This trans model is taking the fashion industry by storm since transitioning
An American transgender model is booking higher profile gigs after transitioning to male.
Casil McArthur began modelling at the age of ten when he still identified as a girl. But now at 17, he is modelling for Calvin Klein, Saint-Laurent and Italian Vogue.
McArthur began taking testosterone last year after struggling with gender dysphoria for a few years. Since beginning his transition his career in modelling has soared.
However, it hasn’t come without its issues. Since taking testosterone McArthur has struggled with acne and menopausal side affects. He also still encounters people misgendering him.
He told the Denver Post: “While I have patience, it doesn’t give people permission to misgender me or throw my identity under the bus. Because that still happens — people will misgender me and I’ll correct them, and they’ll be like, “Well, I’m still getting used to it.” And it’s like, “No, I’ve been this way for awhile.’”
The teen, who is from Colorado, hopes to use his platform to reach out to other LGBTQ teens and provide a voice for those who feel they don’t have one. “I don’t think it’s fair that kids who are like me, kids who are in the LGBTQ community, kids who are different, have to hide,” he said. “It’s not fair that we have to feel so unsafe in this world. Kids are supposed to be protected by older generations.”
McArthur has said that his modelling career has been a lot simpler since transitioning, but he’s still very dedicated to keeping a balance between the real world and his job.
“Male modeling is a lot simpler because you don’t have to try as hard, but it’s definitely difficult for male models because they’re always expected to have such strong, muscular and sculpted bodies,” he said.
“I would not have gone through what I have gone through for something I was not sure about. I’m simply telling people that in my opinion, you will only get the highest quality out of life if you are who you are,” he added.
The model features in a 16 page spread in W magazine this month and is joining the ranks with other popular transgender and androgynous models including Ruby Rose and Andreja Pejic.
