I am model Andreja Pejic, Ask Me Anything.

Wanna go out with me? I've got a coupon for the Olive Garden.

Hahaha!

I like Red Lobster better.

Andreja, please forgive me for asking three questions but I'm such a huge fan!

1) How was it working with David Bowie, especially considering that he is essentially the godfather of modern Androgyny? Also, was he super cool?

2) Did your status as the poster child for androgyny make your public transition any easier or did you find it more difficult?

3) I've wanted to transition for quite some time now and your existence and courage has helped me so much but I think that it would be difficult as I am 6'4" and would probably never be able to be recognised for who I am in public. As someone who is quite tall yourself, especially for a woman, has this affected how you have been seen as far as your androgyny and identity?

Thanks so much for being out there, Andreja. You're really an inspiration! I can't wait for the film!

Also, your jewelry line is so gorgeous. x_X

1) He was EXTREMELY cool. So down to earth. For me, it was a dream come true. When I was younger, in 2000s, there weren't a lot of androgynous icons at the time, so i had to look to the past, to people like David Bowie, and I just thought androgyny was the coolest thing at the time. He's the king of it, it was a dream come true.

2) I would say... transitioning publicly is definitely not the most favorable option. I think it comes with challenges that, you know, can be overcome if you live a private life. I definitely think being public and just being a poster child did come with its own struggles, definitely.

3) I say the taller the better. When i was younger, I did worry about getting too tall, but then I realized that being taller is beautiful, plenty of models are above six feet, and I say: WORK IT.

Since you're probably the only person who truly knows, how would you say the treatment differs between male and female models in the industry? Have you noticed any dramatic changes?

Yeah, there's a big difference between how male models & female models are treated.

Definitely female models are at a higher level in the industry, it's a business, so women definitely dominate. I think male modeling is still developing and to be a male model is still developing, whereas to be a female model is very much developed.

What do you think people misunderstand most about transgender people today?

I would say the fact that we are human beings like anyone else, and we strive to have happy and fulfilling lives, like anyone else. And that we are like everybody else.

Wonderful. I've been following your career for a long time, and I'm really glad to see you are as well spoken and as intelligent as I always imagined.

Thanks for being awesome.

She reminds me almost of Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly in the way she's just all class. She's just brilliant!

Awww what an honor! :) xxx

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Which is easier - well I can only speak for my personal experience, I was always drawn to more feminine things, so I felt a lot more comfortable in women's clothes and enjoyed them more. But there's something really cool about dressing as the opposite gender too. So I've enjoyed both.

Hi Andreja, another big fan of yours here. My question is what's your favourite childhood memory?

My favourite childhood memory is the first time I received a Barbie from a neighbor, because I kept begging my mom to buy me a Barbie, I never got one, so my neighbor donated one to me. So that was a nice.

During the period you were publicly identifying as androgynous, were you thinking of yourself internally as a woman? Was it hard to keep that a secret?

(Apologies if question is intrusive. I am a previously-nonbinary-identifying transwoman and I've looked up to you for many years. So happy for how things have worked out for you, you are beautiful. <3)

Thank you...I mean, i knew I was a woman from a young age. I definitely had fun with androgyny and having a non-binary career, but i knew what my internal truth was. There were definitely difficulties a lot of the time. I wanted to share my identity as a female but I wasn't able to. But I am so lucky, i still managed to do it, I am 23 now, and yeah... I think at the end of the day, you have to live a truthful life and be true to yourself, you have one life and everything has to fall into place around that.

What is your daily eyebrow maintenance routine? They look amazing!

Thank you!

Well I don't mess with them TOO much because bushy eyebrows are very much in right now. I just have a beautician that cleans them up, every month I would say? But it's very minimal. The key is minimal.

Hi Andreja, as the parent of an 11 year old transgender girl, I am so happy and proud that has she role models like you to look up and aspire to become. I am curious though, what was it like for those years that you were "in the middle" like for you? Most Trans* folks I know have said that they've "always known"... Did you always know that you were transgender? Also, how is your family with everything? Thanks!

