Just People, Just Clothes: Four Queer and Non-Binary Models on Walking the Runway Today

Which kinds of clothes are you usually assigned to wear? And how does that make you feel?

I laugh to myself all the time because I’ll walk into a casting or a fitting and I’m walking in with my sneakers and my baggy clothes, my boxers, and just super, super boyish. Then they will put me in a pair of pants and I’m like, okay, it’s not so bad. And then they’ll be like, no, no, no, we’re gonna put them in a dress. Somehow I always just end up in a dress one way or another. It’s funny to me because then I just leave in my boxers and I’m like, okay, duality. I can do it both ways [laughs].

Do you ever experience dysphoria because of it?

Oh yes. I mean, growing up, I was not one to wear dresses. My mom even acknowledges this, I would be kicking and screaming to put a dress on, I’m just really uncomfortable with it. I’m like, why does that girl get to wear pants for a show? But at the end of the day, it’s just a job. Though either way in my head I’m wishing I was in a pair of pants.

What’s your experience been like off the runway? Do you ever get misgendered or questioned on your identity?

Yeah. [laughs] I’m misgendered more than I’m not. I guess I’m just used to it at this point, but I’m not one to be triggered or get super upset if I’m misgendered. Because I know that I do appear pretty feminine and have long hair, and whatever. But for the most part, I mean, I am kind of over it. I personally address everyone as “they,” because I don’t know and I don’t want to unintentionally hurt somebody’s feelings. I also get that it is still a relatively new concept for some people, but it really just boils down to just basic respect for others.

Do you ever feel like casting non-binary models or models on the spectrum is a trend? Or do you see it as a positive step forward?

I feel both, because it’s still so new for some people that you can’t really tell if it’s gonna stick around, even if it’s just a trend or not. But in the end, this is how the world is now and how people are beginning to identify themselves. I’m in between. I guess we’ll have to see.