Transgender model features in Vogue issue celebrating influential British women
Transgender rights and their representation in society have been major issues across the globe for a long time now. While last year saw Playboy featuring its first transgender playmate and India also witnessed a big step forward with model Anjali Lama walking the ramp at Lakme Fashion week, this year also promises a lot to look forward to.
Transgender model Paris Lees was told she will never be a girl, but she has hit back at everyone who undermined her to feature on the cover of British Vogue. She was part of a shoot celebrating the ‘new Suffragettes’ along with prominent women.
The model who describes herself as a writer, presenter and campaigner can be seen alongside blogger Dina Torkia, artist Gillian Wearing and Labour MP Stella Creasy in the February issue. The issue marks 100 years since women won the right to vote in the country.
Paris Lees shared the picture on Twitter thanking Edward Enninful and slamming everyone who tried to put her down.
Thank you @Edward_Enninful for including me in @BritishVogue, and this special moment, with these strong, smart and inspiring women. As we celebrate 100 years since women have been able to vote in the UK, let's make sure we're fighting for ALL women. Our diversity is our strength pic.twitter.com/ve8M9wzfDw
— Paris Lees (@parislees) January 4, 2018
Look how far we've come. It's insane that I could be in Vogue. A trans kid from a council estate. People at school told me I'd never be a girl, would never be pretty enough, would never be accepted WELL HERE I AM BEING CELEBRATED AS A WOMAN – IN VOGUE FFS!https://t.co/Wsd84E84bI
— Paris Lees (@parislees) January 4, 2018
She also mentioned how careers of transgender models April Ashley and Caroline Cossey were ruined when their identity was revealed, and wrote that she was thankful that times were changing.
