On Monday, December 2, US model Alex Consani was voted Model of the Year at the British Fashion Council's Fashion Awards, making her the first openly transgender person to receive the prestigious award.
When she collected the award at London's Royal Albert Hall, the model took advantage of the chance to speak to the fashion industry's important individuals or gatekeepers.
"I'm the first trans woman to win this award. But I can't accept this award without thanking those who came before me.
"Specifically, the black trans women who really fought for the space I'm in today ... Dominique Jackson, Connie Fleming and Aaron Rose Philip were among those who fought for the space that allowed me to flourish," Consani said.
She went on to say that change is not only possible, but necessary.
In October 2024, Consani was among the first unabashedly trans models to walk in the famed Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, alongside Brazilian model Valentina Sampaio.
The young model's win has brought out the pitchforks from those who oppose trans rights.
"What's that dude doing wearing a dress?" An individual posted on X (Twitter).
Among hundreds of comments, another woman commented: "This is genuine hatred for women on insurmountable levels."
One individual simply commented that this is why Donald Trump won the election in the US.
"The f*ck is this hideous demonic sh*t," another commented.
In a relatively lengthy post, one person wrote that a cisgender (straight) woman (Anok Yai) should have won: "So a white man in a wig, cosplaying as a woman stole what rightfully belonged to a woman of colour who's far prettier and more talented than this tr*on and feminists celebrating it will never not be funny."
Another said that the situation is absurd. "Trans women should not be allowed to compete in this. They have an innate biological advantage; in that they are all uniquely beautiful. Bio women simply cannot compete and should not be forced to compete with these stunning dolls."
IOL