Shay Neary Just Became The First Plus-Size Trans Model To Land A Major Fashion Campaign
The fashion industry is attempting to become more diverse and the fashion brand Coverstory just gave it a major push by casting the first plus-size transgender model in its newest campaign.
Shay Neary landed the gig for the plus-size brand after only being signed to a modeling agency for a short time, but Coverstory's Heidi Kan told Mic that Neary was exactly who she was looking for.
"I was very surprised to find out how difficult it was to find a plus-size trans model, since it's pretty easy to find straight-size trans models," Kan said. "I was ecstatic when I found her."
The 28-year-old told Refinery29 that it may have taken her a moment to get comfortable in her own skin as a trans woman, but she absolutely loves her curves and who she is as a person.
"I very much love my body: my shape, my representation, my gender. I enjoy using fashion as a vehicle to portray how I want to be observed," she said. "When people meet me, they always say, 'Oh, you dress so well!' and 'Oh, you’re so well-put together for a big person.' I hate those comments; it's as if plus-size women don’t know how to dress."
With her new gig as a model for Coverstory, people better get used to seeing Neary confidently shine.