Yesterday, the CW announced the finalists for cycle 11 of
America's Next Top Model. Of the 14 contestants competing this season, most are 19-year-old college students. One model, in particular, stands apart from the other girls she is competing against.
Isis, a 22-year-old who works for a non-profit organization, is the show's first transgendered contestant. On the heels of
Top Model's first plus size winner, it seems the show is continuing to push boundaries and give more people the opportunity to be successful in the fashion world. In the current issue of US Weekly, we learn some more details about cycle 11's most unique contestant.
"My cards were dealt differently," she told the entertainment mag. In terms of being a role model for young people, she hasn't decided if that's the path she'll take. "I like to help people, but I'm here to follow my dreams," she said. Isis's inclusion in the 11th cycle of
Top Model has earned the show, and Tyra Banks, high praise. "It's an unprecedented opportunity for a community that is underrepresented on television," GLAAD president Neil Giuliano told Us Weekly. "We applaud Tyra Banks and The CW for making this historic visibility of transgender people possible."
In the first episode, Tyra will address Isis's identity without any hesitation. That was just fine for Isis, who talked openly with the
Top Model host. "I was born physically male," she tells Tyra. "But mentally, everything else, I was going female." When Tyra asked how long Isis had known she was female, Isis replied, "As long as I can remember. It's not something I chose. This is who was always there."
America's Next Top Model will unveil it's 11th cycle with a special 2 hour season premiere on Wednesday, September 3rd.
Should transgender models be allowed to compete on ANTM?
- Gina Scarpa, BuddyTV Staff Writer
Source: CW, US Weekly, Reality TV World
(Image courtesy of CW)