It's great to hear from a supporting parent. I think that is great. I identified from a very young age. I figured out who I was very early on. But I kept that to myself, and then when I did tell my mom, she (I would say) is not the most modern woman, she didn't understand at first, but she loves her children so much she was wiling to understand and learn and support. And I think that is the job of every parent, the basic needs of a child to be accepted and loved. And i had a very successful career during that time, but it was a transition phase - I had fun with it at the time, but I knew that I had to transition, I had to claim my truth and live life as a woman, I am happy I have achieved that goal. Definitely it was not easy. there were struggles along the way, but I think I am stronger because of those struggles right now and because of being able to overcome those struggles.

I have always thought you were so gorgeous. Question: I was born in Bosnia as well and have lived in the US since I was about 5. Can you talk about your experiences with your family/friends/Bosnians in general? Have you done any appearances with Bosnian TV, etc. and how did that work out?

Well, I haven't actually done any appearances on Bosnian TV. I've done appearances on Serbian and Croatian TV, which is a similar area. And it's obviously, the Balkan region is very homophobic and transphobic, so I was definitely skeptical when I had to go there for a gig last year, but there are a lot of progressive people there, a really cool scene, and I think that there are open-minded people there just like anywhere else. About my childhood, I didn't have a lot of material things, it wasn't the easiest and we struggled a lot, but thanks to my mother and my grandmother, I had a pretty happy childhood.

Hi Andreja! I've been following you on Twitter for a while and I have a couple questions:

1) A lot of people make their transition a very private issue, but it seems like you're going whole-hog on the publication of your transition. Why have you decided to make your transition public?

2) How do you feel about Tim Gunn's comment that you and other Transgender models should not be modeling women's clothes?

3) Since you have modeled on both sides of the theoretical gender binary, do you feel that one gender is objectified more in modelling, or do you think they are both objectified the same?

Thank you so much for your answers!

1) Well, I think - for one reason was I felt I was well-positioned to share my story and my experience in the hopes that it would inspire others and there are hundreds of thousands of people who sort of hide their true identities every day of their lives, and my team and I just felt like this is a story that could reach a lot of these people and hopefully help. And obviously, I was already known in the media, so hiding my transition would have been very difficult and i felt there was no need. I could be proud of it. Obviously it is a very private thing, and I think it should always stay that way, but it's different when you are a public person.

2) Well, obviously I've expressed before that i am not thrilled with the comment. I think it comes from a place of misunderstanding.

3) Well, obviously womenswear is a bigger business, and marketing in womenswear is taken a lot more seriously than menswear. There's a lot more money on the line. Where there's money, there is more objectification too.

What is your orientation/what kind of people are you attracted to?

I'm attracted to men for the most part, and I guess I like a variety.

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I'm single and ready to mingle.. sure why not?

What goes on backstage that models may find is the norm but a regular lay person like myself would find unexpected? Was there anything that surprised you when you first entered the scene?
Thanks for doing this ama!

You cannot have any sense of privacy, you can't be shy because half the time you are walking around in your underwear. You have to be okay with being felt up constantly by the makeup artists, by stylists, it's like being a doll. You can't have any feeling.

Hi Andreja! I'm a big fan. What's the best advice you have ever received? love you mama!

Don't complain, don't explain! Fashion gave me that advice. It's a work strategy. It just means that you kind of have to - when you're a model, you have to work hard and can't complain.

Hi Andreja! :) As a trans woman I want to start off by saying how much of an inspiration and role model you are to me, and I was soso happy to hear the news of your own transition earlier this year.

My question is, what do you think the biggest obstacle is in the world today to the acceptance of transgender people? And what do you think can be done to help remove this obstacle? Thanks for doing this IamA!

I think it's a lot to do with the way transgender people are represented in the mainstream. I think there needs to be a lot more positive representation. Growing up, when I turned the TV on, the only representation of transgender people was Jerry Springer, and that's horrible, so I think that's a big obstacle. And I just think that obviously transgender people need access to jobs, healthcare, housing, because it is one of the most disadvantaged minorities, so at the end of the day, it's a struggle for equality.

Andreja, I'm also a trans woman who came out and transitioned recently, although I doubt I'll ever be as stunningly beautiful as you are. I remember seeing photos and articles about your modeling work before you transitioned, and I was definitely jealous. Thanks for being such an inspiration to myself and other trans people out there.

To avoid the stereotypical trans-related questioning: Of all the places you've visited or lived in, which was your favorite and why?

(Also, I'm a student at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and am heavily involved in the LGBTQ+ community here. Would it be at all possible for you to visit and take part in an event or something? Just wondering.)

Thank you for being so sweet. I am sure you will look wonderful.

I would say... Berlin. Tokyo. And Rio are my top 3 places. Berlin because it's just a cutting-edge place with a very cool scene, and sort of like New York in the 90s, very exciting, lots of energy, lots of young people. And Rio because it's just one of the most beautiful places, you have the forest, beach and city all in one. And Tokyo because it's another world, and I love japanese people, they are very kind, and it's never boring. Constantly a discovery of interesting toys or gadgets or food... And if you want to send me a message on my FB page, I can pass it along to my team.

Can you describe your religious beliefs?

I'm an atheist. I believe in the scientific view of life.

Hello Andreja,

With Laverne Cox and your own success do you think views are finally changing and people are starting to at least try and understand transgender people better?

Also how was it meeting Bowie?

Thank you very much for doing this AMA

I think people are slowly learning about what it really means to be transgendered. I think the more stories that are out there, the more that the struggle we face is given a human face. And I think attitudes are slowly changing, but there's a lot more that can be done.

And it was a dream come true. I mean, for me, he was definitely an inspiration and it was really cool to just talk to him.

Hi! Long time fan here. :)

My question is, as a trans woman, will this mean you won't be modeling menswear anymore? Is it something you're putting behind, or still open to doing in the future?

With my coming out, it means I will no longer be modeling as a male. I will only be modeling as a female. But if the shoot is really creative and amazing, and they want to put me in a suit, I would be open to it if it's tasteful. But I probably won't be doing it on a scale like before.

Hello, Andreja!

Did you ever identify as non-binary during your years before coming out as a woman? I am non-binary and I'm really happy you have been able to publicly be yourself, but I also clung very hard to your status as one of the few androgynous celebrities out there. Whether it was an actual stage in your transition or another closet, I want to thank you for giving us that to look to.

Thank you, my career is something I am proud of, and I am proud of what I've achieved. But I think everyone changes, everyone grows up, even Miley Cyrus is not Hannah Montana, so I think it's just a natural part of growth. And for me, it was definitely a stage in my life, I think.

Hi! I just wanted to first say that you've been a big inspiration to me personally -- because as a boy I was always interested in makeup and clothes that were considered off-limits to men, but discovering you and seeing how you were accepted and not ostracized was a big moment for me to push forward in my own self-expression.

For a question: Are you going to be putting out more clothing items like you did with the shirts as part of the "Whatever" line? It shouldn't come as a surprise, but I've gotten more than enough "Wow! Who's that girl?" from it -- and have been happy to explain :)

Yeah! One of the prizes that we have on our Kickstarter is a t-shirt designed by me and it will most likely have my face, so you go on the Kickstarter and pledge you will get the t-shirt. And thank you for being so supportive & spreading my name!

Have your fellow models and others in the industry been supportive about you coming out ?

For the most part, everyone has been pretty positive. You know, there were definitely struggles along the way, which is what my documentary is all about, but I'm pretty happy with how I've been lucky so far. And we'll see what happens next!

What are your views about gender fluidity and would you identify as gender fluid or transgendered?

I identify as a transgender woman. I mean, my gendered identity is female, but I guess I've had a very gender-fluid career, and I've known what it's like to go through life sort of in-between genders. But I would say I definitely identify as a female.

You're so beautiful! You're a great model. It's hard to believe you're a person and not a flawless goddess delivered for us mere mortals to gaze upon. What do you do in your down time?

