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You are here: Home / LGBTQ+ / Transgender Model Laith Ashley: 11 Fascinating Facts
Transgender Model Laith Ashley: 11 Fascinating Facts

Transgender Model Laith Ashley: 11 Fascinating Facts

January 29, 2023 By Cade Hildreth 1 Comment

Who is the transgender model Laith Ashley and how did he rise to fame? Laith has been featured in fashion ads, TV ads,  digital campaigns, and most recently, he was featured as the love interest in Taylor Swift’s music video, Lavender Haze. His jaw-dropping physique has captured the attention of brands worldwide. Without knowing his full story, you wouldn’t know how he become one of the top models representing the LGBTQ+ community.

Of course, there’s much more to Laith than you see on the surface. Keep reading to learn 11 fascinating facts about the transgender model Laith Ashley.

1. He Grew Up in the Fashion Capital

Despite calling the City of Angels home today, Ashley grew up in Harlem, New York City.

As a child, he had no idea he was living in the Mecca of fashion. The runways he would one day walk were housed in the very city he played baseball in.

Ashley’s family identified as Pentecostal Christian, a subset of Protestant Christianity. His religion affected him substantially, especially in his teen years when he grappled with accepting his queerness.

2. He Has Always Been Athletic

Laith’s defined muscles didn’t just show up once he transitioned. Ashley has always been athletic and into fitness, even as a child.

Growing up “female”, he was competitive and strong. He was talented at sports, especially boxing. Ashley even played on the boys’ team, which irritated the fathers of the other children.

Into adolescence and early adulthood, fitness continued to be a big part of his life. Today, he works out every day of the week, with his workouts varying from cardio to weightlifting.

3. He Knew He Was Different

Ashley recalls knowing there was something different about him at the age of four.

At that age, there was no vocabulary for explaining how he felt. He pushed his feelings away and remembers often praying for resolution. “Praying the gay away” is a common experience many LGBTQ+ people have when they grow up in religious households.

At 17, he came out as lesbian when he started dating a girl online. The label never felt right to him, and it wasn’t until he was 19 that he learned about trans people.

4. Gay, Trans, or Both?

Ashley never felt right identifying as lesbian or gay. Learning about the trans community on YouTube, he saw himself in the stories of others. He finally felt understood.

Some trans individuals choose pronouns like he/his or she/her. Others prefer they/them pronouns, or even ze/zir. Ashley felt most comfortable identifying as he/his.

As he transitioned from female to male, Ashley continued to date women. Today, he identifies as a straight, trans man.

5. He’s Always Been a Role Model

Prior to modeling, Ashley was a role model in his community. He worked as a social worker at an LGBTQ+ community center for youth.

His job was to provide guidance and support to youth struggling with their identities.

As a major name in the fashion industry today, he still maintains his role model position. Queer youth all over the world look up to him for inspiration and reassurance. He continues work as a trans activist in addition to fashion modeling.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Laith Ashley [De La Cruz]🇩🇴 (@laith_ashley) on May 27, 2018 at 4:19pm PDT

6. His Transition Was Life-Changing

Choosing to transition is never easy. Although you badly desire the outcome, the process can be scary and stressful.

Ashley began the process at 19 years old with hormone therapy. His voice depended and he quickly grew a beard. Nine months later, he had a double mastectomy.

The relief and inner-acceptance he felt after the initial transition was life-changing. But, he says that the transition is never really over. He’ll continue to make the decision to be a man every day for the rest of his life.

7. He Experiences Discrimination

Today, Ashley experiences a different type of racial discrimination than he did growing up. The Ashley family is of Latino decent, but he considers himself a New York native.

As a teenager, Ashley dressed like a tomboy, bucking gender expectations. He received some snide looks and comments then, but nothing like after transitioning.

The biggest difference now is that he gets stopped and searched by police. As a man of color, he’s all too frequently perceived as a threat. It has, unfortunately, made him accustomed to the discrimination that comes along with it.

8. He’s a Runway Pro

You can’t discuss Ashley’s amazing achievements without acknowledging his speedy rise to fame. Growing up, he never dreamed of becoming a fashion model.

It all started with a photoshoot in his Calvin’s and then an ad campaign for Barneys New York.

His photos landed him in every major fashion magazine and on the catwalks of New York Fashion Week. Notably, for the LGBTQ+ community, he was the first trans model to join the Pit Crew on RuPaul’s Drag Race.

