Vogue’s first trans model makes a splash

Stunning trans model Andreja Pejic has told Vogue magazine that she was advised to stop her transition or face losing her career.

The 23-year-old Serbian beauty is believed to be the first trans model to be profiled in an editorial and photo shoot for the iconic fashion magazine.

Discovered at the age of 16 while working at a McDonald’s she became known for her androgynous looks and went on to model in both men and women’s roles for the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier and Marc Jacobs.

Pejic, who underwent gender-confirmation surgery last year, spoke about the challenges she faced in the industry. She was warned that if she transitioned she’d “lose what’s special about” herself.

An agent even told her: “It’s better to be androgynous than a tranny.”

Pejic explained that growing up, “Society doesn’t tell you that you can be trans. I thought about being gay, but it didn’t fit…” At one point she thought she should just “try to be a boy and try to be normal.”

Today, as awareness and acceptance of gender fluidity grows, things have improved, Pejic said. She commented that, “There are just more categories now. It’s good. We’re finally figuring out that gender and sexuality are more complicated.”

The magazine revealed that Pejic has been selected as a face of Make Up For Ever, “making her one of the first transgender models to score a significant beauty campaign.”