India’s plus-size transgender model breaks all stereotypes
Breaking all stereotypes, Mona Varonica Campbell becomes the first plus-size transgender model in India.
Mona’s journey itself is a fight for acceptance of the trans community.
Mona, now 28, was born into a South Indian family. Her father is a central government employee, while her mother is a housewife. Growing up, she had a very supportive elder sister. There weren’t any financial troubles as theirs was a wealthy family.
Mona, now 28, was born into a South Indian family. Her father is a central government employee, while her mother is a housewife. Growing up, she had a very supportive elder sister. There weren’t any financial troubles as theirs was a wealthy family.
But Mona was assigned the gender male at birth, and experienced gender dysphoria early in childhood.
However, coming out was hard, especially to her father.
Mona wanted to pursue fashion studies and during her graduation, she took the big step to consult a doctor and go ahead with Hormone Replacement Therapy.
This was when her journey of being a plus-size model began. “There were requirements for a plus-size model at a few local brands. I got an opportunity to walk the ramps for a few fashion shows. But walking for the Lakme Fashion Week is what made me feel that I was opening doors for other trans women,” she says.
Mona walking during the fashion week earned her the title of being India’s first plus-size transgender model and was widely appreciated by the media and social media users alike.
Her journey gives individuals from her community hope and the confidence to pursue such a career.