Trailblazing trans non-binary model Kai-Isaiah Jamal has used their platform to shine a spotlight on the harrowing persecution faced by the trans community in the United Kingdom. In an exclusive interview, Jamal, who prefers they/them pronouns, criticized the UK’s Conservative government for its role in exacerbating the challenges faced by trans individuals in the country.
Jamal’s career has soared in the fashion industry, gracing the pages of renowned magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and i-D. Notably, they made history as the first trans person ever nominated for the prestigious Model of the Year Award at the annual Fashion Awards, held at the Royal Albert Hall, a recognition previously reserved for supermodels like Kate Moss and Bella Hadid.
This accolade coincides with a troubling period for the trans community in the UK, with hate crimes against this marginalized group seeing a disturbing uptick. In the interview with The Standard, Jamal accused the government of engaging in what they termed “trans cleansing,” a deliberate effort to erase the existence of trans individuals and diminish their rights. They also shared their own painful experiences of abuse, which included physical violence and verbal harassment.
Reflecting on a recent incident during the Conservative party conference, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s controversial remarks further fueled anti-trans sentiments. Sunak’s assertion that “A man is a man, and a woman is a woman, that’s just common sense” has been decried by many, including Jamal. They emphasized the danger of such rhetoric, especially in a climate already rife with hostility toward trans people.
Jamal candidly admitted to feeling unsafe while presenting as a trans person in public, highlighting the pressing need to address this issue. They stated, “No one is ready to call this trans cleansing, but that’s cleansing. Either we lay down and let them win — or we fight back and take up space.”
Despite the challenges, Jamal remains steadfast in their commitment to being a beacon of hope for young trans individuals. Through their visibility in the modeling industry and their active presence on social media, they aspire to provide a vision of possibility and inspire trans youth across the country. As Jamal eloquently put it, “All the awards in the world could never add up to one kid not being left outside in the dark and cold.” In a world plagued by adversity, their resilience shines as a testament to the strength of the trans community.