Hari Nef can do it all. She’s an actress on the TV show Transparent, models for H&M and Gucci, and is a total trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community as a transgender model.
All Hari’s hard work is paying off: she was just nominated for the 2016 Breakout Star of the Year and Social Media Star of the Year categories by models.com. Her nomination for Breakout Star means the rising model is set to have a lasting impact on the fashion world. We’re so excited because she’s making important strides for the transgender community by breaking down barriers and becoming a role model for teens.
In January, Hari was one of eight women to walk in the menswear show for the Gucci runway, Teen Vogue reports. She also became the first American transgender woman to get signed to the IMG modeling agency, which is a huge deal in itself. Basically, this double nomination is so well deserved.
“I get tired of talking about my identity… because the world contextualizes it in pain and shame,” Hari told Teen Vogue. “And now there’s been a crack of light let into that—just a crack—and it’s enough for me to talk about it and not feel totally humiliated and ashamed all the time.” On the other hand, Hari also said that she’s having the time of her life in the fashion industry. It’s complicated.
The star is facing some tough competition for the Model of the Year Awards, especially in the Social Media Star of the Year category, where she’s up against Instagram queen Kendall Jenner, new mother Chrissy Teigen and Swarovski starlet Karlie Kloss. And don’t forget to vote for readers’ choice!
We’re rooting for you, Hari!