Hannahgram: Trans Model NYC

Show: Hannahgram
Release Year: 2017

In the evolving landscape of fashion and lifestyle, transgender representation has become a crucial topic, with significant strides made over the past few years. In an episode of Hannahgram titled "This Modeling Agency Is Paving The Way For Transgender Models", host Hannah Bronfman explores this issue with Peche Di, a trailblazer in the modeling world and the founder of Trans Models NYC, the first transgender modeling agency in New York City. The episode delves into the intersection of fashion, identity, and visibility, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of transgender models and their place in the industry.

 

Peche Di's journey begins in Bangkok, Thailand, where she was assigned male at birth. Her realization that she wanted to be a trans woman came at the age of five. Despite this early understanding of her identity, it wasn't until later in life that Peche began to pursue her dreams of being a part of the fashion world. Inspired by Isis King, the first transgender model featured on America's Next Top Model, Peche moved to New York City with the hope of pursuing a career in modeling. However, upon arrival, she faced a harsh reality: there was no one to represent her as a transgender woman. This lack of representation fueled her decision to create her own space within the fashion industry, leading to the founding of Trans Models NYC in 2015. Peche Di's agency not only provided a platform for her but also for other transgender individuals seeking opportunities in modeling. Her goal was clear: to create an agency where trans people could work in fashion without the barriers she had faced. 

 

One of the major issues Peche and her colleagues confront in the fashion world is tokenization - the tendency of the industry to treat diversity as a passing trend rather than an ongoing commitment to inclusion. As Hannah Bronfman discusses, fashion may seem progressive on the surface, but it often excludes or tokenizes marginalized groups. Peche and Julia Wiltz, another key figure in the episode, both address how transgender individuals are sometimes treated as novelties or marketing tools rather than as full-fledged members of the fashion community. 

 

Julia Wiltz, reflecting on her experience as a transgender model, points to the campaign of Andrea Pajic for Makeup Forever as a key moment in the visibility of transgender models. Pajic’s inclusion as a "supermodel" and "trans woman" in the campaign marked a shift in the industry's approach to transgender models. However, Julia critiques the way these labels are often used. While such labels may be necessary in the current climate to raise awareness, she hopes for a future where being a transgender woman or model is no longer a defining feature of someone’s identity in the industry. Peche Di acknowledges the importance of labeling in the current moment. She believes that seeing figures like Isis King, who was prominently labeled as a transgender model, can inspire younger individuals who may feel marginalized or misunderstood. She argues that these labels, while sometimes limiting, serve a purpose in helping people understand and embrace transgender identities. 

 

For transgender individuals, representation can have a profound impact on their sense of self-worth and confidence. Shane Henise, another model featured in the episode, shares how being part of a transgender agency has been a life-changing experience. He explains that as a trans person, there are constant messages telling them they are "not good enough" or "not attractive enough," which can erode their self-esteem. However, being represented by an agency that sees him as a whole person, beyond just his identity, has bolstered his confidence and allowed him to feel validated in a world that often marginalizes transgender people. 

 

The significance of agency representation is further explored when Peche Di introduces Yasmine Petty, another prominent transgender model. Yasmine’s story is a powerful testament to the challenges transgender models face. She recalls how, when she first entered the New York modeling scene as a teenager, her agents were unsure whether to send her out for male or female castings due to her androgynous appearance. This uncertainty and lack of understanding from the industry led to missed opportunities and frustration. Today, however, Yasmine feels there is much more opportunity for transgender models. She calls for broader representation, noting that commercial brands, such as Victoria’s Secret, should follow the example of companies like H&M, which have included transgender models in their advertising. She emphasizes that transgender people are consumers too, and their representation in fashion should reflect that reality.

 

The conversation then shifts to the future of transgender visibility in the fashion world. Peche Di reveals her involvement in launching a dating app specifically for transgender individuals called T-Day, which has already garnered a following of 20,000 users. This venture demonstrates her commitment to creating spaces for transgender people to connect and find community outside of the fashion industry. Julia Wiltz shares her aspirations to continue growing in her modeling career, with a particular focus on high-fashion opportunities. As a tattooed model, she is interested in breaking boundaries by becoming one of the first widely recognized transgender tattooed models. This ambition underscores the desire among transgender individuals to diversify their presence in fashion, showcasing the intersectionality of identity and representation. In a poignant conclusion, Hannah Bronfman reflects on the importance of representation in the fashion industry. She acknowledges the significant work done by Peche Di and others to elevate transgender individuals, but also emphasizes that there is still much work to be done. The industry must continue to evolve to embrace inclusivity, ensuring that transgender individuals are represented not as exceptions but as integral parts of the broader narrative of fashion. 

 

The episode of Hannahgram with Peche Di, Julia Wiltz, and other transgender models is a powerful exploration of the ongoing struggle for visibility and acceptance in the fashion world. While progress has been made, there is still much to be done to ensure that transgender individuals are not just seen but are given the opportunities and respect they deserve. Peche Di’s Trans Models NYC is just one example of how transgender representation in fashion is slowly but steadily becoming more inclusive. By sharing their stories and pushing for greater diversity, these models and advocates are helping to pave the way for a more inclusive future in fashion, one where transgender people are seen not as a trend but as equal, valuable members of the industry.

 

via: youtube

Image credits: YouTube