America's Next Top Transgendered Model

September 3rd, the newest cycle of America's Next Top Model premiered, and like so many others I do enjoy the show. I am not an all out desperate fan, but I do like watching shows that seemingly help people accomplish their dreams. Last cycle featured a photo shoot involving homeless women, one of said women was Isis. The judges went so far as to remark that Isis stole the frame in a couple of shots. According to Tyra Banks (in the season premiere of America's Next Top Model), upon seeing Isis, she knew that she had to have her for the show. Tyra was informed that there was something different about Isis, namely that she was in fact technically still a man. Isis throughout the course of the same episode further revealed that she would like to one day undergo gender reassignment surgery, and that she has felt that she was a woman from birth.

In my personal opinion, I love that she is willing to go for it. Perhaps it is to liberal of me, and I may come under fire for that statement. I am aware of that. However, if that is who SHE wants to be, then more power to her. Isis's appearance on the show, and making it onto the actual cast, alone, is a victory for the LGBT community. More so this is a victory for Isis. Isis is a beautiful woman, and thus far has photographed as such. I will be eager to see if she continues to do the same.

I am hoping that this is not just a publicity stunt to get people involved in the show. Although, as with anything else that is a strong possibility. If it is a publicity stunt, one has to feel a good deal of sympathy for Isis. Several contestants, just in the first episode, have already proved to be very cruel, including trying to sabotage her first photo shoot by making rude comments.

Additionally, I am completely appalled at Fox News' response to the situation. Recently, they aired a story about Isis being the latest contestant, and made several crude and cruel comments. Going so far as to say that few of the women were very high class anyway, and calling the show "America's Next Top Tranny." The anchor, Gregg Jarrett, also felt the need to laugh through most of the piece and insisted on saying he or she whenever referencing Isis. I would like to believe that given that this is 2008, we would be a little above kindergarten laughs about people that look different/ act different. GLAAD has already spoken out against the segment, demanding an apology.

Should Isis actually win the show, I do believe there will be a good deal of outcries about her technical ineligibility. According to Part 7 of the Eligibility Requirements for America's Next Top Model, "You must be female and 18 to 27 years of age at the time of application." Despite Isis's desire to be a woman, technically she is actually still a man. Perhaps the show is willing to overlook this given that the past two winners have both come under fire for ineligibility. Whitney Thompson was not technically a plus size model, given her size 10 stature, and Saleisha Stowers had previously modeled in a nationwide commercial. Perhaps that is going to start being a running requirement to be a winner, that you technically should not be on the show.

I am not disputing Isis right to go for her dreams, and I do believe that this will be one of the most interesting seasons yet. If this is a publicity stunt, undoubtably it will work. Many people will tune in just to try to spot any signs that Isis is a man. So here's to the newest cycle, and seeing exactly what kind of drama it brings. I suppose, that is reality television for you.