At only 10 years old, Noella McMaher—also known as Noella—made her dreams a reality. In February of this year, the transgender model became the youngest person to have ever graced the New York Fashion Week runways when she was tapped for the Trans Clothing Company show. “It was the biggest stage that I had ever been on and it was so exciting,” she says. In September, she opened and closed Renacio’s surreal NYFW presentation. Next year, she’s set to walk in Paris.
McMaher first appeared on a catwalk in Chicago, her home city, at age seven—the same year she legally changed her name after socially transitioning three years earlier. When she heard about the open auditions, she immediately started watching YouTube videos to prepare.
Both on and off the runway, McMaher is an outspoken activist for the inclusion and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ youth. When she socially transitioned, she faced bullying in school due to other students not understanding her identity; her teacher had failed to explain what being transgender meant. Knowing firsthand the difficulties facing trans youth, she has now made it her mission to educate her peers and inspire other trans individuals.
“Everyone should be free to be who they are and be able to see people who look like them standing up for their rights,” she says. “I hope that by being myself, people will realize that there is nothing wrong with being trans.”
Story by Bailey Bujnosek
Photography by Tyrell Hampton
Fashion by Michael Vasquez
Makeup by Holly Silius
Hair by Lauren Palmer Smith
Edited by Kevin Ponce / Dania Curvy
Photo assistant Khalilah Pianta
Production Photobomb
