Trans models for Calvin Klein and Playboy? 5 Asian transgender models changing the fashion landscape, from Geena Rocero to Treechada Petcharat
They’ve worked with The Weeknd, appeared in Harper’s Bazaar and walked at Lakmé Fashion Week – these transgender models are proving that the Asian fashion industry is finally becoming more inclusive
There were a total of 56 openly transgender and non-binary models on the runways launching mainstream autumn 2019 campaigns, according to The Fashion Spot – a huge increase from the six openly transgender models represented just a year earlier.
However, the numbers are far lower in Asia where only a handful of openly transgender models are working, in large part due to ongoing stigma and prejudice. But despite the struggle, these five Asian transgender models are pushing the envelope and serving as shining examples for hope and change.
Geena Rocero
The Filipino-American model started out in a beauty pageant before signing with Next Model Management at the age of 21. Since then, Rocero has starred in The Weeknd’s music video for The Knowing, been picked as a Playboy “playmate of the month” and spoken about transgender rights at the World Economic Forum – and even the White House, where she met Barack Obama.
Chella Man
Treechada Petcharat