Transforming Fashion: Texas Trans Model of Color Breaks Boundaries

By Josh Watkins

The fashion and modeling industries are notorious for their influence on the general population—seemingly radical runway looks soon trickle down into every major department store. But these industries are often controversial for a different reason—their lack of diversity and representation.

Jessica Zyrie, a Texas-raised trans model, aims to change the fashion uniform. Born in New Jersey, Zyrie grew up in San Antonio, where she transitioned her senior year of high school. Although some in her life rejected her for transitioning, Zyrie says she is still grateful. “There have been many highs and lows in my transition, but I have gained so much more than I’ve lost,” she says. “I’ve gained true happiness in knowing that I can be loved and accepted for myself. Do I believe some people have it harder? Of course. Do I believe some people have it easier? Definitely.”

After high school, Zyrie moved to attend Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. It was during this time that the idea of modeling piqued her interest. She connected with a local fashion professional and, from there, began networking as much as possible. “Corpus Christi is a small and close-knit city, especially compared to San Antonio,” Zyrie says. “Anyone and everyone who had a passion for the fashion industry, in all facets, knew one another.”

Zyrie says that, through modeling, she was able to find her true self-reflection—something she never saw before she transitioned. “I used to not be able to look in a mirror,” she says. “Every time I saw myself, it was a reminder that my reflection was not mine. I was looking back at someone who I believed everyone else wanted to see.”

Right before graduating college, Zyrie decided she wanted to be transparent about her journey and to use social media to share her experiences with others. A photographer friend of Zyrie’s helped her film a short snippet of her story—one that would ultimately lead her to move to Houston. “An individual who heard my story had recently moved to Houston and told my current job about me,” she says. “They initially wanted me for a commercial to promote living in your truth, but after filming, I was afforded the opportunity to work with this amazing team [full time].”

Since moving to Houston, her career has continued to grow exponentially. She is working on an extended documentary detailing her life, transition, and modeling, and is also in the process of setting up events and a donation center to benefit the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

While Zyrie aims to conquer the fashion industry in Houston, her dreams are much bigger. “My ultimate goal is to make history as the first openly black trans model to do something in the industry, ideally be the first openly transgender Victoria’s Secret model!” she exclaims.

Zyrie notes that, while many models still fit the traditional white, tall, and thin mold, the fashion world is starting to warm up to embracing diversity. She points out that, in addition to the increasing representation of transgender models, Rolling Stone just featured its first plus-size cover model, and this season’s Project Runway highlights models up to size 22.

But discrimination in the industry still exists—something Zyrie has experienced firsthand. “I have lost an opportunity for a commercial for the local mall in Corpus Christi because of my skin color,” she says. “There was only one other black model in the shoot, and the day before [filming], I was told that I was replaced and that they removed all of the black models. I immediately realized why.”

Zyrie says she had difficulty processing the situation, but came to realize that being both black and transgender often means she must work harder to receive the same opportunities as other models. On the other hand, Zyrie says she recognizes her education and her beauty as privileges, and strives to use them for good. She hopes that, by sharing her journey, she can show others in similar situations that they too can achieve success. “[I want them] to see someone living their complete truth, unapologetically, and to take steps in the right direction for themselves,” she says.