America’s Next Top Model’s transgender contestant
The new season features Isis, a male-to-female aspiring model.
“Anyone who’s wavered on his or her opinion of Tyra Banks might want to step back and rethink things,” said Rebecca Armendariz in a Washington Blade blog, now that “there’s going to be a transgender contestant on the next season of America’s Next Top Model!” Letting “male-to-female aspiring model, Isis” compete is a big step for the show, and great news.
It’s kind of surprising, though, said the blog Zimbio. One of Tyra’s “favorite ways to belittle contestants” on the show is to “point out how much they look like drag queens.” In the past, several contestants were “made fun of for their supposed masculinity.” What’s Tyra going to say now?
The whole thing is just a publicity stunt anyway, said the blog I’m a Pazzo Kevin. “Previous twists in past ANTM seasons have been to include contestants who are lesbian, bisexual, plus size, autistic, and twins.” This season, it’s a transgender girl. It seems like Tyra will do anything to boost ratings.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
“I honestly don’t know how I feel about this,” said the blog It’s not you. It’s not me. It’s TV! On one hand, it’s great that Tyra is giving the spotlight to a transgender person. But on the other, Tyra could be exploiting Isis. “I wonder if this poor girl’s dreams will be crushed on national TV just for the sake of good” television.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
Our growing taste for bubble tea
The Week Recommends The trend for boba-based beverages shows no sign of ending
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
How to enjoy the Proms 2024
The Week Recommends This year's concert highlights, how to buy tickets, and where to watch and listen
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
Why more men are wearing jewellery
The Week Recommends Pop culture is boosting interest in earrings and necklaces, alongside classic tie pins and lapel pins
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published