GLAAD for a transgender contestant on 'America's Next Top Model'

One of the contestants on the upcoming season of "America's Next Top Model" is transgender, according to Us Weekly. "My cards were dealt differently," Isis, a 22-year-old former receptionist, told the magazine in its current issue.  The model describes herself as "a woman born physically male."

"We applaud Tyra Banks and the CW for making this historic visibility of transgender people possible," Neil Giuliano, president of GLAAD, told Us.

Cynical viewers of the show may predict that Banks will  exploit the situation as she has previous contestants' trials and tribulations: previous abuse, homelessness and even female circumcision have played as large a role in some girls' stories as their portfolios.  However, we should simply focus on the positive aspect of Isis bringing a new side of fierceness to the show.

--Claire Zulkey

Comments

[Kelli Busey]

Excellent. We transgender people can benefit by all the positive exposure we can get!

[Kristine Tarcy Holland]

I think tht is a giant step forward in recognition and that we are not all extreme drag queens.

Congrats and best of Luck, may the best contestant prevail!

Kristine