Aria Veach, 29, from Los Angeles, began a brave transition under Hollywood's spotlight in 2014 - despite her family's refusal to accept her identity
SOAPBOX SATURDAY CONTINUES:
(TW: Pre-transition photos)
A former menswear model has found success as on female fashion catwalks after coming out as transgender. Aria Veach, 29, from Los Angeles, began a brave transition under Hollywood's spotlight in 2014. Despite facing transphobia - with even her family struggling to accept her identity - she has gone on to model for including (sic) National Geographic, as well as on the catwalk. Previously known as [redacted], she says she is now happier than ever. Aria, who also works as a bioengineer, said: "Before I had a beard, was engaged to a woman, I was into Muay Thai kickboxing and with my fashion, people said I was very masculine looking, that's how I presented myself. I knew I was curious about my gender for the longest time but could never act on it. I didn't begin cross-dressing until I was out of my home state. I started dressing androgynously on and off, wearing little make-up until my hormones kicked in, my testosterone dropped and physical changes started. In my final shoot as a man, I needed to remove my shirt, but by then my upper body had changed and breasts had started to grow. Then I knew there wasn't any reason to wear men's clothing anymore, and I was too uncomfortable doing it. Now I'm happier as Aria and I think you can get a smile out of me much easier than you ever could have as [redacted]. I now live a double-life working full-time as a bioengineer and hustling for modelling and acting opportunities in Hollywood..."