Media Highlights Black Trans Model in a Wheelchair

Aaron Rose Phillippe at the Met Gala

Aaron Rose Phillippe, a Black transgender model with cerebral palsy, made an appearance at the Met Gala this past Monday.

“It feels like the world has been sending a message to people like me—whether it’s because I’m Black, trans, or disabled—that I don’t belong in these major industries, as if my worth isn’t enough,” Philip expressed while preparing for the event.

Interestingly, Philip believes he deserves a shot in the fashion world, which is a somewhat unconventional stance considering the high bar the industry sets. It becomes all the more puzzling when one thinks about the hurdles regular women face to succeed as models. For them, extreme dieting can be a reality, and many aspiring models from less affluent backgrounds often borrow money to pursue opportunities abroad.

There hasn’t been a clear response from Philip regarding these issues, though he was signed by a prominent modeling agency in 2018.

Vogue highlighted his presence at the Met Gala and shared an interview in their “Celebrity Style” section. Other outlets like Mission Magazine congratulated him on social media, and the UK International Business Times posted ten photos of Philip, noting how he “made history” at the gala.

In a profile with The New York Times, Philippe remarked, “I’m obviously trans, disabled, and Black. That shouldn’t be ignored, but it also shouldn’t overshadow my achievements.” He has candidly expressed frustrations about what he sees as systemic inequalities in the fashion industry. During a TED Talk in 2024, he stated, “It’s time to voice what’s often left unsaid. The industry is less inclined to showcase or compensate Black, transfeminine, and/or disabled models, as they’re often dismissed if they don’t fit the mold of white, able-bodied individuals.”

Despite his efforts, it seems that being a person of color hasn’t opened as many doors for Philip in fashion. Ironically, he symbolizes a blend of representation that signifies multiple societal marginalizations. Yet, many successful non-white models have paved the way in this space, among them Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Alek Wek, Joan Smalls, and Anok Yai.