Model Anjali Lama is helping pave the way for other trans models, and we’re kinda obsessed with her
Today in #GirlPower, Anjali Lama, a transgender model, is speaking out about what it’s really like to be a trans model, and why she’s so passionate about the work she does. Like, yes! Anjali Lama, who is from Nepal, is honestly becoming one of our new role models, and we think you’ll love her, too.
We’ve seen so much progress recently when it comes to inclusivity in the fashion world, from more body diversity to models of color speaking out against racism. However, much still to be done, and there’s definitely a lack of trans models (though we’ve seen more of these amazingly talented folks in the last year or so).
Anjali Lama, who was recently on the cover of ELLE India, spoke with BuzzFeed about what it’s like to be a trans model.
Lama, who just wrapped up walking in Lakmé Fashion Week, told BuzzFeed, “Be it for a job or an accommodation, nothing comes easy to us. I got multiple rejections for just being a transgender woman.”
It hasn’t been easy, she explains, not by a long shot.
“My first assignment was a photoshoot for the cover page of a magazine. This assignment was easy and exciting. The cover shoot was the threshold, but then I started my tough journey which resulted in multiple rejections. I was broke, but I never gave up. The most disturbing thing to hear was the reason of the rejection being that I was ‘transgender’. To the point, when my successive failures prompted my well-wishers to also suggest I leave this career path. I took this as a challenge to debunk this myth and lay my own future forward, solely of my choice, which has today, brought me to this prestigious runway of Lakmé Fashion Week.
Thankfully, she’s found that fashion is a more inclusive space.
“Fashion is conducive to inclusivity, I feel there is a very big impact on the fashion industry in a very positive way. Fashion Week has been working on our inclusivity season after season, and participating in such a platform now, I owe the responsibility to take this message of inclusivity to the forefront."
And we’re so glad to hear it. We can’t wait to see what she does next, and we’ll definitely be cheering her on! Here’s to a more inclusive future in the world of fashion and beyond.
