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"I can't accept this award without thanking those who came before me, specifically the Black trans women who really fought for the space I'm in today," Consani said in her acceptance speech.
Alex Consani has made trans and fashion history.
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The 21-year-old San Francisco native won the Model of the Year award at the British Fashion Council's annual Fashion Awards on Monday night, becoming the first out transgender woman to receive the honor — which she proudly celebrated in her acceptance speech.
“I'm the first trans woman to win this award!" Consani said. "But I can't accept this award without thanking those who came before me, specifically the Black trans women who really fought for the space I'm in today – Dominique Jackson, Connie Fleming, Aaron Rose Phillips, and countless more who fought for the space that allowed me to flourish today."
The Model of the Year Award is one of the biggest modelling awards in the world, which recognizes "the global impact of a model who over the last 12 months has dominated the industry" and has "an influence that transcends the catwalk," including by "outstanding contribution to the industry, garnering numerous editorial and advertising campaigns throughout the year." Past winners include Alva Claire, Amelia Gray, Anok Yai, Liu Wen, Mona Tougaard, and last year's recipient, Paloma Elsesser.
Consani has made history several times before, including by becoming the youngest signed trans model through her IMG contract as well as one of the first trans models to walk a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. She was one of the may "Hot Internet Girls" featured in Charli xcx's music video for "360," alongside Emma Chamberlain, Julia Fox, Hari Nef, and Rachel Sennott.
Consani continued her acceptance speech to thank her parents for their support, and encouraged the parents of other trans youth to support their children as well.
“Now, more than ever, it’s an important conversation that should be had about how to truly support and uplift one another within this industry, especially those who have been made to feel insignificant," Consani said. "Because change is more than possible — it’s needed.”
