As one of the most prominent out, working transgender models of our time, LGBTQ advocate Andreja Pejic has helped drive the fashion industry forward when it comes to issues of nonbinary and transgender acceptance. In 2014, Pejic publicly announced her sexual reassignment surgery. In May 2015, she became the first transgender model to feature in American Vogue and, in March 2016, the first to cover Marie Claire Spain.
Throughout this period, Pejic submitted to filming by a documentary crew. “The cameras filmed some of the most personal parts of my transition that I would never imagine sharing with the world,” Pejic told British Vogue. “But I felt I had a responsibility because there are young people that are watching. You need to give them something to help them out without prejudice.” The film is slated for release before the end of 2018.
Meanwhile, Pejic continues to book big-name gigs — she’s the face of Make Up For Ever and recently starred in Reformation’s velvet-heavy holiday campaign. Her latest career coup? The April 2017 cover of GQ Portugal. As you may have guessed, Pejic is the first transgender woman to appear on the cover of the popular men’s magazine.
“To be honest, I never expected this moment. GQ is such a classic and respected men’s magazine and, while I am very proud of everything I’ve achieved, my modeling career has been everything but classic. So, in a way, this is a meeting of two different worlds and it represents progress,” Pejic told GQ.
Yesterday, the model took to Instagram to share the racier of her two covers (it’s a dual issue). Shot by photographer Branislav Simoncik, the photo shows Pejic in a silky cami and ruched black skirt. Pejic’s right strap is askew, revealing her sheer, skin-colored bra.
“I’d say this cover represents me getting my long awaited revenge on all those boys who didn’t wanna hold hands in public when I was finding out about love for the first time,” Pejic captioned the post, adding, “However, all pettiness aside MUITO OBRIGADO to the good peeps at @GQPortugal for the award and this little moment in history. I only hope we can all increase the sorcery in 2017.”
True, Pejic is white and female-presenting. True, we’ve yet to see her land any major American covers. Still, this latest casting represents a major win for transgender visibility in the fashion industry and beyond. And we’ve got changing attitudes, Pejic and GQ‘s editors, not sorcery, to thank.
