10 Favorite LGBTQ Models
And Why We Love Them
Fashion has always been about breaking barriers, so it’s refreshing to see that some of the fiercest faces out there right now are breaking barriers as well. Check out our top 10 LGBTQ models below, and see just how distinctively disruptive they can be.
1. Cara Delevingne
Ever since her first runway appearance in Burberry’s Fall/Winter 2011 show, Cara Delevingne has been blazing her own trail. She won Model of the Year at the British Fashion Awards twice – in 2012 and 2014. She has since crossed over into acting, receiving rave reviews for her performances in films like “The Face of an Angel” and “Paper Towns.” Seems like the sky is the limit for Delevingne, and we’re here for the ride.
2. Andreja Pejic
No one has androgyny on lock quite like Andreja Pejic. Ever since being discovered while working at McDonald’s as a teen, Pejic has become an inspiration to both the fashion industry and transgender community. Pejic became the first model to ever transcend the boundaries of gender, having walked both womenswear and menswear shows. After completing her transition into womanhood, and coming out publicly in 2014, she made history by becoming the first transgender model to be featured in Vogue, shot by legendary photographer Patrick Demarchelier.
3. Diego de Castro
You won’t be forgetting this gorgeous guy’s name soon – it’s tattooed across his chest. After being discovered on a beach in 2009, he’s been an underwear ad favorite, shooting campaigns for popular brands like C-in2 and Armani. The sociology student also appeared on the cover of the third edition of Carine Roitfeld’s “CR Fashion Book” alongside the next model on this list…
4. Saville Dorfman
Before being discovered on Instagram and landing his first modeling gig for “CR Fashion Book,” this South Africa native initially worked on the other side of the fashion industry as a buyer. His chiseled face has appeared everywhere from W Magazine to Men’s Health to the Givenchy runway. The karate fanatic is a firm believer in clean eating, but he loves the occasional shot of tequila. We’ll drink to that.
5. Freja Beha Erichsen
Ever since breaking onto the scene in 2008, Freja Beha Erichsen has been the epitome of effortless cool. The world first got a glimpse of her after she graced the covers of Vogue Portugal and Russian Harper’s Bazaar. Just two years later in 2010, she appeared on the covers of British Vogue, Italian Vogue, and two issues of French Vogue. Add to that the campaigns she landed with Chanel, Valentino, Balenciaga, and Tom Ford, and you’ve got a model who certainly knows how to make her presence known.
6. Stella Maxwell
Stella Maxwell is undeniably a modern-day beauty, with that girl-next-door edge. The Belgium native was discovered while out shopping one day, and she’s been modeling ever since. She took the top spot on Maxim’s Hot 100 list in 2016, gaining attention, not to mention romance, from some big Hollywood names (she’s been romantically linked to both Miley Cyrus and Kristen Stewart). She also recently got her official Victoria’s Secret wings, so there’s no telling how high this gorgeous gal will fly.
7. Jon Kortajarena
You probably saw Jon Kortajarena in my recent story featuring the ten hottest male models out there right now. I also included him in this list because OH MY GOD LOOK AT HIM. This ridiculously good-looking guy was 2018’s Male Model of the Year, and it’s beyond easy to see why. He’s appeared in campaigns for H&M, Just Cavalli, Etro, and Guess, just to name a few. He’s even got acting chops to boot, having appeared in Tom Ford’s “A Single Man.” What else can I say about this guy except SWOON.
8. Erika Linder
When Swedish model Erika Linder started booking jobs for men’s campaigns, it was headline news. From her first gig playing a young Leonardo DiCaprio to her latest campaigns for Tom Ford and Louis Vuitton, this gender-bending lady has become deft at playing both tough and tender. Linder has also gotten into acting, having starred in the Canadian film “Below Her Mouth.” Pretty easy to see why this androgynous model/actress’s personal hero is Tilda Swinton.
9. Kyle Krieger
Instagram star and YouTube personality Kyle Krieger knows a thing or two about hair, and you can see his hairdressing prowess all over social media. He’s combed and coifed the tresses of tons of celebrities, and his own luscious locks are something to behold. Krieger is far more than just a gorgeous face and amazing head of hair, though. He debuted his film “Boyfriend” at the BFI Flare Film Festival in London last year, and he continues to serve as an advocate for substance abuse treatment, having recently celebrated being eleven years sober himself.
10. Adwoa Aboah
British model Adwoa Aboah worked as a stylist and creative director before crossing over into the modeling world, when Tim Walker shot her for the December 2015 cover of Vogue Italia. She quickly proved to be one of the key fashion faces of the moment, starring in campaigns for Calvin Klein, Dior, and Marc Jacobs. Aboah’s Gurls Talk Project, which gives women a safe space to discuss feminist issues, proves that she is and will continue to be one of fashion’s most courageous voices.