Well, I would like to consider myself a very down-to-earth person. And I like to read. I like to party, I like to go to the gym, I like to do yoga, I like to meetup with my friends, I like to have internet conversations. I like to have a good ki-ki.

What's your favorite food/drink? You rock!

My favorite food - I love Indian food. And my favourite drink is a Cosmopolitan. It's all about Indian food & cosmopolitans.

Hi Andreja! I was wondering, before you gained international recognition, what was one of the more amusing situations you've been in where someone had mistaken your gender?

Oh yes, there have definitely been a few people confused about my gender. It happened a lot - I was lucky enough that I could always pass as a girl, if I dressed in my skinny jeans and my t-shirts, I had no problem, but if I tried to work in my McDonalds uniform it was more difficult to pass as a girl and people would be a lot more confused about my gender. And I think when people are confused, that's when you get the biggest reactions from them.

Heya! I've always been a huge fan of yours and think you're a huge inspiration, and I was wondering what your hopes are the future?

Well, I am very excited about the future. This is the first time in my life I've felt completely comfortable in my own skin, and I feel like i have a whole life ahead of me. I hope to keep modeling for as long as I can, I feel like I am still young and have opportunity, and I hope to complete my documentary and share my story in the hope that it does some good, and I find that very rewarding. So that's kind of it.

Hello Andreja! Thanks for doing the AMA!

I have seen that modelling is a very difficult and exhausting job, because it implies a lot of stress and travelling, and also that hormone therapy can be difficult. Do you think all the SRS stuff will make you have to stop work for a while?

So I did take a break. I took a break of almost a year. But I am back at 100% and feeling good. And sort of ready to get back into traveling. But it can be very demanding, which is something many people do not know.

Are you a nerd and what is your favorite videogame?

I used to be a nerd when I was younger. And I think my favourite video game, I like World of Warcraft.

Oooh! I remember seeing you for the first time, you were doing a commercial for Hema, their bra's. I remember thinking "whoa there is a girl with small boobs just like me, looking awesome!'.... then I found out you were born a dude. I was confused about my boobs. Still, you're incredibly handsome/sexy and make me all kinds of confused and tingly downstairs ;)

Oh I need to ask a question... you are answering everyone's questions, but is there something you would definitely like to share with us?

Well, when I walk down a catwalk, all I think about is burgers!

First off, I'm so excited and thank you so much for this AMA! You're one of my favorite fashion icons and your work never fails to awe and amaze me. It's simply stunning. Especially the victor/Victoria shoot.

What has been your most memorable experience in modeling so far? Who would you say inspires you on a personal level? Lastly, when you get icecream, what do you like? Personally I like vanilla and I put those little pretzel chips in there and it is amazing.

Well, definitely David Bowie's music video was so memorable. I think the first time I walked a couture runway in a wedding gown for Mr. Gautier was also a defining moment for me. But there are so many!

Sharon Stone. When I get ice cream... I like unusual flavors, but usually chocolate, caramel, vanilla, with like chocolate chips. Cookies & cream. Kind of like, out there flavours. MUST HAVE CHOCOLATE. Non-stop chocolate. Stuff like that!

What makes you proudest of yourself? Did you ever doubt yourself?

I think everyone, you know, has moments where they doubt themselves. For me, I definitely doubted being able to have a successful career - when I started, I was always told "You're too specific" "You're too niche" "You'll never make any money" "This isn't something that can work" "No one's had a successful career modeling both menswear and womenswear" so that put a lot of doubts in my mind... and it kept me very humble, but I was also definitely happy to prove those people otherwise, to prove MY own doubts wrong. I think I'm happy I've come this far. That I've achieved something I set out to do. At the age of 15, I told myself I was doing to do this, and I did it. So I think that's the one thing I'm probably the proudest of.

How did you first get into modeling both men and women's clothes? Did you identify as transgender back then? What would you say to young people of today who want to look androgynous?

