Actress and TV presenter Nomsa Buthelezi has opened up about her struggles with being homosexual and overweight in the entertainment industry. She shared her experience with her fans in a Tik-Tok video,

Nomsa says when she started as an actress and TV presenter, she had to prove herself. "I started in the industry with only a dream. I didn't come with a cocky big head," she says, adding that, "When you're overweight in this industry, you are humbled and you have to prove yourself because you are not pretty.... There are things that I buried deep inside, but they are harming me." Whenever she got work, Nomsa says, she always made sure she delivered far and beyond expectation because she felt she could not use her looks. "I even teach my children that when you do something make sure you do it well." Nomsa says she fought for her position and career. "I did that for several shows in the industry. I remember that I got into a show and no one believed that I could do it as the person who previously did it was beautiful and had a beautiful body, was gorgeous. I was scared," she says. But because of her drive, she fought. "Growing up in the township, I didn't want people to undermine me. I went in," she says. "Mind you, I don't see myself as heavy. I am not heavy, even when I walk, I walk tall. I made sure I worked hard so that people forgot my roundness and people saw me for who I am."

BACK-STABBING

She also claims that people in the industry have told lies about her. "They spoke things about me. Some people were tired of seeing the applause, they went behind my back and lied about me and nobody gave me a voice," she says, adding that she took her wounded heart and went home and cried. "Nobody even tried to call me and find out what I was dealing with. They chucked me out like I was nothing." Nomsa says these people ruined her reputation. "But rest assured, God is still present and doesn't sleep." Nomsa says she has had many bad experiences with people who have done her dirty. "I thought some of these people cared and liked me. But they were there to steal my knowledge and steal her ideas and use them on TV. I never got justice but I carried on and worked," she says. 

HATED FOR BEING A LESBIAN

Nomsa adds she has been discriminated against for her sexuality. "They hate me for being a lesbian. It's been tough. You lose jobs and gigs for being a lesbian," she says. "The people I entertained turned on me because of being a lesbian. They forgot the talented actress and presenter and saw my sexuality. I lost some gigs because of my sexuality." Nomsa says she is sharing this to help those who are going through the same and are discouraged.