America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), yet another reality television show where young woman try to become “someone” is infamous for the subversive topics they have covered throughout the years.  The show (ahem, read: Tyra Banks) prides itself on choosing diverse models to compete for the prize of a $100,000 modeling contract and a spread in Seventeen Magazine.  The show has featured individuals who’ve shared their stories of physical and sexual abuse, homelessness, female circumcision, and being gay.  All of which are very important topics to bring to light.  And now, America’s Next Top Model has announced that one of its contestants of Cycle 11 (they call the seasons “cycles” instead of seasons), is transgender.   The question is, will this woman be respected or exploited throughout this competition, and what will her appearance on the show mean for the LGBTQ community?

Currently, LGBTQ blogs and fans galore are on ANTM’s and Tyra’s side.  In a recent statement, GLAAD President Neil Giuliano said, “This is an unprecedented opportunity for a community that is underrepresented on television.  We applaud Tyra Banks and the CW for making this historic visibility of transgender people possible.”  Even certain media are already hailing Isis (the model’s name) as a role model (with the exception of ever conservative Fox News, who already has had to issue an apology for degrading statements made on air).  However, when asked in an interview by US Weekly how she felt about earning the title of “Role Model”, Isis responded, “I like to help people, but I’m here to follow my dreams.”  Whether or not she wants the title, it is a big responsibility she’ll have once the season begins to air.  

As Kim Stolz, former contestant (and openly gay throughout the season she was on) points out on her MTV NEWSROOM blog, “the moment that the transgender issue is addressed will bear great weight on the perception of trans-ness by the viewing audience, and subsequently, the way they treat any trans person who crosses their path.”  Kim goes on to point out that this season of ANTM has the potential to shape people’s minds about a minority that is still “taboo,” and I agree.  In that respect, Isis does bear the weight of being a role model to her peers in the LGBTQ community, and hopefully her role on the show will not be exploited for ratings and entertainment value.  Unfortunately, reality TV is a business.  On the bright side, even if ANTM’s portrayal of Isis is exploitative, it will undoubtedly start a mainstream discourse about transgender issues, and those conversations are what will lead to a greater awareness and equality for trans people.  Look for the first episode of ANTM and Isis’s debut on September 3rd!

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