Smith also made clear that he does not view the past 12 years as a mistake or something that needs to be erased.
“Living my life as a woman for 12 years showed me the man that I wanted to become,” he wrote.
The producer also emphasized that his decision does not change his feelings toward the transgender community. He said his love and respect for the community remain intact and maintained that everyone deserves the freedom to become themselves.
Smith said there is considerably more to his story than he could explain in a single statement. He plans to share more about his journey when he feels the time is right.
The announcement marks a significant new chapter for Smith, who publicly came out as transgender in 2014. Two years later, he joined Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, becoming the show’s first openly transgender cast member.
Beyond reality television, Smith has built a career as a music producer and has worked with major artists including Katy Perry, Lil Wayne and CeeLo Green. He is also a two-time Grammy nominee.
For now, Smith says his decision is part of an ongoing personal journey — one he intends to explain more fully in his own words when he is ready.
