Another Role Model

Fashion Model Teddy Quinlivan

The personal is the political - Model Teddy Quinlivan reveals transgender identity.

Written by Clive Martin
CNN Exclusive


As the fashion industry bows to pressure to become more progressive with its casting choices, a new generation of models from all backgrounds, cultures, genders and sexualities has taken to the runways. The transgender community -- for so long underrepresented in fashion -- can today count several fashion superstars in its ranks, namely Gucci muse Hari Nef and fashion week stalwart Andreja Pejić.

Now, in a CNN Style exclusive, model Teddy Quinlivan is publicly disclosing her transgender identity for the very first time.

Quinlivan, 23, is a catwalk and campaign regular, having walked for the likes of Jeremy Scott, Carolina Herrera and Diane Von Furstenberg at this fall's New York Fashion week alone. Since being discovered by Louis Vuitton's creative director Nicolas Ghesquière in 2015, her career has been in the ascendant.

Speaking between New York Fashion Week shows, Quinlivan explains what inspired her to come out, during what appears to be a crucial time for transgender people.

I am Doing it for myself. I've decided to reveal my trans identity because of the political climate in the world right now -- particularly in the United States," Quinlivan said. "We made an amazing progression under the Obama administration, and since the new administration took office there's been a kind of backlash.

There's been violence against transgender people -- particularly transgender women of color -- since before I even knew what transgender was. I just felt a great sense of urgency. I'm very fortunate to be in (a) position (that) I never really thought I would be. It's really important to take advantage of a time like this.

I don't think it's a problem because I don't think there's anything wrong with being trans. I'm a woman first and foremost ... I'm a model but I'm also transgender, and I think in a time when I can count most transgender celebrities on my hands, (this) is crucial.

With her views on Trump and violence against the trans community, would Quinlivan say that her decision to come out is rooted in politics, or something more personal? "I think the personal is political," she replied. "It's political, but I'm also doing it for myself. I was ready to come out, but I think the times we live in elevated the sense of importance and urgency."

See the whole article here: CNN

Addition material at W Magazine