I did, I identified from a very young age, but it's not something I shared publicly, not with my friends even, just with my family. And I guess to model both men's & women's clothes wasn't something I set out to do, I knew I was going to be androgynous, but I didn't know the type of career I was going to have, it was really the stylists who saw my look and decided to play around with me and put me in dresses and suits and whatever... and to young people who want to look androgynous, I say: go for it! for me it was really fun and it gave me the opportunity to express myself, I think there's something really cool about it, and it's something you can really do when you are young...

This might not be answered but are you from outerspace?

(There is an alien race called the Nordics, they are very tall and all have long blonde hair :) )

Yes, but don't tell anybody ;)

Hi Andreja, I've been a fan for a while. And first and foremost I wanted to say I’m really proud of you being true to yourself and doing what was right for you. I have a few burning questions:

1. You are a pretty well-known model outside of the industry for being originally androgynous and now as someone who has transitioned to female, is it more difficult to be well know and pigeon holed into certain "roles" in your industry or does being well known make it easier for you to get the jobs you are most interested in?

2. I love that you tell a new story to everyone in regards to how you were discovered. I've always wondered what prompted you to tell a different story each time?

3. Many famous personalities transition from one creative medium to another. I know you’ve been in a short [Dark Narcissus] and a music video [The Stars (Are out Tonight)] are you considering longer acting roles?

1) Well definitely I believe that transgender models today are pigeonholed and often confined to a niche a little too often. I think it's something that needs to change, and at the end of the day, there's no reason we should not be treated like everybody else. But I don't think the industry is at that level just yet. Things are moving in a positive direction. I personally have been very lucky, and I've been able to do get good jobs and continue my career. But I do think there are struggles and you have to work 10 times harder than every other girl or boy to achieve the same thing.

2) Well, the McDonalds story is the true story. But I guess I thought it was funny how all the big female models like Kate and Giselle and Lily all had these interesting stories of how they were discovered and I just thought it was fun to mix it up a bit. And sometimes, there are lots of stories out there about models that aren't true - like Giselle was not discovered in a cornfield, but I remember reading it. So I thought it was fun to play around, I guess.

3) Well, acting is something I have a little bit of experience with... and it's something i think is definitely cool and I could be interested in. And these sort of roles I've auditioned for. It is something I am thinking about at the moment. I am trying to get more experience before I make up my mind.

Hi,

I think you are great and more importantly an inspiration for all in this world. Keep up the amazing work :). Being born and raised in this city I always find it interesting what others think about it.

On to my question What is you favorite thing(s) to do in NYC/ and what is your favorite season as today truly feels like our first fall day?

Well, first of all, thank you for the kind words. And my favourite season is summer and I am definitely sad it is almost over. And my favourite things to do in NYC - well, I love Central Park, Bryant Park, I love yoga, and just hanging around the East Village and the vintage shops there. I'm definitely discovering Brooklyn more and more.

Hi Andreja! That's for doing an AmA. What's your biggest fear?

I have a phobia of heights, and I guess being alone?

How have things changed for you since you came out as transgender?

Well, things are still changing. I've changed agencies, I'm now represented by the Society which is part of the Elite Group (if you want to book me) and I'm just kind of like... it's a new experience and it's interesting to see how things are, very positive. But things are just beginning.

Hi Andreja, I've been a big fan of yours for a while now! I'm super proud of you!

During your career, what kind of clothing has been your favorite to model? (styles, particular designers, favorite articles of clothing, etc.)

Couture, I think, is the most extravagant and most artistic.

I just want to say that you seem to be a fabulous human being: completely beautiful inside and out. The world is lucky to have you.

Do you feel a burden to represent all trans people given the platform you have? How does that effect you?

Well, I think from the beginning, it's always been my mission to share my personal experience - everyone's story is different, and just because 2 people are trans does not mean they are exactly the same or can talk for each other. So my mission is to share my story, give a human face to this struggle, and hopefully inspire some good. And I think that is going pretty well so far.

Hi! I've been a fan of yours for a while, and I think your work is just fantastic. I do wonder though - how many FTMs are present in the modelling industry? Are there very many?

