OnlyFans model Kay Manuel‘s life was thrown into chaos after being forcibly outed as transgender by the Daily Mail Australia on November 20, 2024. Now, Kay is speaking out.
The publication reported on Kay after she after she claimed to have slept with 75 legally-aged school leavers within the first two days at Schoolies. The invasive article revealed Kay’s transgender status without her consent but also published photos of her before her transition, including one she claims was taken when she was a minor.
In an effort to expose her personal life, the Daily Mail not only shared details about Kay’s identity but also went to extreme lengths to contact people from her hometown, including former co-workers. This invasion of privacy has turned Kay’s world upside down, leaving her grappling with the repercussions.
This blatant disregard for privacy has understandably left Kay reeling, struggling to cope with the sudden and unwanted attention.
“The decision to come out is one of the most personal things anyone can go through,” Kay shared in a press statement.
“No one should ever feel pressured or coerced into sharing such an intimate part of themselves before they’re ready. Being transgender isn’t some scandal or secret for public consumption — it’s a private journey that each person should have the right to share on their own terms.”
The aftermath of the article has been nothing short of devastating for Kay. When the OF creator appeared on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on November 22, she was hounded with invasive questions about her gender-affirmation surgeries.
“It’s a bit of a hard topic to talk about, it’s very personal,” she answered. “It was a really hard experience.”
She’s since been bombarded with transphobic comments in person and online.
“I haven’t been able to eat,” Kay revealed. “My friend has been practically forcing me to eat anything she can because she’s so worried about me. I’ve barely left my apartment except for the couple of interviews I’ve given. The anxiety and fear of being in public right now are overwhelming.”
Kay opened up about how this whole ordeal has left her feeling isolated and vulnerable. “It’s been a nightmare — exactly what I was afraid of.”
Despite the turmoil she’s facing, Kay hopes that by sharing her story, she can foster understanding and respect for transgender individuals everywhere.
“This wasn’t how I wanted to share this part of myself,” she said.
“But now that it’s out there, I hope people will see the importance of letting others own their stories. Forcing someone to disclose something so personal, especially in such a public way, is deeply unfair and can have lasting consequences.”
While she navigates this difficult time, Kay remains thankful for the friends and supporters who have rallied around her. “I want people to know this isn’t just about me. It’s about the respect and care everyone deserves when it comes to their identity and that one part of your experience doesn’t define you.”
Lead image: Kay Manuel/KIIS.FM
- If you’d like to talk about the issues raised in this story, you can call the QLife LGBTIQA+ peer support hotline on 1800 184 527 or chat online.
- QLife operates between 3pm and midnight daily.
- Under 25? You can reach Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
