This all-trans fashion show is looking to stamp out transphobia one strut at a time
A diverse cast of trans models and performers will take to the runway on Friday (September 13) for an all-trans fashion show at London’s City Hall.
Presented by singer, performer and trans activist Mzz Kimberley, LIFE is the first show of its kind, with every person taking up space—models, hosts, and performers—identifying as trans and/or non-binary.
Self-described “hairy brown transgender Muslim” Sabah Choudrey will host the event, which hopes to amplify and raise money for CliniQ, the holistic wellbeing, counselling and sexual health service for trans people, their partners and other friends.
The absolute stunning Jamie Windust joins us on the catwalk @MzzK_LIFE @SadiqKhan @MayorofLondon September 13th pic.twitter.com/j6R9X5CzHA
— Mzz Kimberley/Kim Tatum (@mzzkimberley) August 30, 2019
The handsome Mac Daddy @CampbellX will be gracing the catwalk on September 13th for LIFE @MayorofLondon City Hall pic.twitter.com/6WLjvyPsaZ
— Mzz Kimberley/Kim Tatum (@mzzkimberley) August 12, 2019
Those walking the LIFE runway—among them professional models, artists, filmmakers, performer and everyday members of the community—will be dressed by stylist Tamar Wilde, using pieces sourced by Wandsworth Oasis.
Founded in 1989, Wandsworth Oasis provides support and challenges stigma towards those living with HIV. Over the past decade it has given over £600,000 in grants to HIV-related projects, using revenue generated by its 11 south London charity shops and fundraised events.
CliniQ founded to serve trans community
A 2012 study found that 84 percent of trans people had thought about ending their lives at some point, with 48 percent having attempted suicide.
More than half (54 percent) have been told by their GP that they were unable to provide a particular type of trans-related care because they didn’t know enough about it, a number which stands at 29 percent among mental health specialists.
CliniQ aims to enhance trans people’s physical and mental health, respecting their differing lifestyles, ways of presenting and chosen pronouns.
Founded in 2012, it is staffed by trans and cisgender health and well-being professionals and first opened its doors at the groundbreaking 56 Dean Street clinic in London’s Soho, before moving to King’s College Hospital in Denmark Hill, south London.
Supported by Pride in London with media support from PinkNews, entrance to the show is free with tickets available from EventBrite. More information is available on the LIFE Facebook page.
A crowdfunding page has been set up to help organisers cover the costs of running the event.