9. He Can’t Please Everyone

Ashley recalls always being a people-pleaser. The fear of disappointing others was a strong emotion growing up.

Today, the fear still exists but has changed.

Many fans applaud him for representing female-to-male trans people and Latino trans men. But, some resent his representation since he’s straight and now enjoys the privileges associated with a straight male identity.

It goes to show you can’t please everyone. And, you can’t represent each person on such a wide, colorful, and overlapping spectrum.

10. He Has Famous Followers

One tiny fact about him you may not know is he has over 240 thousand Instagram followers. He uses the platform to promote his new singing career and his trans activism.

Some of his followers have a strong following of their own. The most notable of his followers are Laverne Cox, Alyssa Edwards, Adore Delano, and Buck Angel.

11. Laith Had Double Incision Top Surgery

Since appearing in Taylor Swift’s recent music video Lavender Haze, Laith has risen to even greater fame. Without a doubt, it’s incredible to see a trans model getting this kind of media coverage.

Having said that, the downside of Laith’s prominent appearance is that it does promote a bit of “beauty culture.” Without a doubt, Laith is a fit and attractive trans man who is probably perceived as cisgendered by most people on a day-to-day basis.

Given this, many folks are wondering, what kind of top surgery did Laith have?

The answer is that he had double incision top surgery in 2014. The reason his scars aren’t visible is that Laith’s scars have faded over the past decade and he has worked incredibly hard to develop his pectoral muscles so that his scars can rest in the folds and shadows of his pectoral muscles.

Laith Ashley on Instagram

Enjoy some of Laith’s best posts from Instagram below:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Laith Ashley [De La Cruz]🇩🇴 (@laith_ashley) on Mar 3, 2019 at 2:29pm PST

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Laith Ashley [De La Cruz]🇩🇴 (@laith_ashley) on Jan 29, 2019 at 4:56pm PST

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Honing in… 📸 @thetomess #dominicanrepublic #latino #music #rnb #pop #hiphop #tan #was #serious #paralosgustossehicieronloscolores

A post shared by Laith Ashley [De La Cruz]🇩🇴 (@laith_ashley) on Feb 5, 2018 at 4:53pm PST

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Laith Ashley [De La Cruz]🇩🇴 (@laith_ashley) on Apr 17, 2019 at 4:38pm PDT

Want to Know More Laith Ashley and Other Trans Models?

The fashion industry today is much different than it was decades ago. The presence of trans models, like Laith Ashley, has allowed for more inclusion and representation in mainstream media.

Laith Ashley isn’t the only trans model making waves. Check out the rest of the blog to learn about the other LGBTQ+ superstars paving the way.

Want to stay in the loop? Join nearly two million other readers who are learning from Cade.
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Filed Under: LGBTQ+ Tagged With: Laith Ashley, transgender

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Comments

  1. Andrea says

    August 5, 2021 at 4:36 pm

    Does Laith Ashley still like women?

    Reply

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“As an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur, real estate investor, former USA Rugby Player, and fitness fanatic, I’ll teach you what your parents and teachers should’ve taught you, but didn’t know themselves.” -Cade Hildreth

Want to know what I learned making my first few million? Subscribe here.

Or, listen to Cade’s articles on the go as a Podcast.

Because it’s the New Year, let’s talk about ch Because it’s the New Year, let’s talk about change...

For a long time, I’ve thought about top surgery. I remember when I was 6 or 7 years old when I wanted to run around outside on a hot, sunny day with my shirt off…and I first saw my parents… hesitate. Ughh. 

It wasn’t their fault but I still remember that heart wrenching feeling. To their credit, they ultimately said, “Ok, go do it!” While I did “do it”, I remember the feeling of shame that crept in.

Over the years, being in affirming sporting/rugby circles helped suppress the urge to get top surgery, but it never quite “stayed down.”

So last summer I got keyhole #topsurgery. I’ll talk about recovery in another post because it was definitely weird to not strength train for months.

But in THIS post, I want to share two things:

1. I am SO grateful to my wife Erin for being the supportive and growth oriented partner that she is. 🥰🙏❤️ 

She is now following her call to get a divinity degree and she’s already working in ministry as a Pastor in Training at an incredible, inclusive Presbyterian church here in Virginia. I am grateful to her for supporting me as I become more and more of who I am—and I’m enjoying watching her do the same! Love you, babe!

