This trans model is the first to star in India’s premier fashion event

This model is set to be the first transgender woman to walk at the upcoming premier fashion events in India next month.

Anjali Lama, from Nepal, won the chance to model as the shows in Mumbai over the first week of February. She snagged the gig after her application to the shows last year were rejected.

“It wasn’t easy for me in the early days when there was so much rejection and discrimination,” the 32-year-old told Reuters.

“Now I am getting an overwhelming response from the fashion industry after being selected, and other transgender people tell me they are proud of me.”

Lama’s journey to get to the point has been turbulent.

The model was signed to an agency in Kathmandu, but was still living as a trans woman in secret. However, somebody found out and told her family who cut off communication with Lama.

“My mother, to some extent, was more accepting but there really wasn’t much awareness then,” Lama said.

“There is more awareness and acceptance now in Nepal, and that has helped more people like me to come out,” she said.

Lama first understood her trans identity after watching a show called “Struggle” which was about people who did not associate with the under assigned at birth.

“That day I understood,” Lama said. “I am also that kind of person.”

The fashion week aims to promote inclusivity and pass the constrained boundaries of gender, size and beauty in fashion.

Jaspreet Chandok, fashion head at IMG Reliance, an organiser of the event, said: “This season, our model pool will feature a transgender, a gender neutral and a plus size model [to] take these conversations forward, shining light on some these issues and bringing them to the national consciousness.”

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