Michalina Manios, a transgender woman known for her participation in the second season of "Top Model" in Poland, has a remarkable and inspiring life story that has captured the attention of many. She gained national fame in 2011 as the first transgender contestant on the popular reality show, where her personal history and incredible journey became an integral part of her participation. While she made it to the finale and earned third place, her story is much deeper than her television career. Over the years, Michalina has faced significant challenges, triumphs, and personal growth, ultimately becoming a symbol of resilience and courage in the face of adversity.
Born in 1989 in Szadek, a small town in Poland, Michalina’s early life was far from easy. From a young age, she knew that she was different from the other children. Michalina was born with a condition known as intersex, which meant that her body developed both male and female gonads. This caused confusion and frustration for her as she struggled with a mismatch between her gender identity and physical appearance. She was raised as a boy, named Michał, but never felt comfortable in that identity. In an interview, Michalina openly discussed her struggles with her intersex condition, which she described as feeling like "a girl trapped in a boy’s body." She said, "From birth, I had a small defect that required correction. My body produced both male and female gonads. It was hermaphroditism. I struggled for a long time before I reached the point where I am now." At the age of 18, Michalina underwent gender-affirming surgery, a decision that was a significant step in her transition to becoming the woman she always knew herself to be.
Michalina's appearance on the second season of "Top Model" was groundbreaking. In a country like Poland, where transgender people have historically faced significant challenges, her participation was an act of immense courage. She did not hide her past and made sure to be transparent about her journey. She explained to the judges that she had undergone surgery, and her frankness about her experiences was met with a mix of curiosity, admiration, and some skepticism from the public. Despite the challenges she faced, Michalina’s beauty, poise, and maturity made a strong impression on the judges, and she moved quickly through the competition. She stood out not only for her looks but also for her strength and determination. Throughout the show, she became known for her emotional depth and the struggles she overcame to get to where she was. As the first openly transgender contestant on "Top Model", Michalina was an important figure in the representation of transgender people in Polish media. Her presence in the competition sparked conversations about gender identity, acceptance, and the importance of being true to oneself. By the end of the season, Michalina had secured a place in the finale, where she finished in third place. Although she didn’t win, her success in "Top Model" helped her break barriers and gave her a platform to share her message of self-empowerment and acceptance. Her story resonated deeply with many viewers, especially those who had experienced their own struggles with gender identity and societal rejection.
Despite her visibility on national television, Michalina’s path after "Top Model" was not as smooth as one might expect. The world of modeling, despite its glamorous exterior, can be a difficult industry to navigate, especially for someone with a background like Michalina’s. She expressed disappointment in the superficiality and lack of authenticity she encountered in the modeling world. "In modeling, people often live with a false identity, detached from integrity. Everything is done for show. People rarely are what they seem to be on the covers of magazines or on screen. They wear masks, creating an illusion of perfect lives, while often crying in the privacy of their homes,” she explained in an interview. Michalina’s disenchantment with the industry led her to move away from modeling after a short period, focusing instead on other passions that had always been close to her heart - music and education.
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While she initially gained fame through "Top Model", Michalina’s first love had always been music. From a young age, she enjoyed singing and even participated in vocal competitions and festivals. Music was always her true passion, and she saw "Top Model" as a stepping stone to help her achieve her dreams of performing on stage. In 2014, Michalina took another leap and auditioned for "The Voice of Poland". Despite her beautiful voice, she didn’t manage to turn any chairs during the blind auditions, a disappointment that marked another setback in her career. However, Michalina remained undeterred. "Music is my first passion. I have always loved singing, and even as a child, I participated in singing competitions. I always dreamed of performing on stage, and those dreams still live in me. I continue to work on my vocal abilities," she explained in an interview. Though her appearance on "The Voice" didn’t result in a victory, it solidified her determination to pursue music, and her love for performing continued to drive her.
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In 2015, Michalina made the bold decision to move to Sweden, leaving behind her career in modeling and the media spotlight. She relocated to pursue a quieter, more fulfilling life. Initially, she worked with her family’s business, which specialized in building eco-friendly wooden houses in Scandinavia. It was an opportunity for her to escape the pressures of the public eye and focus on her personal growth. However, Sweden provided more than just an escape from the media. It offered Michalina a chance to pursue her academic dreams. Having always been interested in languages, Michalina pursued a degree in Scandinavian Studies at Stockholm University. She had started studying this field while still in Poland, and her move to Sweden allowed her to complete her education. "I started studying Scandinavian Studies in Poland, and then I moved to Sweden and continued my studies at Stockholm University. It was my dream to attend these prestigious universities, and with a bit of determination, I succeeded,” she explained. Sweden also provided Michalina with a sense of peace and belonging. She appreciated the country’s approach to equality, tolerance, and respect for diversity. "Life in Sweden is peaceful and harmonious. Swedes are very precise and diligent in their work, and they are open to differences. Equality is the foundation of society, and you can develop yourself in almost any direction without any limitations," she said, reflecting on her experience of living in the country.
In 2021, Michalina returned to Poland for a brief period, where she continued her studies at the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, focusing on Swedish philology with a specialization in Scandinavian literature. For Michalina, pursuing education and helping others understand the Swedish language brought her a sense of fulfillment and purpose. She also found joy in teaching Swedish to others, sharing her passion for the language and culture. Though she remains largely out of the public eye, Michalina continues to inspire people with her story. She has shown that it’s possible to reinvent oneself, to pursue one's dreams, and to find happiness and peace, no matter the challenges one faces. Michalina Manios’ journey from a small-town girl to a national television star, and then to a woman finding fulfillment in a new life in Sweden, is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. She has faced unimaginable struggles, including bullying, identity confusion, and societal rejection, but she has always found the courage to move forward and chase her dreams. Whether through her role in "Top Model", her passion for music, or her academic achievements, Michalina has become a symbol of resilience and self-empowerment. Today, she is living proof that it is possible to create a life filled with purpose and happiness, no matter the obstacles one faces along the way.
Image credits: YouTube
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