Life

Isn't It Time For a Trans VS Angel?

by Nathalie O'Neill

She shops at Victoria's Secret, so why couldn't she model for them? A recent campaign, spearheaded by a change.org petition, is calling for the lingerie giant to make Carmen Carrera their first trans model. Carrera, of RuPaul's Drag Race fame, is a transgender reality TV personality, model, and burlesque performer. She recently signed on with Elite Model Management and appeared in a fashion spread in W's September 2013 issue. Did I mention she's gorgeous?

Not only would a deal with Victoria's Secret help increase acceptance of trans people, it would also mean a significant business boost for the brand, which could attract a more devoted LGBTQ clientele with this move.

The change.org petition has already reached over 25,000 signatures, with just a little over 7,000 more needed to reach their goal. Taking on Carrera as an angel would be an important step for the trans beauty world, since most trans modeling still remains separate from the cisgender mainstream.

Hopefully, Victoria's Secret will use this opportunity not only to include a trans angel but also to reflect on the broader beauty ideal the company projects. Because yes, they have gorgeous merchandise (a diamond, sapphire, and ruby bra, anyone?) but they also score pretty low on body diversity.