Lath Ashley is a Dominican-American transgender model. He is more than a successful person in the fashion industry, more than a model.
The dynamic childhood and the journey of finding his real "inside"
The past of Ashley is a long journey, looking for the answer to the question: “Who am I exactly?”
He loves sports and performs decently, leading him to think, is this what he is? This manliness, is that what he really wants to be?
Therefore, he came out at the age of 17, but never define himself as being lesbian. Eventually, at the age of 19, after a longer period of research, he decided to transform his gender, and the operation took place in 2014. Up to now, he has been very happy, for being able to live the way he wants.
A social activist
Laith Ashley specialized in Psychology at the University of Fairfield, Connecticut. He used to work for social campaigns and organizations, healthcare and mental support centers. Notably, he provides special help for the young-age members of the LGBT, and his dedication to the society was utterly significant.
The Path of Being a transgender model
His career began with Instagram photos. In the year 2015, he engaged in a photo shoot session with his friend and both of them posted the results on social media. Unfortunately, Ashley received many objections and disapprovals in the comment section, leading to his thought of deleting his account immediately.
Nonetheless, Laverne Cox, an actor, encouraged him, leaving praising messages, nay re-post Ashley’s photos on her account to show respect and support for his work. Since then, he showed a more positive attitude toward digital platforms and work more diligently in this field. As a result, he was invited to collaborate with many companies, and his career officially started at that point.
Being the model of the Barney campaign through the lens of photographer Bruce Weber was his first job. Laith told V Magazine about his first experience: “Bruce is truly an extraordinary person and will shoot anything that inspires him. He was browsing in an area with his camera in hand, left and right. It's really cool to see how he works, and I will always look forward to working with him once again.”
In 2015, Laith Ashley engaged in a commercial campaign for Calvin Klein. With his musculus body and prominent attitude, he exceeded Justin Bieber, to become the representative of this world-class brand.
Also, Laith Ashley is the first transgender model to take part in Diesel’s project, with the photographer David LaChapelle.
Furthermore, he proudly appears on the first page of top-tier magazines such as British GQ, Vogue France, Out Magazine, Elle UK, Attitude UK Gay Times, FTM Magazine, and Cassius.
Furthermore, the world-famous fashion week events also have his presence. The catwalks that he has participated in include prominent names such as Marco Marco Fashion Show or especially the Gypsy Sport catwalk at New York Fashion Week.
From hard work to an outstanding reputation
To become this success, Laith has been through many difficulties, mainly being criticized rudely about his appearance.
Moreover, finding his “self” is also a long and challenging journey. “When I look at the mirror, I am satisfied with that looking, this is exactly what I want to appear to the world.”
Undoubtedly, Laith Ashley is a pioneer, an influential model on the fashion industry, opening a new era for transgender models to participate and develop.
Image source: Internet.
