17 minutes ago 2009-11-28T04:08:39-08:00
LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Tyra Banks is known for
breaking down walls in the world of modeling, and the
supermodel-turned-television mogul is at it again -- this time
doing something she's never done in the previous ten cycles of
"America's Next Top Model," adding in a transgender
contestant.
The reality show about a host of pretty faces vying for a
modeling contract and an advertising campaign, will feature Isis, a
transgender contestant, a rep for The CW confirmed to Access
Hollywood.
"My cards were dealt differently," contestant Isis told
Us Weekly about herself.
Dish Of Salt: NBC Summer Press Day 2008: Janice Dickenson - Play it Now
The 22-year-old former non-profit worker from Prince George's
County, Maryland, identifies herself as "a woman born physically
male."
As for Isis being a role model for other people?
"I like to help people, but I'm here to follow my dreams," the
aspiring model told the mag.
All Access: Supermodels - TV - Reality TV - Tyra Banks - Celebrities
GLAAD president Neil G. Giuliano believes Isis' inclusion is
major step for the transgender community.
"The inclusion of Isis on 'America's Next Top Model' offers an unprecedented opportunity for a community that is underrepresented on television. We applaud Tyra Banks and The CW for making this historic visibility of transgender people possible," Neil G. Giuliano, GLAAD President told Access in statment.
See Isis and all the models complete to "be on top" on the September 3 "Top Model" premiere on The CW.
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