Transsexual plus size model debuts on the catwalk and promises to break paradigms

At 1.70 m tall and size 46, Renata Montezinethe first Brazilian transsexual plus-size model, will make her debut on the catwalks at the 12th edition of Fashion Weekend Plus Size (FWPS), next Saturday (25), at the Frei Caneca Convention Center, in São Paulo. The model will be the star of the Rebel editorial and will also represent three plus size brands: Chica Bolacha, Emphase Plus and Vislumbre Lingerie.

Since she was a child, Renata Montezine felt different. Already at the age of 6, she liked dolls and was not interested in boys’ games. At 12, the differences in her behavior became more pronounced and drew the attention of her parents. They did not understand her preferences and, concerned with better understanding what was happening, decided to take the teenager to a psychologist. After a few sessions, the therapist came to the conclusion that she was transsexual.

I always saw myself as a girl, my way of speaking and expressing myself was typically feminine. I was trapped in a male body, but I was a soul girl

Accepting differences is always difficult at first and it was no different for the model’s family. As soon as they received the news, the strangeness took over, but, over time, they accepted and supported their decision. With professional and family help, Renata decided to assume her new identity: it was time to adapt the teenager’s gender.

“I started taking hormone treatment and female forms were emerging. My face was getting thinner, the hair was reduced and my curves were appearing”.

Gradually, issues related to the appropriateness of gender identity were resolved. Renata followed her life normally, facing common difficulties for her age. Because she is very feminine, she says she has not suffered open prejudice.

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She worked in the aesthetics area and as a saleswoman at a clothing store. It was there, amid the praise of her clients, that she felt driven to try her hand at modeling. Her friends were also essential in her decision.

“I had doubts. I’m afraid I’m chubby. If they already suffer prejudice, imagine being transsexual? It’s two prejudices in one.” But Renata faced her fears and decided to take the plunge. “If we don’t try, we don’t know!”.

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Enthusiastic, she began a research project. “It’s hard to find trustworthy people. Through social media, çi got it contact Renata Poskos, director of the SPFW Plus Sizeand, and she liked my profile. She thought I was pretty but hadn’t talked about being trans yet. When I told her, she thought it was super cool. She saw my potential and said I was beautiful”.

I’m done. My family is very happy and proud. It’s good to show that it’s not because I’m transgender that I can’t give them something to be proud of

The model’s walk is just beginning and she has her feet on the ground. When asked if she feels afraid to face the catwalks for the first time, she answers bluntly: “I’m sure of myself. I’ll do a great job! I’m going to walk the runway in lingerie!”

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In addition to personal fulfillment, Renata wants her work to open doors for transgender women and for all those who, in some way, are excluded because of their differences.

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The world is in need of more love. Put an end to the labels of differences, chubby, thin, handicapped, tall, short. The world has to show that we are all equal. We are all human beings