Talent: Isis King @msisisking
Photography, Creative Direction, and Production by: Mike Ruiz
Editor-in-Chief: Dimitri Vorontsov
Fashion Stylist: Kaij @kaijfashion
Hair: Pavy Olivarez @pavyartist
Makeup: Raquel Moreno @rpromakeupartist
Location: Los Angeles, California

Who was your greatest inspiration growing up? 

I will say my greatest inspiration growing up was my mom, but also Storm from the X-Men. Everything about Storm made me want to be just like her. Her strength, and her regal-ness.

Tell us about your experience on America’s Next Top Model.

I started as a background extra in a homeless photo shoot, then got tapped to come back and become the show’s first and only trans finalist. There were many ups and downs, but I made a huge impact not only on the show but in pop culture. There was not much trans representation during that era, but I didn’t let that stop me from chasing my dream. I went back on the show a few years later to compete on the All-Star season solidifying my place in the Top Model Hall of Fame lol. All that I have become is largely thanks to my participation on the show.

What are some of your most valuable skills as an actor?

I think one of my most valuable skills is being able to emote my emotions. I’m a sensitive person so it’s easy for me to get to those emotional places quickly because of it. 

Do you want to work in film, live theater or both?

Film and Television for sure!

What advice do you have for aspiring artists, particularly those in the trans community?

To never give up on their dreams, and that manifestation is real so if you believe it is possible. Carve out a space for yourself and create your art.

What attracted you to play Sol Perez in With Love? 

I’ve never seen a trans character be loved by friends, family, a partner, and also have a booming career. That in itself is groundbreaking, and I wanted to be a part of it.

How has Sol grown since the first season of With Love?

Sol is more grounded in who they are, their fashion has elevated because of their career, and they are just way more confident in general. You’re going to see them this season really learn to stand up for themself as well.

What similarities are there between you and Sol? What differences are there?

We are different because Sol is an oncologist, and I will faint at the sight of blood lol. We are similar because we are the ones that people go to for advice and I like to also think that I have a gentle heart just like Sol and want to help people out.

Gold Rouche Dress: Jean-Louis Sabaji @jeanlouissabaji
Jewelry: Federica Rossi @frjewels, Joyia Jewelry @joyiajewelry, & @houseofellajewelry @626fashionhaus
Shoes: Aleví @alevimilano

Was there any preparation you had to do for the character?

Not as much as usual surprisingly, then again, I’m not used to a trans character being so gentle and calm and kind of the heart of the family. The one you go to for advice, who is loving and a little goofy. I feel like that’s pretty much me, and I never would’ve thought the character description for a transcript would also be that.

What do you hope viewers take away from the show? 

I hope viewers see that inclusion is normal, that we all deserve to be loved, and we should all be able to coexist in harmony. I hope they also take away the importance of family and chosen family.

Dress: Maya Seyferth @maya_seyferth_official Earrings: Norahz Boutique @norahzboutique, Joyia Jewelry @joyiajewelry, & SOLO for diamonds @solo_for_diamonds Shoes: Aleví @alevimilano

As an ambassador of GLAAD and the Los Angeles LGBT Center, how do you plan on using your platform to further their missions? 

I think I’m doing it, sharing my story and normalizing who we are as trans people. To elevate the voices of others as much as I can, and being the most positive representation I can be for my community.

Why are these organizations important and what impact do you hope they have?

I hope more than anything they help reach allies and people who want to stand with our community because sometimes the allies are the ones who are in the rooms and these organizations amplify voices even louder then we can individually.

Pink dress: Alexia Ulibarri @alexiaulibarridesigns
Rhinestone Bodysuit: Viva Style House @viva_stylehouse
Jewelry: Jadore Fine Jewelry @jadorefinejewelry & Vince Camuto @vincecamuto
Silver Heels: Aleví @alevimilano

What do you enjoy most about acting?

I love the possibility to get a new role and play a new character! There’s just something so fun to it but also so challenging to memorize lines and find the character within. I love the challenge!