By Noelani Mathews | WCTV Eyewitness News

VALDOSTA – Mina Couture grew up as a boy in South Georgia, and is now going through a life-changing procedure.

A change from ‘he’ to ‘she’, but Mina says it’s easier said than done.

“Growing up my with mom being a minister and parents in the school system, you know that’s hard on you,” says Mina.

She says becoming Mina is a constant battle.

“It’s just you against the world sometimes because some people might look at you and other people are looking at you in a good way, so it’s a lot that goes with it.”

She says it also doesn’t come cheap.

“I’ve spent well over $20,000.”

Mina says after five major procedures, she’s finally shaping her true self and providing support to other transgender people in South Georgia.

“That’s what they’re looking for, and I feel like South Georgia really needs it.”

A reason why one South Georgia Pride Group is bringing in backup.

“When you’re in a conservative environment and when you’re in a rural environment, the resources are not available to an individual like they are in a more progressive city,” says Gabrielle Claiborne, co-founder of Transformation Journeys WorldWide.

Claiborne is also a trans woman.

She’s coming to Valdosta to share her passion by educating people on the transgender experience.

“Before you make any kind of judgement, really sit down and talk with a transgender individual and you’ll learn that they’re just like you,” says Claiborne.

“Don’t make them out to be a monster or animal or something like that. That’s a human, everyone’s human,” adds Mina.

A journey of changes, now, ready to make their next change in the community.

For more information on LGBTQ events in South Georgia, visit South Georgia Pride.