18 trans models changing representation in the fashion industry

Indya Moore has spoken candidly of their traumatic experiences with sex trafficking, prison and mental health in the years leading up to their breakout role in TV mega hit Pose. As well as the success from portraying the character, Angel Evangelista, Indya's presence on social media has gained them a dedicated following. They have also dominated the fashion industry, modelling in Calvin Klein ad campaigns and landing covers with ELLE, Teen Vogue and L’Officiel.

Arguably one of the first recognisable transgender models, Andreja Pejic's career blew up after being discovered in Australia. Walking in both the men’s and women’s shows for Jean Paul Gaultier in Paris, Andreja's androgynous look and gender fluidity defines her successful career. Andreja transitioned in 2014, becoming the first openly-trans model to be profiled for Vogue and one of the first trans models to secure a major cosmetics campaign for Make Up Forever.

Social activist and model Munroe Bergdorf is a force to be reckoned with. As well as modelling for designers such as Gypsy Sport, Munroe is an important activist for transgender rights and the Black Lives Matter movement. Munroe uses her platform to speak out against issues of misrepresentation and racism in the fashion and media industries. She recently rejoined L'Oreal after being dropped by the brand in 2017 after she posted comments about systematic racism, and now sits on the company's UK diversity and inclusion advisory board. Munroe's is a voice that fashion certainly needs right now.

Hunter Shafer was modelling in New York with plans to study fashion design at Central Saint Martins until her debut acting role found her. Hunter was especially asked to audition for TV sensation Euphoria and the rest was history. Hunter has spoken about how playing a role in which gender is not the struggle was exciting. She told Variety, “There need to be more roles where trans people aren’t just dealing with being trans; they’re being trans while dealing with other issues. We’re so much more complex than just one identity.”

As an actress, model, dancer and activist Leyna Bloom has made a name for herself on multiple fronts. Walking the runways at NYFW, Leyna made headlines as the first trans model of colour to pose on the pages of Vogue India. After starring in the film Port Authority, she became the first transgender woman of colour to lead in a film at the Cannes film festival. Working with Dior, Loreal and Tresemme, Leyna has shot recent editorials for i-D magazine as well as V magazine with photographers Inez & Vinoodh.

Nathan Westling's highly successful career has gone from strength to strength since he walked the Marc Jacobs runway back in 2013. He took a break from modelling in 2018 to focus on himself and his health, where he then began transitioning. Speaking with CNN Style last year, Nathan credits his experience in the fashion world with his self-discovery. Seeing himself as so many different things helped him come to terms with his own trans identity. Nathan has recently been on the covers of both I-D and Dazed.

Teddy Quinlivan is a fashion model titan. After walking the runway for brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Gucci, Teddy came out as transgender in 2017. Starring in Chanel’s beauty campaign last year, it was more than just a union between beautiful talented model and coveted luxury brand; the photo series was the first time Chanel had worked with an openly transgender model in its history. Teddy has an array of magazine covers under her belt and beauty brand ad campaigns including including Milk Makeup, Redken and Maison Margiela fragrances.

Jari Jones is an actress, artist, model and activist, who recently became a fashion mega star as she graced a giant billboard in New York as one of the latest faces of Calvin Klein's 2020 Pride #ProudInMyCalvins campaign, which was unveiled on Juneteenth. Jari voiced the integral importance this representation of black trans lives has; “I think it’s so important to see the rage and fight, but also see imagery of what the possibilities can be — imagery of Black joy, trans joy, because often all we see is the negative imagery."

Casil McArthur has been working in modelling since the age of 10. In 2015, after struggling with gender dysphoria for years, Casil began transitioning and his career has seen him grow from fashion model to role model, becoming one of the first high-fashion trans male models. A cosplay enthusiast, Casil is no stranger to dressing up and expressing himself through characters, which mirrors his recent editorial fashion work with shoots in GQ France and British Vogue.

Aaron's rising career is driven by the lack of representation of both trans women of colour and disability in the fashion media. Last year, she featured in Italian Vogue, shot by Tyler Mitchell, and has also appeared on the cover of Paper magazine. She's posed for campaigns for Sephora (celebrating the trans and non-binary community) and Dove (focusing on diversity in beauty), and was the face of Jeremy Scott's A/W20 Moschino campaign.

Torraine Futurum is a multi-hyphenate star as a musician, artist, and model. She released her debut album 'Miles From Heaven' last year and Edward Enninful selected one of the tracks to feature in a British Vogue video. Torraine has worked with a plethora of big brands including Proenza Schouler, Shisheido, Vans and Urban Outfitters and collaborated with fashion bigwigs Ethan James Green and Petra Collins.

Parisian model Ines Rau made history in 2017 by appearing in Playboy's centrefold spot. She was the first out trans woman to appear as a Playmate in the magazine's coveted spot. She has featured in editorials for both Vogue and Vogue Italia, and models for major fashion labels including campaigns for Balmain and Maison Margiela.

Model, writer, activist and actor, you might recognise Chella Man as superhero Jericho in DC's Titans on Netflix. A groundbreaking role, Chella, who is deaf, related to Jericho who is mute and uses sign language as his primary mode of communication. Chella says he didn’t have role models to look up to so he decided to be his own representation. Chella has also become the first transmasculine and deaf person to sign with IMG Models.

New York model Maya Mones (who also DJ's under the name br0nz3_g0dd3ss) is a rising star in the fashion industry. Working with brands like Gypsy Sport and Chromat as well as being shot in editorials for the likes of Dazed and Paper, she credits her theatre experience with helping feel comfortable on fashion shoots.

Laith Ashley's modelling break came when he posted Instagram portraits in Calvin Klein briefs, which were later reposted by Laverne Cox. Appearing in both Barneys NY and Diesel campaigns, Laith was also the first trans man in the 'pit crew' on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Previously a counsellor for LGBTQ+ youth, Laith uses his platform to uplift other trans men and campaign for greater acceptance.

Carmen Carrera, a drag performer, model, activist and television personality came out as trans after she appeared on the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race. A petition created in 2015 urging casting directors to cast Carmen as an Angel in the Victoria's Secret show gained over 50,000 signatures. Talking to Teen Vogue, Carmen said: "It’s important to have transgender representation because we represent the forthcoming generation, and their new perception on the standard of beauty."