21 Models Paving the Way For the LGBTQ+ Community in Fashion

There’s no doubt that Cara’s a triple threat, with a résumé that boasts top model, actress, and musician. She came out as bisexual a few years ago and has been linked to both men and women.

Since appearing as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model, Isis has become a well-known face in the transgender community, walking in shows such as Savage x Fenty.

Jari Jones is an influential model, actress, and activist making strides across each industry. She appeared in Calvin Klein’s 2020 Pride campaign and was the first Black trans woman to produce a film competing at Cannes Film Festival.

Actor, model, and activist Indya catapulted to stardom with their breakout role on Pose. Indya was Elle‘s first trans cover star, appearing on the June 2019 issue.

Shaun Ross is considered to be one of the first professional male models with albinism. He has walked for fashion houses like Alexander McQueen and Givenchy and been featured in music videos for artists like Beyoncé, Lana Del Rey, and Katy Perry.

Hunter is probably best known for her role as Jules in Euphoria, but she is also an amazing model and has walked for Dior, Miu Miu, Vera Wang, and Helmut Lang. She is a major LGBTQ+ rights activist.

Freja’s ruled the runways for the likes of Prada, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Chanel, Dior – basically all the major fashion houses you can think of. She is well-known in the fashion industry for her androgynous look and was even a muse for Karl Lagerfeld.

This It girl has modeled for Victoria’s Secret and was even crowned an Angel in its runway show. Still, the world can’t seem to get enough of her personal life: the blond bombshell’s been linked to Miley Cyrus and Kristen Stewart.

Munroe Bergdorf is a British model who has walked in London and NYC Fashion Weeks and uses her platform to talk about many topics, like LGBTQ+ issues, racism, and feminism. In June 2020, she joined L’Oréal Paris‘s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board.

At just 31, Catherine McNeil’s already a fashion veteran, rising to fame in 2007. She’s appeared in major campaigns such as for Givenchy, Dior, and Versace; modeled for numerous Vogue editions; and walked in Men’s Fashion Week in 2018 – adding to her mile-long résumé. Fun fact: at one point, she was rumored to be engaged to Orange Is the New Black star Ruby Rose!

Which edition of Vogue magazine has Arizona covered? Oh, just about all of them, from American to French to British and beyond. She is taking the fashion world by storm.

Valentina Sampaio has made huge strides for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2019, she was announced as Victoria’s Secret’s first transgender model, and she was the first trans model to appear in the Sports Illustrated‘s annual Swimsuit Issue.

Erika’s androgynous look has made her a sought-after model for major shows, but perhaps you’ll recognize her from Katy Perry‘s “Unconditionally” music video or a cool Crocker by JC Jeans Company ad, in which she posed as both male and female.

Ireland inherited all the best genes from dad Alec Baldwin and mom Kim Basinger, so it’s no wonder she’s landed gigs for W, Vanity Fair, and Elle magazines. Ireland’s love life also made headlines when she dated rapper Angel Haze.

Since appearing on America’s Next Top Model in 2012, AzMarie Livingston has gone on to act in Empire, Precious, The Real Housewives of New York City, and The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty. She has also been in several music videos and released her own debut singles.

A top model in the ’90s, Tasha is the queen of the runway as seen here in the Marco De Vincenzo Fall 2019 show.

Hari was the first openly trans woman to be signed to IMG Worldwide. Since then, she has entered Hollywood after starring in Assassination Nation and making an appearance on You.

Andreja, who underwent gender confirmation surgery in 2014, was once the face of Make Up For Ever as well as the whole trans movement. She made her post-transition runway debut in February 2015 when she walked in the Giles Fall show during London Fashion Week.

Madison Paige has modeled in campaigns for many brands, including Gucci, Paul Mitchell, and Abercrombie and Fitch, as well as collaborated with Photo/Genics + Co. on a gender-neutral clothing line.

Model Lea T is best known as designer Riccardo Tisci’s muse, and her face – and hair! – can be seen in campaigns for the beauty brand Redken.

Geena’s more than just a runway pro and friend of Caitlyn Jenner: the model came out as transgender while giving a TED talk and founded Gender Proud, an organization with the goal “to elevate transgender justice and equality.”