2. Second, I’m grateful to get to share who I am with my family. This summer we took a trip to Madden’s resort in MN to celebrate my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. (It was actually their 52nd, because we had to postpone it twice due to Covid.)

I was nervous to be in the pools and lakes around them, but I could feel it was my only choice because I knew I wanted them to “know me”. And, how could that happen if I “hid me”?

Ultimately, I have to tell you…it was freeing to be me, as I am, who I am. 

I had the BEST time splashing around and biking and goofing around with my wife, niece, nephew, & sister. 🌊🏖🐟

So, I suppose, this is a gratitude post to thank those who have supported me over the years as I become more and more of who I am. 

Top of that list is my wife, Erin, but there are countless others. ❤️

If you’re reading this, thank YOU for being one of those people in my life too. I am deeply grateful. 🥹
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#lgbtqfamily #nonbinary
How to set a boundary? 🤔 . . . . #lgbtqia #lgb How to set a boundary? 🤔 
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#lgbtqia #lgbtqcommunity #emotionalhealth
What do you do if you’re telling a past story ab What do you do if you’re telling a past story about someone who has transitioned? 🤔 Share a 💯 if you agree ➡️🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈
7 things I got clarity on in 2022: 1. Good and b 7 things I got clarity on in 2022: 

1. Good and bad are labels. All things are experiences. 

2. Maturity is taking full responsibility for oneself. 

3. Having a loving, conscious relationship with myself is a core value. 

4. Emotions do not mean that anything has to be done. 

5. When I am in congruence with what I want, I have it. 

6. I have permission from myself to stop doing anything that doesn’t lead to my peace and empowerment. 

7. Stepping toward emotions and being able to feel them is a superpower. It determines the quality of my life. 

(Are there any above that you’d like me to further explain?)
 
Most importantly, which # above resonates with you? ⬆️

Happy New Year, y’all! 🎊🥳
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#lgbtqcommunity #lgbtqiaplus #lgbtsupport #nonbinary #trans #selfgrowth
Interview with Jenny Nguyen, Founder of the Sports Interview with Jenny Nguyen, Founder of the Sports Bra—The World's 1st Bar to Only Play Women's Sports - shorturl.at/doGHZ

I'm excited to introduce you to today's #podcast guest, Jenny Nguyen, who is a professional chef, elite athlete, and entrepreneur.

I invited Jenny onto the podcast because she has done something extraordinary that is long overdue: She has opened up a sports bar that exclusively plays women's sports!

Despite extensive research, Jenny hasn't found another sports bar worldwide that ONLY plays women’s sports.

Given that it's nearly 2023, this is mind-blowing. As a lifelong athlete, I find her vision compelling and inspiring.

Aptly called the "The Sports Bra", the venue is putting Jenny's culinary skills on display alongside women's sports worldwide.

The Sports Bar has taken its mission a even further by partnering with and elevating other local, women-owned businesses.

Specifically, it:

1. Sources its grass-fed beef from @CarmanRanch, an ranch run by Cory Carman, a third gen rancher out of Wallowa, Oregon).

2. Sources its alcohol from Freeland Spirits, an all-women owned and operated distillery out of NW Portland.

3. Has furniture built by @girlsbuild_org, a non-profit organization headed by @ktmhughes in Portland, OR, that teaches carpentry and construction skills to young girls as a path to empowerment.

Since opening the Sports Bra this April, people have come from ALL over the U.S. and the world to experience it—including many professional female athletes.

To learn more about Jenny as she makes history, features women's sports, and elevates women-run businesses, listen to the episode here:

shorturl.at/doGHZ

Or, you can check out the Sports Bra at:

@thesportsbrapdx
TheSportsBraPDX.com/

Have you heard of the Sports Bra or been out to experience it in person?

#lgbtqiaplus #womenownedbusiness #lgbgtqia #lgbtqcommunity #womenssports #womeninsport
Over this recent holiday stretch, we… - enjoye Over this recent holiday stretch, we… 

- enjoyed some quiet time at home
- got a sauna delivered (but not yet installed)
- decorated for the holidays
- baked a bunch
- visited our favorite farm
- did some sight seeing
- and perhaps, most importantly, survived the cold snap along with our feather friends (who lived in the garage for a few days so we could heat them with a space heater) 🥶🐔

How have the holidays treated you…and did you get hit by the winter storms? ❤️🎁☃️❄️
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