America's Next Top Tranny

International News, By Christian Taylor, 15th August, 2008

There are a million words to describe America’s Next Top Model – narcissistic, shallow, ostentatious. But every now and again it manages to shine a light, albeit dim at times, on some pretty serious issues.

There are the plus size contestants who work hard to balance out the fashion industry’s often warped perceptions of beauty. There’s Miss Jay and Jay Manuel – two men who are very much in touch with their ‘feminine side’. There have been photoshoots devoted to issues like homeless youth and the dangers of smoking. In cycle 9 contestant Heather raised awareness of asperger’s syndrome and in cycle 10, currently screening on Fox 8, Fatima has talked about her female genital mutilation experience.

Now, in cycle 11, which premieres in America next month, the show will include 22 year old former receptionist Isis, who describes herself as “a woman born physically male.”

The producers of the show have been praised by media watchdog Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), saying that including a transgender contestant in the new series is an unprecedented opportunity for a community that is underrepresented on mainstream television.

All too often transgender representation in the media comes in the form of Jerry Springer style shows, where transgender people are portrayed as freaks, or deceptive.

“We applaud Tyra Banks and The CW for making this historic visibility of transgender people possible,” says GLAAD chief Neil Giuliano.

The new season of America’s Next Top Model debuts on American TV September 3, and will no doubt screen in Australia before the year is out.

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