Get More: Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word, Full Episodes

Lea T For Redken

Many people in the fashion and beauty industries clapped this week with news that transgender model Lea T would become the new muse for Redken 5th Avenue. Brazilian-born Lea T shared her journey as a transgender person in a public, insightful and articulate series of conversations over several years, including this one with Oprah.

Lavern Cox Shares ‘The T Word’ Documentary

Earlier this week trans activist Lavern Cox was named one of Glamour Magazine’s Women of the Year 2014. The Orange Is the New Black star is part of a team producing a new documentary ‘The T Word’. The feature follows seven people aged 12-24, as the explore the intersections of transgender identity and race.

“For many of us, the ‘T’ in LGBT means more than transgender, it also means truth,” Laverne said in a statement. “The cast members in this documentary are fearlessly living their truths and in sharing their stories will send the message to other trans youth that it’s okay to be who you are.

From left, Avery Grey of Long Island City and Daniella Carter from the Bronx, who are featured in “The T Word.”

Andreja Pejic

The second major voice in the fashion industry on transgender issues is Andre Pejic, now Andreja Pejic. Speaking to People Magazine in July 2014, Andreja said “I want to share my story with the world because I think I have a social responsibility. I hope that by being open about this, it becomes less of an issue.”

Follow ALL AOC writing about Lea T and Andreja Pejic.