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 10 cycles of “America’s Next Top Model,” adding 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.
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.
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,” Giuliano told Access in statement.
See Isis and all the models complete to “be on top” on the Sept. 3 “Top Model” premiere on The CW.