Transgender models audition in New Delhi

A walk-in transgender model audition was conducted on Sunday (February 7) by Rudrani Chettri, founder of Mitr Trust, a city-based lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) charity, who is setting up a transgender modelling agency in New Delhi.

An aspiring model poses in the make-up room during an auditions for a transgender modelling agency set to open in New Delhi. (Source: Photo by Oinam Anand)

The idea, according to Delhi-based transgender activist Rudrani Chettri, evolved out of a “feeling of frustration seeing many young beautiful transgenders who are made to feel ugly” from a young age.

A transgender model strikes a pose ahead of audition at a modeling agency in Khirki, New Delhi. (Source: Photo by Oinam Anand)

Chettri feels that time and again, the community has been a victim of prejudice in society, in the workplace and among their families and local communities, which ultimately leads them to begging or sex work to make a living. She hopes the platform helps in an image overhaul.

A model waits for the audition for a transgender modelling agency in Khirki. (Source: Photo by Oinam Anand)

As part of its activities, the agency aims is to identify five top models and help them launch into mainstream fashion media.

A model gets ready for audition as she looks in the mirror in the changing room. (Source: Photo by Oinam Anand)

They have also kept a pan-India audition and teamed up with fashion stylist and photographer Rishi Raj, who will work towards getting them a spread in a leading fashion magazine.

A model does her hair for the photoshoot for a transgender modelling agency in Khirki, New Delhi. (Source: Photo by Oinam Anand)

“The greatest example in the recent past being Caitlyn Jenner (international celebrity Bruce Jenner, who underwent sex transition). Fashion takes great pride in breaking boundaries and creating new trends; so in a Utopian scenario, the modelling agency should do well. This activity will create awareness about the Indian transgender community,” photographer Rishi Raj said.

A transgender model applies make up during an audition at a modelling agency in Khirki, New Delhi. (Source: Photo by Oinam Anand)

An aspiring model poses for a photo during auditions for a transgender modelling agency set to open in New Delhi. (Source: Photo by Oinam Anand)

A transgender model walks up the stairs ahead of an audition at a modeling agency in Khirki, New Delhi. (Source: Photo by Oinam Anand)