Release Year: 2010
Synopsis:
Erika Kisheva, born on November 27, 1981, in Nalchik, Russia, made headlines as one of the most unique and controversial participants in the reality television series Дом 2 (House 2), which aired in 2010. Her appearance on the show sparked conversations across Russia and beyond, as she was open about her transgender identity—an openness that was rare for Russian media at the time. Yet, her journey to Дом 2 was far from simple, marked by personal struggles, societal rejection, and a deeply transformative process. In this article, we will take a closer look at her life, her time on the show, the challenges she faced, and how she became a significant figure in the LGBTQ+ community in Russia.
Erika Kisheva's story began in the small city of Nalchik, in the southern Russian republic of Kabardino-Balkaria. Born in a Muslim family, Erika was always different from the other children. From a young age, she recognized that her true gender identity did not align with the body she was born into. As a boy in a traditional and conservative family, this realization was met with confusion, rejection, and disapproval. In her family’s eyes, gender roles were clearly defined, and Erika's identity didn't fit the mold.
She expressed her desire to become a girl early on, but her family struggled to understand her. Despite the lack of acceptance at home, Erika was determined to live as her true self. Realizing that her dreams could not be fulfilled in her hometown, she moved to Moscow in 2003, in search of greater freedom to explore her identity.
