03 Feb 2009
America's Next Trans Model?
When I heard that America's Next Top Model had a trans woman in the new cycle, I was cynical. A show that's now been running for 11 seasons is always looking for a new unique selling point. A trans model was sure to get, and did get, plenty of column inches, viewers.
Having seen episode two of the new season last night, my opinion hasn't changed - it's still a shameless, if entertaining, piece of hard-sell.
The revelation is the trans contestant, Isis, a confident woman who does not allow herself to be bullied or cowed. I also love the way the show sets it up so Isis is the morally superior heroine and the nay-sayers are ignorant girls with not much going on upstairs.
The episode featured one contestant excusing her prejudice by saying "It's not my fault, I come from a traditional background," and another actually bullying Isis during a shoot, saying, "You need to shave, honey." The same contestant told the camera earlier on that "no drag queen is going to win, America's Next Top Model."
That girl was booted out later in the show, and it was nice to see the bully get her comeuppance. And I'm looking forward to prejudiced pretty girls getting booted out left right and centre as Isis makes it towards the final.
On the other hand, the best moment of the episode came when another contestant told Isis she was like a butterfly coming out of a cocoon. It was the first time I've ever been moved while watching Tyra's model trashfest.
