Youngest Trans Model, 10, Makes History At New York Fashion Week
While we’re used to seeing supermodels and celebrities grace the runway at New York Fashion Week, this time, a different model is making the headlines. 10-year-old Noella McMaher has become the youngest trans model to ever walk at the event.
According to Out, the girl was cast to represent designer Mel Atkinson of Trans* Clothing Company, which caters to trans and gender non-conforming individuals who are looking for an alternative to the usual high-street brands.
McMaher had begun transitioning at the age of just four, with her parents recounting that she didn’t feel comfortable identifying as a boy from as early as two years old.
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Though they felt she was too young to medically transition, they allowed her to start socially transitioning two years later, and legally change her name at seven—when she started her modeling career.
Dee McMaher, Noella’s mother, told Metro UK that the girl was “so excited” to go down the catwalk. She also commended her daughter’s stage presence, though she was also quick to mention that it was her duty to protect the 10-year-old and “make sure she is safe.”
Ultimately, the young model hopes to inspire other transgender children to accept and be confident in who they truly are.
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[via Out and Times Now, cover image via Noella McMaher]