Well, at the moment I don't know how many there are, but I would say there are probably FTMs and MTFs in the history of modeling who did not claim their truth publicly. It's probably a lot more common than you might think.

Hi there, first of all I would like to say congratulations.

I was wondering what the hardest part about your transition and coming out was?

Also what would be one piece of advice you would give to someone who is going through the the transgender process?

Coming out is hard as it is, but it must have been really nerve wrecking for you seeing as you are public figure/have been in the public eye. I also believe that it is safe to say that since you have gotten through it despite those added pressures and difficulties, that they can to.

I think definitely the idea of going public was for me the hardest thing to overcome. I was definitely prepared and ready, but definitely going public with it was a fear of mine, and something i had to overcome just putting everything out there, and having your feelings exposed and scrutinized. And how people will accept you and perceive your story.

Hello Andreja I would just like to say that I admire you so much. Me and my friends can't stop gushing over you. Anyways I would like to ask what your future plans are. Do you have anything interesting lined up?

Well, you just have to wait and see! That's why I am making a documentary as well, to show you guys what happens next.

As a transperson, WOOO! you have been such an inspiration for me, I want to say thank you so much, I know it is personally hard transitioning in the eye of the media and the public, but for what you do, it makes it that bit easier and less lonely for those transitioning. I have a question, what was Tilda Swinton like to work with?

Tilda Swinton is a goddess, her presence is otherworldly but she is also very sweet and motherly!

In general, how does the modelling community feel about the movie "Zoolander"?

Zoolander

It's a truthful depiction of the modeling industry

What is the biggest lesson you have learned during your transition?

The most important thing is to have a high level of self-respect and self-acceptance. To prepare you for all the challenges that come with the transition, to prepare you for any possible rejection. It is definitely not the easiest road to take. The biggest lesson is to have a lot of self-respect.

What's your favorite part about your work/career?

I think the travel. And the people I've met. The amazing experiences I've had in life.

Girl I love you much much much ♥ you changed my life and inspire me much good would like to know because you're so beautiful? :) Ok no Whose fan are in women's fashion?

Designer-wise, I would say Muccia Prada always delivers, and is sort of timeless elegance. I'm getting into more sort of a classy aesthetic, I love designers like Ferragamo, Celine, Givenchy...

if in 25 days 200000 dollar are not made then we wont see the documentary right?? Maybe it will come out later？？

Things are looking good, we are staying positive, but obviously like I've said it's one of my life missions to get this documentary done and I don't usually give up very easily.

Hello!! Who are some of your favorite music artists right now?

Well, I love The Presets (they're a band from Australia). They're my favourite group I think.

Hi Andreja,

Big fan of yours. Thank you for bringing gender transitioning to a wider audience. My questions is: how do you feel the future of transgender individuals will develop? What is the next great hurdle?

My friend Khaleelah is also a massive fan, if you could just say hello it would make her year!

Hello to both of you!

You know, obviously I would say more representation in the mainstream. The world has to definitely improve, and on a general level, respect and trust has to improve, but it is a struggle for equality and transgendered people still remain as one of the most disadvantaged communities. I think access to healthcare, jobs, and education are really primary.

I had to google you up and I was like...whoa! You look astonishingly beautiful! I remember seeing you on TV once in a while about transgender people. Probably one question. What did you spent your first income as a model for?

Thank you so much :)

Spent the first check on rent.

Hi Andreja! My bestie and I are both transgendered women born in 1991 as well. We admire you so much and have been following your career since we first heard of you 4 years ago. We would LOVE to see you in films and on television as well. Can you tell us more about what growing up in australia as a transgirl was like? we read in an article about the attention you would get from men even back in the day. Care to expound on that? :)

Well, I would say that Australia is - I find it was a good place to grow up, but it still has a way to go, it's a very masculine culture, very sports-oriented, and I think that is not always the best culture for us - but I was very lucky in the sense that I could sort of pass by and pass enough to stay out of trouble. I definitely had lots of crazy experiences as a teenager, which I talk all about (you will have to read my memoir to know!), but definitely it was a time of self-discovery.