The Beauty World Just Got More Beautiful: Chanel's First Transgender Model

In a heartfelt social media post featuring content from her Chanel Beauty campaign, Teddy Quinlivan has celebrated her work with Chanel as the brand's first openly transgender model.

Teddy Quinlivan - Image - Instagram

Teddy has singlehandedly made history with this accomplishment, even though the 25-year-old has already racked up some experience in the industry.

This news comes not long after Victoria's Secret hired Valentina Sampaio as their first transgender casting as well.

"I find I don’t cry anymore when things are sad, but isn’t it interesting when we shed tears in moments of triumph," Teddy wrote in her post.

 
 
 
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?CHANEL BEAUTY? -I find I don’t cry anymore when things are sad, but isn’t it interesting when we shed tears in moments of triumph. This was one of those triumphant cry moments for me. My whole life has been a fight. From being bullied at school consistently, kids threatening to kill me and going into graphic detail how they were going to do it, my own father beating me and calling me a fagot, to receiving industry blowback after speaking publicly about being sexually assaulted on the job... This was a victory that made all of that shit worth it. I had walked 2 shows for Chanel while I was living in stealth ( stealth meaning I hadn’t made my trans identity public yet) and when I came out I knew I’d stop working with some brands, I thought I’d never work with the iconic house of Chanel ever again. But here I am in Chanel Beauty Advertising. I am the first openly trans person to work for the house of Chanel, and I am deeply humbled and proud to represent my community. The world will kick you down, spit on you, and tell you you’re worthless. It’s your job to have the strength to stand up and push on, to keep fighting, Because if you give up then you will never experience the tears of triumph. Thank you to everyone who made this dream a reality! @nicolaskantor @shazmakeup @sebastienrichard1 @casadevallbelen

A post shared by Theodora Quinlivan (@teddy_quinlivan) on

"My whole life has been a fight. From being bullied at school consistently, kids threatening to kill me and going into graphic detail how they were going to do it, my own father beating me and calling me a fagot [sic], to receiving industry blowback after speaking publicly about being sexually assaulted on the job . . . This was a victory that made all of that sh.t worth it."

"I am deeply humbled and proud to represent my community. The world will kick you down, spit on you, and tell you you’re worthless. It’s your job to have the strength to stand up and push on, to keep fighting, because if you give up then you will never experience the tears of triumph."

Here's to a world continuing to evolve and giving people like Teddy the opportunities they deserve.