The trailer for Strut — the Whoopi Goldberg-produced, Oxygen-hosted reality series on transgender models we’ve been anticipating since May — is finally here. Trust us, this is one instance in which reality — scripted or no — exceeds expectations. Eleven seconds in to the two-minute clip cast member Dominique Jackson matter-of-factly tells the camera, “They want a girl that’s 6-[foot]-2, 35-25-35. They didn’t ask if you have a penis or not.” And just like that, we’re sold.
Including Jackson, the series stars five transgender models — her co-stars include Laith De La Cruz, former America’s Next Top Model finalist Isis King, Ren Spriggs and Arisce Wanzer — all of whom are signed to Slay Model Management, the first exclusively transgender modeling agency.
The cast of Strut strikes a pose; Image: Oxygen
“Our models come from all walks of life, all different backgrounds and ethnicities,” Goldberg stated in a press release. “They are struggling with things we can all relate to: trying to make ends meet, fighting to make a name for themselves and navigating the minefields of personal relationships.” Water is thrown in faces, former ANTM contestants who let their brand wane are mocked, daddy and mommy issues are trotted out and picked apart.
On a more serious note, the models’ unique position in the fashion industry remains at the backdrop of all of the drama. “All of these struggles are amplified by the fact that they are also fighting to break down barriers and taking on the responsibility of representing the transgender community in today’s society,” Goldberg added.
By spotlighting these individuals and showing how they are treated, both in their notoriously exclusive profession and everyday lives, Strut promises to transcend the role of reality competition series and deepen our understanding of what people like Hari Nef and Lea T had to go through to attain their position. “We’ve always been here, and now you know it,” Jackson, whose narration rivals that of the Pulp Fiction star of the same surname, announces at the end of the trailer. “Welcome.”
Watch the full trailer above, and be sure to catch Strut on September 20 on Oxygen.
[ via Mic ]
