Mina Caputo, the acclaimed vocalist of the alternative metal band Life of Agony, has shared a deeply personal and transformative announcement with fans. Known for coming out as transgender in 2011 and embarking on a public transition to female, the 50-year-old singer recently revealed plans to de-transition back to their male identity by 2025. Through candid social media posts, Caputo has spoken openly about their journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and the steps they are taking toward living as their “divine male self.”
On November 19, Caputo took to Instagram to share a video captioned “de-transitioning one,” explaining that they have been off hormone therapy for six to seven years and have scheduled surgery in January 2025 to remove their breast implants. This decision, Caputo stated, represents a culmination of years of self-reflection, healing, and personal growth. “I’ve cured my gender dysphoria,” the singer shared. “It took many years, a lot of walking through the fire, but I rose above my misunderstandings of my soul and my spirit.”
Caputo, who has been an influential figure in the music world since founding Life of Agony in 1989, delved into the complexities of their gender journey. Describing their experience with gender dysphoria, Caputo explained how they have spent years working through trauma and engaging in plant medicine therapy. These tools, along with their determination to understand their authentic self, have helped them reach a place of peace. “I’m at a place where there’s no more pain,” Caputo said. “And I’ve been existing in a different version of myself—a more healed version of myself.”
The decision to de-transition has not come without its challenges. Caputo has faced criticism and judgment from others, some of whom have mocked their appearance. In response, the singer unapologetically embraced their identity, declaring, “Honey lamb, I am a man. I always was a man.” Caputo expressed frustration at the societal pressure to conform to specific narratives about identity, stating that they prioritize authenticity above all else. “All the real transsexuals know what I’m talking about because they own their authenticity,” Caputo added, rejecting the idea of conforming to what they see as inauthentic expressions of identity.
The announcement included plans to return to their birth name, Keith, as part of their journey toward becoming their “authentic self.” Reflecting on their lifelong experience with gender dysphoria, Caputo noted that, at nearly 51 years old, they no longer feel its presence. However, their physical appearance remains a reminder of the past, prompting the decision to undergo surgery to remove their breast implants. “The fake boobs gotta come out,” Caputo said, explaining that this step is essential for their happiness and alignment with their true self.
Throughout the video, Caputo shared philosophical insights about their perspective on gender and identity. They described the body as “beams of light traveling” and emphasized that all humans are fundamentally “soul and energy.” For Caputo, their transition to female was an exploration of feminine energy, a way to integrate a part of themselves that had always existed. “I was quite lost, so I integrated the feminine because she’s always been within,” Caputo explained. However, they acknowledged that no amount of external change could ever make them biologically female. “I could have all the makeup and the surgery,” Caputo said, “but that will never make me a Mother Gaia with the womb.”
The journey to this point has been arduous, marked by pain, growth, and resilience. Caputo described gender dysphoria as one of the most challenging experiences of their life, saying, “I wouldn’t wish gender dysphoria on my worst enemy.” Despite the difficulties, they expressed immense pride in their progress and relief at reaching a place of clarity. “I’m very proud of myself,” Caputo said. “What once freed me now caged me… and now I’m changing back again.”
Caputo’s decision to de-transition represents not just a personal transformation but also a broader conversation about identity, authenticity, and the complexities of navigating gender in a world that often demands conformity. Their candidness about their experiences, both as a transgender woman and now as someone reclaiming their male identity, challenges societal norms and encourages others to embrace their truth, no matter how unconventional or difficult the journey may be.
As Caputo prepares for the next chapter of their life, they remain steadfast in their belief that this path reflects a healed and authentic version of themselves. “I feel so free,” they concluded, looking forward to living fully as their true self in 2025.