"Survivor' star, Zeke Smith revealed that on Wednesday, April 12 his tribal members exposed him as a transsexual. He admitted that in his audition that he told the "Survivor" producers that he was trans, but never mentioned it while filming Season 33.
Zeke isn't ashamed of being transgender
Smith said that he isn't ashamed of being transgender, he just didn't want it to be his story. He felt that being transgender may create a barrier for him in the "Survivor" game.
Zeke told People via Hollywood Life, "I am not ashamed of being trans, but I didn't want that to be my story.
I just wanted to go out on an adventure and play a great game."
The "Survivor star" told his fellow tribe members he came out as gay at the age of 15. That statement was only partly correct --- Smith transitioned from a woman to man while he studied religion in college.
He recalls feeling depressed during the transition, and he decided to apply for "Survivor" to "become the man he was meant to be."
Zeke faces trouble
That changed in Season 34 after someone exposed his secret to the tribe. Zeke recalls feeling shellshocked, and he wasn't prepared for the backlash for something that had nothing to do with the game.
Brittany Wright just when I thought I couldn't love him more!! https://t.co/g7TaOq4S54
— Brandy Grote (@BrandyIris) April 12, 2017
Smith claims that someone used this scoop to make him look like a liar.
It was something that left a bad taste in his mouth because it suggested that all transgender people are frauds and they cannot be trusted.
However, Zeke explained that it didn't work ---no one believed that he was a liar just because he is transgender.
Although the plan to turn the tribe against him based on his trans status didn't work, the scandal deflated his confidence.
Why did he keep quiet?
Zeke said that when you tell people you are transgender, you get one of two reactions, usually. Either they look at you funny and pull back, or they stop talking to you without warning. He added that he rarely had an experience where reveals his transgender status resulted in a positive exchange, until now.
Surprised it was @JEFFVARNER who outed @zekerchief instead of producers. Would have thought they'd use that for PR. #SurvivorGameChangers
— Harley Chase (@harlc_chase) April 12, 2017
Everyone accepted it and they were very supportive of him. He admits he worried about his tribe knowing for nothing because their reaction was very warm and kind.
Zeke is known on "Survivor" for being a fun-loving and confident gay man. He is a person you want on your tribe and will make you laugh even in the worst circumstances.
Right now, CBS hasn't revealed who the person was that outed him, just that it took him by complete surprise.
"Survivor: Game Changers" airs Wednesday night on CBS.
