Bisahr makes a fashion statement with a powerful message
Bonds has chosen Adelaide transgender model Bisahr to be one of the stars of an exhibition in Sydney over Mardi Gras weekend
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She may not see herself as a transgender role model, but Adelaide’s Bisahr is extremely proud to be included in Bonds’ Out Now exhibition.
Part of this weekend’s Mardi Gras celebrations, the Sydney exhibition at 74 Oxford St, Darlinghurst runs from February 28 to March 1.
It features portraits and videos telling the stories of more than 50 Australians who identify as queer.
Discovered by and signed with Adelaide agency Finesse Models Australia, 21-year-old Bisahr, who has Laotian, Chinese, Macedonian and English heritage, is among the group.
It also includes high-profile names such as comedian Rhys Nicholson and musicians Mojo Juju and Montaigne.
Bisahr said working on the project – a collaboration with Minus18, which supports LGBTQIA+ youth – and modelling underwear from Bonds new Pride range was “super empowering”.
“This kind of visibility was something so many in our community had to fight for and still are fighting for,” she said.
“Seeing queer bodies on billboards and in galleries is power.”
While Bisahr doesn’t see herself as a role model or trailblazer, she said the project was a milestone “both on a personal and career level”.
“Everything I know I owe to the experiences and people that have come into my life,” she said.
“The photo shoot was such a dream.
“So many lovely humans in the same space carries some form of power and, because almost everyone on the (project’s) team was also queer, it just felt safe.”