Lea T: Walking tall for transindividuals

 

Over the last two years, there has been much controversy surrounding model Lea T. Why? Because she is a transsexual individual. She strutted her stuff at this year's Paris Fashion Week, where she modelled for Riccardo Tisci's Givenchy autumn/winter 2011 show in a decked-out blouse, sheer skirt and a pair of specs. I can already see what is going to happen here, 'female' models are going to start complaining that there are 'men' taking up much coveted modelling spots. The issues sparked here, are very similar to the controversy that surrounded Caster Semenya. Of course Semenya is technically 'female', whereas Lea was born with 'male' genitalia. But for something such as modelling, where it only comes down to appearance, I think Lea has a better chance of being accepted.

 

I guess in any competative environment, the issue of someone like Lea T. is going to rub some people the wrong way. However, the only thing that can actually be said is that she has the look that designers want...and that's that.

Here is an interview she did with Oprah: