7 LGBTQ MODELS OF 2021

BY: Andy Shoulders

It’s officially Pride month, and to kick it off we thought we’d highlight some of the hottest LGBTQ+ models out there right now.  Some have been around longer than others, and some you may not even have heard of.  Either way, these seven fierce fashionistas deserve to be recognized for the amazing work they do, and for the amazing beauty they share with the world.

LEYNA BLOOM

Leyna Bloom exploded onto the scene in 2017 when she became the first transgender woman of color to appear in Vogue India.  Since then, the Chicago native has become no stranger to firsts.  In 2019, she was the first transgender woman of color to star in a film that debuted at the Cannes Film Festival (Port Authority), and this July, she’ll be the first to grace the pages of Sports Illustrated’s annual swimsuit issue.  You’ve probably also seen her on the most recent season of Pose as well.  Rest assured this exquisite beauty is just getting started.

ARIZONA MUSE

Although Arizona Muse first exploded onto the scene back in 2007, she’s still a force to be reckoned with in the modeling world.  At the start of her career, she was dubbed the new face of American fashion by none other than Vogue, and from there she fronted campaigns for everyone from Diane von Furstenberg to Karl Lagerfeld.  During this time she was linked romantically with fellow “It” girl model of the time Freja Beha Erichsen.  She now lives in London with her two children and is a staunch activist for models’ rights and sustainability.

SVEA BERLIE

Dutch model Svea Berlie has walked the runways for every major designer from John Galliano to Marc Jacobs to Christian Siriano.  She has a knack for cooking as well, especially baking, and used to aspire to be a chef.  She melded this with her other passion, writing, and created her blog Svea’s Diary, where she shares everything from recipes to restaurant recommendations to her various modeling gigs.  She married longtime girlfriend Jenny Rey in 2016.

CORY WADE

You may remember Cory Wade from the 20th cycle of America’s Next Top Model (he placed 3rd) as the first openly gay male contestant on the show.  Currently signed with EMG Models, Wade is also a passionate LGBTQ+ activist and travels the country giving talks about gender expression and sexuality.  He’s also an accomplished recording artist – he released his first full album, Unify, in September 2017 on Spotify.

NEWSHA SYEH

Australian-Turkish stunner Newsha Syeh first gained her huge following on Instagram, where she now boasts over 232,000 followers.  She’s no stranger to controversy either – in 2018 she was denied entrance to the Louvre in Paris due to her “low-cut outfit.”  Syeh is also an accomplished YouTuber and blogger as well – check out her Tumblr page “theworldandmew.”

SHAUN ROSS

A name and face you most likely already know, Shaun Ross first made waves in the fashion world back in 2008 when he was just 16 years old with his striking appearance due to albinism.  He’s modeled for every major fashion house from Givenchy to Alexander McQueen, and he’s even a trained dancer, having studied at the Alvin Ailey School for five years.  Ross is also heavily active in the ball scene, and often vogues for the famous House of Xtravaganza.

BECKY HOLLADAY

One of the hottest tomboys out there right now, Becky Holladay can rock a leather jacket like nobody’s business.  This Portland dweller’s androgyny has led to modeling gigs with brands like Actual Pain, NICCE London, Charlie Boy, and Sticks and Stones jewelry.  To see more of Holladay, check out her Instagram @mickeypancake or her Tumblr blog “heyheymickeypancake.”