Transgender people have always been discriminated, ridiculed and forcefully barred from leading a normal life. They have been ostracised and shunned by the so-called “normal people” of the society. However, with the advancement of education, the human perspective and their way of looking at things have changed.
Our society has learned to admire the diversities of human lives and gradually we have been able to welcome, introduce and embrace the people who were once subjected to insult and mockery.
Our fashion world is no exception here and it has embraced talented transsexual individuals who are worthy of praise. We provide you with a list of ten hottest transgender models in 2022 that have now become sensations in the world of fashion and have actively contributed to its growth and development.
10. Lea T
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She is a gorgeous transsexual model born in Brazil and raised in Italy. She was discovered by Ricardo Tisci, a Givenchy designer in 2010 and ever since then there has been no looking back for her.
Her other achievements include working for reputed designers like Alexandra Herchcovitch and being featured by the editorials of popular magazines like “Vogue Paris”, “Interview Magazine”, “Love Magazine”, etc. In 2014, she became the face of Redken, an American hair-care brand. She happens to be the first transgender model to lead an international cosmetic brand.
9. Ines Rau
This French-born transgender model was initially not very keen on disclosing her true identity and worked for several years as a female model. She has posed for Playboy’s Art Issue and her controversial nude photo-shoot with model Tyson Beckford for a luxury magazine in 2013 brought her into the limelight.
Eventually, she embraced her true identity and revealed the same to the entire world. Presently, she is busy recording her own memoirs.
8. Jenna Talackova
She grabbed eyeballs when she was disqualified from the Miss Universe Pageant (2012) for being a trans-female. Donald Trump who owned the International Miss Universe Organisation reluctantly allowed her to compete in the contest after celebrated U.S. lawyer Gloria Allred took on the case and accused Trump of sexual discrimination.
Talackova took part in the contest and the title of Miss Congeniality (2012) was bestowed on her. Talackova was named co-grand marshal of the 2012 Vancouver Pride Parade after her courageous legal battle to be in the Miss Universe Pageant. A reality show Brave New Girls, based on her life was aired on E! Canada in January 2014. She now works as a successful model and television personality.
7. Valentijn De Hingh
This transgender model of Dutch descent has been featured in the cover pages of various reputed magazines including the likes of Vogue Italia and Love Magazine. She has also walked the runway for famous designers like Maison Martin Margiela and Comme De Garcons.
She is the first transgender model to have been featured by IMG Models. In 2012, Hingh bagged the Elle Personal Style Award. She was filmed for 9 years by documentary-maker Hetty Niesch to depict the discriminations and stigmas that a transgender perpetually puts up a fight against. She has also been a part of various Dutch reality programmes.
6. Isis King
Isis King is a famous American supermodel, actress and fashion designer. She happens to be the first transgender model to have appeared on the show America’s Next Top Model. She is also the first transsexual model to have worked for American Apparel.
In 2007, she was filmed to be featured on a documentary to portray the lives of American transgender teens. King is one of the most popular transgender people on American television.
5. Caroline “Tula” Cossey
This model of English descent happens to be the first trans-woman to model for the Playboy Magazine. She has also appeared in the Bond film- For Your Eyes Only. In 1978, she won a part on the British Reality show 3-2-1. Cossey was subjected to much criticism and ridicule after it was discovered that she is a transgender.
Despite all the discrimination and ridicule, she continued with her modelling career. Her autobiography I Am A Woman has inspired many including the likes of famous transgender model Ines Rau. Her battle to be accepted as a woman in the eyes of law and legal marriage is extremely laudable and inspiring.
4. Geena Rocero
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This Philippines-born transgender model was discovered at the age of 21 by a fashion photographer. She has worked for the top modelling agency- Next Model Management for 12 years as a successful swimsuit model. In 2014, she appeared on the cover page of C*NDY Magazine along with 13 other transgender models.
Rocero was the executive producer of the series- Beautiful As I Want To Be which portrayed the lives of transgender teenagers in America. She happens to be one of the first trans-women to feature on the cover page of an edition of Harper’s Bazaar. She is the founder of Gender Proud, an organisation which works for the rights of transgender people.
3. Arisce Wanzer
She is a diligent transgender model who grew up in Northern Virginia. She has worked for many high-profile designers and has featured in Spread Purple Magazine and Chrysalis Lingerie commercials. She earned much fame for her spread in Vogue Germany and Opening Ceremony Video Campaign.
She has walked in Miami Fashion Week, L.A. Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week and Latin Fashion Week. Her acting skills were exhibited in a feature film called Interwoven opposite Oscar winner actor Monique. In addition to all this, she has also acted in a new series called [Un]Afraid.
2. Carmen Carrera
She is an Ameican supermodel, television personality and burlesque performer. She was a part of the third season of a reality show called Ru Paul’s Drag Race. In November 2011, “W” featured a range of fictional products in realistically-styled advertisements where Carrera appeared as the face for the fictional fragrance La Femme.
She has also worked in a commercial for the travel related website Orbitz. Carrera made her entry into the second season of the show Ru Paul’s Drag U as a “Drag Professor” and gave singer Stacey Q a mindblowing makeover. In an episode of the ABC news program, she essayed the role of a transgender server working in a New Jersey diner.
She has also modelled for the famous photographer- David Lachapelle. In 2014, Carrera formed a part of the Advocate’s Annual “40 under 40” list and made a cameo appearance on Jane the Virgin’s premier episode. In 2014, she also featured on the cover page of C*NDY magazine along with 13 other transsexual women. Carrera is involved in AIDS awareness and activism.
1. Andreja Pejic
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Andreja Pejic is probably the most popular among transgender models and has acquired global recognition for herself. She started her modelling career at the age of 18 when she began to work for McDonald’s. Her credits include modelling for both men and women clothing and being a mainstay on the ramp for various reputed designers including the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier.
She happens to be the first transgender model to feature in the American Vogue. She has graced the covers of popular magazines like Elle, L’Officiel, Fashion and GQ. In 2011, Pejic gained a spot for herself in the Top 50 Male Models list as well as in the 100 Sexiest Women’s List simultaneously. In 2012, she appeared as a guest judge on the show Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model. She displayed her acting skills in a Turkish television series called Faith.
Their stories are truly inspirational and their outstanding courage and willpower in the face of adversity are extremely commendable. They serve as exemplary characters not only for the transgender community but also for all the people all across the world.
Final Words
The journey of these transgender models is a testament to the indomitable spirit of human beings who, despite facing societal prejudices and personal challenges, have carved a niche for themselves in the world of fashion. Their stories are not just about their successes in the modeling industry, but they are narratives of resilience, determination, and breaking the barriers of conventional norms.
They have redefined beauty standards and have shown the world that identity goes beyond gender. As society continues to evolve, it is our hope that the tales of these trailblazers will inspire countless others to embrace their true selves, pursue their dreams fearlessly, and contribute to a world that celebrates diversity in all its forms.