Model, actress, and designer Isis King may have been born biologically male, but ever since childhood she knew she was woman. Establishing a transgender identity does not come easy though, and at 23, Isis was homeless, living at a New York City LGBT shelter. After finding work as a background model for an America’s Next Top Model photo shoot, host Tyra Banks took an interest in her, and asked Isis be a part of the show’s next season. Within months, Isis was in the national spotlight as the first transgender contestant on Top Model, and she has used her platform to follow her dreams ever since – designing her own line of clothing, expanding her modeling and acting career, and serving as an activist for transgender…
Model, actress, and designer Isis King may have been born biologically male, but ever since childhood she knew she was woman. Establishing a transgender identity does not come easy though, and at 23, Isis was homeless, living at a New York City LGBT shelter. After finding work as a background model for an America’s Next Top Model photo shoot, host Tyra Banks took an interest in her, and asked Isis be a part of the show’s next season. Within months, Isis was in the national spotlight as the first transgender contestant on Top Model, and she has used her platform to follow her dreams ever since – designing her own line of clothing, expanding her modeling and acting career, and serving as an activist for transgender people everywhere.
Many people out in the world, LGBT or otherwise, experience discrimination or difficulty because of their identity. Isis came by with a few tips on dealing with issues like these, and I think all of us could take away something from her.
- Never give up on yourself
- Find a support group
- Save your money and map out a plan
“I’ve learned from being in an abusive relationship,” says Isis, “and [from] seeing my mom in two abusive relationships that believing in yourself is most important thing.” Isis finds great importance in not letting anyone else’s opinion change you. “Have courage within yourself!”
“Put yourself in environments where there is positive feedback,” suggest Isis. If you’re in a hostile workplace, or relationship, start documenting things that are said and done. Then, when you’re situation is secure, you can start using that information as a defense.
Isis understands that it’s impractical to just leave circumstances of your life behind abruptly. For many employees, discrimination or mistreatment in the workplace has to be endured, because the job means so much. “If you’re in a bad situation, but can’t leave yet, start saving your money and mapping out a plan.” THis kind of goal setting will help any person escape a bad situation!
Watch the rest of the interview with Isis King here
You can submit all your questions for our future guests on Mondays with Marlo on Twitter and Facebook.
Add Marlo On Facebook:
Follow Marlo on Twitter:
Weekly Newsletter
Sign up to receive my email newsletter each week – It will keep you up-to-date on upcoming articles, Mondays with Marlo guests, videos, and more!
— This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
Link to original:
