Tyra Gives Transgender Model The Ultimate Gift
Christmas came early for Isis King this year, and it was Tyra Banks who was playing Santa.
The transgender model, who competed on this season of America's Next Top Model, got the gift of her life when she appeared on The Tyra Banks Show yesterday, and Tyra announced that Isis' would be getting gender reassignment surgery—for free.
Gender reassignment surgeon Dr. Marci Bowers will perform the operation, which would have cost Isis somewhere in the neighborhood of $35,000.
Born Darrell Walls, Isis has long wanted to have the surgery but couldn't afford it. Not surprisingly, she was in a state of disbelief when Tyra told her that her dream was finally going to come true. "This is not happening!" Isis exclaimed.
The 22-year-old was living in a homeless shelter when producers from America's Next Top Model discovered her during a photo shoot. She went on to become the modeling competition's first transgender contestant but was ultimately eliminated. While she had the looks to model, Isis wasn't comfortable with her body, and she was finally let go after faltering during a bathing suit competition.
Surely, gender reassignment surgery will do wonders for Isis' confidence. She must be walking on cloud nine today.
Were you a fan of Isis' during her stint on America's Next Top Model, and what do you think of Tyra's gift?
(Image courtesy of the CW)
I WISH I COULD HAVE THAT SAME GIFT!! I CAN'T AFFORD MY SURGERY EITHER!!!
Posted by: PAULA | November 20, 2008 at 10:04 AM
I know Tyra most probably didn't pay for this out of her own money but I do believe she would have been instrumental in making it happen.
I think Tyra is an amazing person who genuinely supports the GLBT community as well as treating everyone of every color with the same respect.
Ellen and Tyra are the only daytime TV chat show hosts who I feel are genuine and don't have prejudices.
Posted by: Glenn Lennox | November 21, 2008 at 02:02 PM