Bangkok-based Apple Model Management has been representing transgender models in Thailand since November last year. The agency also represents non-transgender or “cisgender” models.
However, the LA branch of Apple will exclusively represent transgender models. It already has six transgender models on its books the company’s US operations run by Cecilio Asuncion.
Asuncion’s recent documentary “What’s The T” gained attention as it represented the triumphs and struggles of five transgender women.
Asuncion said, “Our strong commitment to developing [clients] as successful models is never about quantifying or qualifying their gender.”
Asuncion also added that it wasn’t a matter of being male or female but about the individual’s commitment and passion towards being the best at the job.
Asuncion says the agency sees transgender individuals as being “beautiful.” He mentioned there have been transgender models throughout history — a few well-known names are Caroline Cossey, Candy Darling and Octavia Saint Laurent.
According to Asuncion, there are many models who despite their potential are unable to attain the success they are capable of because of society’s stigma against transgender individuals.
One transgender model who has gained success is Australian Andreja Pejic. Pejic has walked the ramp as both a male and a female model on different occasions. She is also the first transgender model to get profiled in Vogue.
A major modeling agency has been representing Pejic. But Asuncion notes that many transgender models with genuine potential don’t have this privilege.
Thailand is famous for being very accepting of the transgender community. Apple is entering the transgender modeling market at a time when several transgender individuals are visible in the mainstream entertainment industry and media.
Some popular transgender stars on T.V. include Chaz Bono, Caitlyn Jenner and Laverne Cox.
Recently, while accepting the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, Jenner made a moving speech urging acceptance of transgender individuals.
Apple Model Management is currently accepting applications from transgender women who are five feet and eight inches or up. For transgender men, the height restriction is six feet and up.
