Loiza Lamers made history last week when she was crowned as the winner of Holland’s Next Top Model.
The 20-year-old hairdresser and makeup artist became the first winning transgender contestant in franchise history when she took the title at the end of season 8 (which aired on Monday, October 26, 2015). Broadcasted in 50 regions over the past 12 years, the Top Model franchise has casted several transgender women in the past, but Lamers is the first to win the competition.
Lamers expressed her gender nonconformity early in life — at the age of 10, her journey through transition was featured in a documentary by Charlotte Hoogakker titled Van Lucas naar Luus (From Lucas to Luus) in 2005.
According to the Dutch news outlet De Gelderlander, Lamers didn’t initially tell producers about her gender identity when she was auditioning, fearing it would affect her progress in the competition. But a wave of internet rumors surfaced about her transition after the show aired, prompting her to go public about her history. Lamers' prize included a contract valued at €50,000, or $54,765, with Touché Models.
A photo posted by Loiza Lamers (@loizalamers) on
“I’m really at a point where I can say I am very proud to be transgender,” Lamers told De Telegraaf. Soon after the announcement on Monday, the Dutch model posted a selfie on Instagram with the following caption in Dutch: “Dear all!!! Thanks for all your votes, sweet comments and support! I’m so darn happy with everything that I have experienced! Thanks thanks thanks! #hntm #finale #love #for #you”
Lieve allemaal!!! Dankjewel voor al jullie stemmen, lieve berichtjes en steun! Ik ben zo onwijs gelukkig met alles wat ik heb mogen ervaren! Dank dank dank! #hntm #finale #love #for #you A photo posted by Loiza Lamers (@loizalamers) on
Throwback of an awesome day!! #amazing A photo posted by Loiza Lamers (@loizalamers) on
Previous transgender contestants like Isis King from the eleventh season of the American competition have also inspired millions. King, who’s modeled for American Apparel, shared her story with the Daily Mail in 2014. In it she discussed what she had to overcome in her childhood and teen years, her big move to New York City in 2007 to begin hormone replacement therapy, and what she’s facing today.
Transgender Supermodel Isis King Can’t Find Love by Barcroft TV
"I have a great career, I know who I am, I know who I want, I'm a positive person," she said.
King's story was also recently featured in Teen Vogue.
#TransIsBeautiful, and these women are making their mark in mainstream fashion and beauty.
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