Aaron Philip has become the first black, disabled, transgender model to sign with Elite Model Management.
Philip identifies as a gender-nonconforming transgender woman. She has cerebral palsy and uses a motorized wheelchair.
The 17-year-old was scouted from her social media accounts where she boasts more than 32,000 Instagram followers and more than 20,000 Twitter followers.
“i’m signed to @elitenyc! thank you so much for supporting me thru my journey to make the fashion world more inclusive. this hasn’t been easy, but we did it! i’m so excited & grateful to work hard and share this new chapter of my life with you all,” Philip announced on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/aaronphilipxo/status/1035939652111400963
“Now that I’m signed and ready to hit the runway this season, I have lots of questions running through my mind. Who will be daring enough to cast me in their shows? Will I book any shows this season? Which casting directors are interested or uninterested?” Philip writes.
“As excited as I am, this is all new to me. I know that because of my appearance, my disability, and my identities, I may be boxed into a position where I’m either seen as unique and fascinating, or straight up not what a casting director or designer may be looking for. More than anything, I can only pray for success and happiness within my career and the goals I intend to achieve. I don’t want signings like mine to be a trend or a fad. I want careers for Black, disabled, and trans models to be attainable and sustainable,” she adds.
